I'm trying to put together a Jig and Texas rig combo, but I'm not quite sure what gear ratio reel to put on my rod. Does anyone have a preference or does it not really make a difference? My thoughts are go with something slower because I tend to fish too fast.

I use 7.1 mainly because worms and jigs fish heavy cover so i wanna be able to rip them outta there

I like fast for ALL my reels, especially T-riggin and jiggin. If I need a slower application, such as crankin.. I FORCE myself to slow down.. the flip side is, when that big girl makes a run right for the boat, and you are trying to catch up with a 5:3:1 reel, its pretty tough... but that faster reel can pick up enough line to catch up to her.

You need a 7:1 for that.

7:1 no doubt. Pull em out of that cover fast!

The faster the better. With the exception of cranks and occasionally Colorado blade spinners.

Nothing slower than a 6-1 but a 7-1 is better because you want to get the fish in quickly after you get bit.

Both baits you work with the rod not the reel, so the gear ratio is not a factor for that part of it.

I use 7.1 for all jig/worm applications. 5.1 -5.3 for cranks. 6.3 - 6.6 for everything else.

7.1 it is then. Thanks for all the advice! On another note, the rod I will be pairing it with is a Castaway XP3 Worm rod I picked up at a garage sale. Anyone familiar with these?

7:1:1

+1

Many times with a soft plastic lure the fish has already moved by the time you realize you've been bit. A fast reel allows you to pick up slack fast for a better hook set.

Only two ratios in my boat are 7.1 and 6.4...and I use the 6.4 for cranking. Just have to be disciplined to slow down.

7.1:1

You definitely want a fast gear ratio. You don't move a jig or texas rig with your reel, you move it with your rod. A high gear ratio helps you take up line quickly to set the hook before the fish spits out your bait. Try the new 8.0:1 Abu Garcia Revo STX.

I use 7.1:1 for my jigs and a 6.3:1 for my worm rod.