To start off let me say I have always been one to believe that one rod can do multiple techniques. I have always had about 6-7 rods I mainly use and just switch baits to change techniques. But I just inherited a whole lot of rod and reel combos from a dear friend who passed away. Now, in addition to what I had, I have about 30 more combos, maybe more. I am wanting to label each one and have it rigged for each bait/technique in my rod locker so I can just open it and grab what I need throughout the day. Most of the reels are lews or quantum accurist, and most of the rods are quantum smokes or duckett ghost with a kistler helium 3 and a power tackle oversize cranking rod in the mix. My question is what rod and gear ratio is best for certain techniques? I would like to just set them up and go fish instead of trying each and deciding which I think is better for what. I'm just looking for a ballpark on each to get me headed in the right direction. Thanks

It's mainly preference. I like 7:1 for most everything and 6:1 for deep cranking.

As a starting point you might check out the six rod system article on Wired to Fish...

6 Rod and Reel Bass Fishing System

All depends on what you prefer to fish. Throw faster ratios like 8:1 on heavy rods for flipping and throwing frogs and other baits like it (buzzbaits etc). Throw the 7:1 for basically everything else on MH or M rods. I like those 6:1 reels for deep cranking and flipping super heavy cover where you need a lot of power. Weather temps and how the fish are biting with tell you what to use also. If its a super slow bite, throw the lower ratio reels to helps slow your retrieve and get more bites. Keep a basic system of keeping a lipless crank/shallow crank set up, a light and heavy flipping set up, a jig set up, spinner bait/chatter bait set up, and then some sort of frogish set up especially with the weather acting the way it is.

My preferences-

7.3 to 8.1- Texas rigs, jigs, bottom type techniques, frogs, buzzbaits, and punching.

6.3- squarebills, spinnerbaits, bladed jigs, most topwaters, medium diving crankbaits, swimbaits, swim jigs etc.

5.4- deep cranks and a few swimbaits.

Thanks guys. I kinda figured faster reels for most bottom baits and slower for deep cranks and such, and mid speed for most everything else. I was more concerned about what rod to use for each application. I believe I can get most of it lined out from the info y'all gave me. The rest will be more trial and error to get it all exactly how I want them.

There is not much you can't do in Texas with a collection of M, MH and maybe a H or two that are all fast actions. The lengths etc are all personal preference.

I like the 7.1:1 or higher for ripping traps and fishing T-rig, jigs presentation. Take up as much line as possible quickly. I like the 6.1 to 6.5:L1 for spinnerbaits, light CBs, topwater (can use the .1:1 too) and most moving techniques, except deep CBs. I like the 5.1:1 or 5.4:1 for medium and deep dving CBs. Work less and dont feel nearly as much strain on your muschels with this kinds of setup. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

My preferences:
7.3 - 8:1:1: soft plastics, jigs
7- 7.3:1: squarebills and traps, spinnerbaits,
6.2 - 6.5:1: small - medium crankbaits, jerk baits
5:1 - large crankbaits

Exactly this ^^^^^

I like fast retrieve reels for slack line baits like jigs & soft plastics

I like 6.3 for a lot of moving baits and a slower reel for big deep divers.

MH fast action for texas rig / flipping jig.
MH fast action for spinnerbaits.
MH moderate fast action for chatterbaits/bladed jigs
M moderate action for squarebills/rattle traps/ shallow-medium diving crankbaits
MH or H moderate action for really deep diving crankbaits (6XD+)
H fast action for frogs / heavy jigs / carolina rig

M moderate-fast or fast action spinning rod and reel for finesse / shaky head / weightless plastics / jerkbait / drop shot