Hey guys,

I've got a Shimano SLX XT 151 (6.3:1) rigged on my crankbait (Dobyn's Fury 705CB) and spinnerbait (Dobyn's Fury 733C) rods, but I'm wondering if I should have gone with the HG version which is 7.2:1? Is it worth ordering some HGs (can't find them anywhere right now) and swapping these out for the 7.2:1?

I throw my spinners and square bills on 6.3. Deep cranks on 5.x gear. 7 would be too fast for me on those setups.

Phew....okay that's good to hear. Thought I needed to spend another $300+ to catch some bass on these setups

You’re at the max. I would only consider going down to 5 gear

Thanks. I watch a lot of Tactical Bassin and I find it interesting that they almost exclusively use higher gear reels 7:1 for almost everything. 8:1 for some things as well. So I was wondering if maybe I was too low with a 6:1

6:3 is perfect

I use a Daiwa Tatula CT 6:3 ratio for spinnerbaits and it works well for me. I owned a Shimano SLX XT 6:3 that was great with spinnerbaits too. I believe the Shimano retrieves slightly less inches of line per turn than the Tatula so you will be in the sweet spot.

Gear ratio or inch per turn is dictated by the conditions. Not just for these presentations. Docks I go faster on so that I can get them up and out faster, just have to reel slower. Same with reeds, pads, etc with flipping or frogs. I want to then them and get them moving my way before they can wrap up.

I use a 7.3:1 for spinnerbaits. Either is fine

You are fine with what you are throwing. I use 7-1 and 8-1 for finesse baits. 6-1 for moving baits.

If it has a blade or a lip 6:X
Rigged plastics like a Texas rig 7:X or higher
Top water is a mixed bag for me, walking baits i like a fast real, moving top water i like a slow real.

6 gear for spinnerbaits and 10XD's. 7 or 8 gear for everything else.

I have two Silver Max 3 reels that I use exclusively for spinnerbaits, crank baits, and swimbaits. It's a 6:4:1 ratio. For me this ratio is perfect for the speed of retrieve that I prefer. I have two Smoke 3 reels that are 7:3:1, and I use these exclusively for soft plastics. I've tried a spinnerbait on the 7:3:1 and it is quite a big difference in the speed of the retrieve. You could always slow down your retrieve, but it just feels awkward to me. I feel like reeling in faster also keeps me more engaged in fishing.

I use a 7 for spinnerbaits also and a 6 for cranks.

I also throw spinners on braid, it’s a reaction bite.

Use whatever gear ratio works best for you. It is that simple.