baitcasting reels

I am looking to pickup another baitcasting reel and wanted someone to explain the gear rations, do they make that much of a difference. Also I saw a Shimano Citica ( i believe last years model) on clearance for $69.99, is that a good price?

That's a great price on a Citica. Buy it!

Considering they retailed between $90-100, that's not bad at all.

thanks for the responses!

Can anyone tell me the differnece between the gear ratios, say between a 5.0-1 and a 6.3-1?

The ratios are stating that for every complete revolution of the reel handle your spool will rotate "x" amount of times. Lets say you have 6:1 ratio, for every handle revolution you make your spool will rotate 6 times. You can check it by marking your spool and counting the times that mark completes a revolution as you turn your handle. I like the faster reels myself.

>The ratios are stating that for
>every complete revolution of the
>reel handle your spool will
>rotate "x" amount of times.
>Lets say you have 6:1
>ratio, for every handle revolution
>you make your spool will
>rotate 6 times. You can
>check it by marking your
>spool and counting the times
>that mark completes a revolution
>as you turn your handle.
>I like the faster reels
>myself.

thanks for clearing that up for me!

I'm with DJD. Go with a 6:1 reel if possible. If that Citica is 5:1, however, I would still buy it at that price. A 5:1 makes a good crankbait reel, IMO.

While it is true the gear ratio is the main controlling feature in how fast a lure is retrieved, I've seen reels with lower gear ratios that actually retrieved more line per handle revolution. So make sure and check your inches of line retrieved per handle rotation.

A higher ratio will have less "power" for retrieving heavier baits and deeper diving crankbaits, while the reverse is true too. A lower ratio will make it easier to retrieve the deep divers and the heavier spinnerbaits.

I carry two 3.8:1 ratio reels, 3 6.1:1 ratios, and 5 5.2:1 ratios. I use the higher speed reels for all my TX rigging, top waters, jerk baits, and jigs, as well as rattle trap type baits. I prefer the 5.2's for my carolina rig and most spinnerbaits and most medium to shallow crankbaits. I use the 3.8's for my deepest crankbaits, and my 1 oz. spinnerbaits.

I know a lot of people who use high speed reels for deep diving crankbaits, but for the life of me, I don't know how they do it. Those things wear me out throwing my DD22's and my DT 16's.

Good luck, and I hope you find what works best for you.

Danny