Gear ratio

Someone give me run down on gear ratio/reels for crank bait. Is slower better like 6.4:1 or does it really matter? Most of my reels are 7.1:1. Couldn't you just slow down rate of crank? Also any difference on square bills vs deep?

I like a 5:1 for my deep cranks. The lower gear ratio takes way less effort and way less fatigue when I crank several hours at a time. I like the high speed reels with t-rigs and such.

Grear ratio determeines rate of retrieval, inches per reel handle turn. A 3.8:1 gear ratio gives about 15" per reel handle turn. A 5.1:1 gives you betwween 18 and 22" per reel handle turn. Many people believe they can reel a fast reel slow, but I have never seen it happen, especially after catching a fish, it is nature to reel faster after that. Your 7.1:1 gear ratio probably retrieves about 30-33' per reel handle turrn, so you are moving the bait a lot faster. I, myself, sue a 5.1:1 gear ratio fo rdeeper crankbaits. It tires me otu a whole let less than trying to reel with a faster reel. I use a 6.3:1 for my square bills, if I do not use my 5.1:1 ratio, something to be said for slow retrieves sometimes. If the wind is high, I speed crank a 6.3:1 gear ratio to get the active fish. This beats and bangs off all the brush/rip rap, etc.... You have a LOT more torque on the slower reels as well, that is one reason I use my 5.1;1 RATIO. Just an opinion, some pros use 7.1:1 for everything, but I am not a pro and like to keep my shoulder from dropping off after a day of cranking. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

ThAnks I get it now

I picture it like low gears in a truck.

If had the same question recently. After reading Thad's post, I remember seeing the same advice on here before. Good post, Thad.

Some reading:
http://advancedangler.com/features/the-importance-of-cranking-21-inches-per-turn-with-david-fritts/

For big cranks (like XD 10's) I use an 8' Dobyn's rod with an older 4.5:1 Lew's BB1. Like Thad says does not wear me out as much.

There are times I use a fast gear ratio like when fishing lipless cranks over grass. I want to burn it over the top of the grass. Lot easier with a 7.1:1. Also sometimes with small cranks (like square bills) I'm fishing over rip-rap.

Am I the only one that uses a 7.1 for my square bills ?

I use a 7.1 for square bills

Slow for deep cranking like your 10XD's and 6XD's. For your mid range cranks like squarebills and down to 10 feet a 7:1.1 would work.