Deep Crankbait Reel Recommendations?

Hey guys,

Just ordered a Dobyn's 805CB for deep crankin' and I need to select a 200 size reel. I'm a huge Tactical Bassin' fan - they keep things simple and have never steered me wrong, but their suggestion of the Shimano Tranx A 200 is sold out. Surprisingly, they recommend high speed reels (~7:1). I know most people recommend a ~5:1 for deep cranking. I've got all Shimano reels (at least casting reels), but I'm open to other suggestions. I know the Abu Garcia Winch is probably a good option. Budget is ~$250.

Thanks!

Curado k has a 5:1 option

Yea I see that...man just not used to such a slow reel. Seems like a lot of guys are going fast, even for the deep cranks.

I don’t deep crank much. Never really more than 10-12 ft because I don’t have the gear for it. I am going to get that 805 cb soon. I use a 6:1 reel currently on my cranking rod. I will probably go 5:1 on the deeper setup. From my understanding, the slower gear ratio makes it less of a strain to winch the bait down. I know the Tactical Bassin guys are into speed cranking so that may have something to do with them using 7:1 reels. I do know though that the TB guys definitely know what they are talking about so I’m curious to know why they use faster reels if not for speed cranking.

My guess is the newer reels do a much better job of handling the stress, even at the higher ratios. It is easier to slow down with a faster speed reel than it is to speed up with a low gear ratio. Idk though...I know there are quite a few pros using fast reels even for deep cranking. I'm open to lower ratios, but when your spending $250 on a reel I want to make sure I'm getting the best option possible

You can use a high speed reel, but if you are throwing anything that dives 18' and beyond, you will wear yourself out with a high speed reel. The lower gear ratios sure make it possible to deep crank for a lot longer.

I have 3 cranking rods and 1 revo winch. Most days i have a 6xd, 8xd, or a 10xd tied on the rod with the winch.

If I have an 8xd or 10xd on the winch rod, I will typically have a 6xd on another rod with a 6.3:1. I can make it work with a 6xd, but the winch surely takes way less effort IMO to complete a cast and allows me to use it for longer.

I almost never throw my 5xds or anything smaller on the winch.

I think you are right. It’s definitely easier to just slow down with the fast reel then to speed up with the slower reel. Once you make your decision I’d be interested in knowing how you like it since I’m trying to get into deep cranking myself.

Yea the Winch seems like a great option if I'm gonna go slow speed reel. Plus they are actually in stock.

Mine is Daiwa Tatula 150P 5 gear. Also have a Lews LFS 5 gear for a cheaper option.
I would never want to use a fast reel deep cranking. It sucks.

The only bait that gets a 5.0:1 gear is the 10XD. 6.2 or 7.4 gear for 6XD's and shallower.

Yea the 6.2 might be a good compromise. I don't plan to fish the 10XD a lot, but maybe on occasion, I'm sure the 6.2 would be fine for that too.

Lews used to make a wide spool that came in 5.4:1 with a wide spool to hold more line. I have one and love it but they have discontinued it. I would go with a Winch. Revos are good quality

I went with the Shimano Curado 200K in the 6.2:1 ratio...should be a good choice!

Another vote for the Curado 200K. Honestly I'd say go with the HG (7.4:1) then you'll have much more flexibility with it. Plus, as often as you re-tie a crankbait, once your line capacity goes down you won't have to wear yourself out with a slower gear ratio.

I'm wondering if the Tranx would be the better option if I went with the 7:1 ratio though. I'm also a little hesitant as to how anything bigger than a 6XD might work with a 7:1 reel...but then again it sounds like Tactical Bassin does it all the time. The 6.2 would be a good compromise. Keep in mind, I've already got a whole setup for shallow-medium divers, so I don't really need much "flexibility". This rod is basically going to be for 6XD type baits and I might try some 10XDs on occasion.

Lews BB1 Pro is another option. Never used a Lews reel before though.

You can’t go by ratio by itself, you need to look at each reels IPT (inches per turn), you’ll find each reel in the same brand, with the same ratio, will have different IPT for each reel.

The Shimano K 5.0:1 is like 21” per crank, some of their 6:** are 26” and some are 24”.

It’s tough to find very many low IPT reels, Lews $99 reel and Shimano k are about it. The Lews bb1 pro is not a low IPT reel, their old bb1 was, but they don’t offer it anymore.

I could be wrong, but I don't think the Tranx has MicroModule gearing, which really reduces drag on deep diving baits, even with a 7.4:1 gear ratio.

Here is another guy that knows a thing or two about cranking and prefers a Curado K 200HG
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kuiB6JIHeTw&t=78s

Have some of the old garcia winches they made years ago in a 3.8 gear ratio. Will throw a 10 xd a long ways on 15 lb line. Reels it like it ain't nothin Throw my dd22 and 6xds on the 5.4 winch

I watched that video haha. He says he uses the 6.2:1 ratio reel though. Even links it in the description. I already ordered the Curado 200K in the 6.2:1 so I think I will stick with that.

I found an old Lew's reel I use for 10X/DD22's and other deep crankbaits, The reel is a 3.8:1 retrieve. Which is great for really deep cranking. A fast reel with deep cranks will flat out wear you out. I also use 10 pound mono on this reel.

Revo Winch Gen4

https://www.abugarcia.com/products/revo-winch-low-profile-reel-1430443?variant=34170362429579

Lews Super Duty wide spool or the Lews BB1 Pro.

Lews BB1 Pro 7.1 ratio with 2nd option being a 6 ratio. I only throw 5 ratio in cold water. That rod is perfect for 6XD and similar. Anything bigger needs a 806CB