Gear Ratio For Cranking Setups

Hi All,

I've got two cranking set-ups: a 7'6" medium heavy that I use for deep divers and a 7' MH that I use for shallower crankbaits, squarebills, traps, jerkbaits, etc. I currently have a 5:4:1 gear ratio reel on both. I've been thinking lately that I should change the reel on my 7' rod to a higher gear ratio for a faster retrieve. DOes this seem like a good idea for what I am throwing on that rod? Pros, cons? Thanks in advance for the advice.

Hi. I do think moving to a higher gear ratio is a good idea especially for the rattletraps. I would think a 7.1:1 is a good idea. Now make sure to check the "inches per turn" as that affects how "fast" the reel is actually moving a bait as well. You have a good ratio for the deep divers IMO.

I agree. I personally think its much easier to reel slower with a high speed reel, then it is to reel faster with a slower reel. A high speed reel will help you catch up to a fish easier, especially with Traps

I only like the lower speed reels on deep diving crankbaits (20+ ft).

I prefer the higher speed reels with anything up to a 6XD.

I like a 6:2 for SB - deeper Cb's 5:5, etc

I agree with TravisTRacy, a 6 speed reel does well for the smaller cranks. Some people will tell you to go up to an 8 gear ratio, but I feel that is a little fast CBs I through. fish for. BUT to each his own. I have 5.7:1 gear ratio on my shallow rods, but I do have a 7 on ONE reel, mostly for traps and such.. It will try to tire you otut ripping thru grass, but it can be done with ease, unless the grass is too thick. Hope this helps. Tight lines, keep safe and good luck.

Thad Rains

This doesnt seem like it is going to help with all the previous suggestions, but I tend to use a 6.2:1 for squarebills, traps, etc, because they give little to no resistance so controlling the speed is not that difficult. I go 7.1:1 on my deep cranks because I can real slower if needed, but I have the extra speed if I needing to get the bait down quicker with the extra drag of the larger cranks.

I did use a 5.4:1 for a while, but it was so painfully slow that I just couldnt stand it. Even after hook up it took forever to get the fish in, and when you made a bad cast it was that much slower getting the bait back in (I realize the actual time is minimal but it still seemed like forever).

Me3. Off subject but will use slower reel for big spinnerbait too

I don’t have enough experience with deep cranks to give you accurate information for that set-up.

On the shallower applications, I’d have to agree with a lot of the responses and go with a 7:1 or higher. This is a bit fast for sb’s but if you fish the same lure enough you can get a feel for slowing it down. There’s certain times of the year that I fish traps almost exclusively, and a fast reel is absolutely essential IMO. You have to be able to pick up slack quickly after ripping it and also catch up to the fish fast.

I agree with others about a faster ratio for shallow.

you should do it. 6.2:1ish would be perfect.

+1

6.6:1 Concept Z is my cranker

I fish a 7.1 or higher but the key for me has always been the rod not the reel. Crankbaits and all topwater I use a glass or composite rod. I switched to graphite and had a couple boron rods back in the day and used them for cranks. Overly sensitve and many lost fish later i switched back to glass or composite rod with a faster reel.

May not work for you but it's what is comfortable and confident for me.

Anybody still use 3:8.to1 ?

I am a 6.2 guy on all cranks. Feel like I can slow down or speed up enough depending on the situation.