Gear ratio question

[easy_13]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Feb-08-06 AT 06:25PM (EST)[/font][p]I'm in the process of replacing my reels, and I'm about 90% sure I'm going to go with the new 2006 model Curados.

I was all set to go with conventional wisdom -- 7:1 ratio for buzzbaits; 5:1 ratio for slow-rolling spinnerbaits and cranks, 6.2:1 ratio for everything else.

Then my partner chimed in, saying he'd get all reels in the 7:1 ratio if it were him. His reasons ---> 85% of our fishing is flipping/pitching jigs and soft plastics or c-rigging. It doesn't matter what speed reel you have for those applications, and the extra speed can help you get fish out of timber/grass quickly. The rest of the time is with a spinnerbait at night. He said it's easier on him to slow-roll a blade with the faster 7:1 reel because he barely has to crank it; with the 5:1 he has to reel constantly to keep the blade moving.

What do you guys think?

[easy_13]

Nobody has any thoughts or suggestions?

[Danny]

Sorry I did not answer. I figured with the extensive past threads on gear ratios that you would get so many answers, that I need not reply. I guess maybe everyone felt that way.

Personally, I have three different ratios on my boat at all times. Also, the ratio alone does not determine how fast the lure is retrieved. You need to also look at the inches per revolution that is retrieved. For instance, I've seen 5.2:1 that actually retrieve more line per handle turn than a 5.8:1. There are many factors that determine that.

I use 3.8:1 for all my really deep crankbaits. I find it much less tiring. I use 5.2:1 for most of my other fishing with the exception of TX rigging or flipping a jig. Then I use 6.2:1.

It is my opinion, that when using my 6.2:1 to pull a DD22, or even a DT16 through the water, that it is much, much more difficult than using my 3.8:1.

What all this boils down to is this, you have to do what is best for you. Perhaps you could arrange to fish with some folks who have different speeds of reels, and check to see which ones you like the best, for the application YOU are going to be fishing.

I will absolutely extend an offer to you to fish together and let you try several different, OK, three different ratios.

Danny

[Mustangwilliam]

I like the question and the topic. I just heard Rick Clunn speak at the KY Sport, Boat, and RV show and recommends picking a system and staying with it. He said he using 1 ration 6.3.1 for all applications with a true Heavy Action 7' rod. I found that to be surprising. But as he explained it made lots of since. But of course every person has to do what is best for them.

But I like his advice...seems as though he has been successful, so he must know something.

Great Thread...keep up the great conversations. He changed my mind on my next purchase.

Jeremy

[Chubminnow]

If money was limited and you could buy only one reel, I'd go with the 6.2:1

[Danny]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Feb-09-06 AT 01:18PM (EST)[/font][p]Jeremy,

I saw Rick say the same thing last year on the BassMaster University TV show that apparently did not make the new lineup.

Anyway, he used very good logic in saying that becoming totally familiar with the exact feel of one set up, he need not ever have to adjust to different feels for each of his rod and reel combos. That does make a lot of sense. Even though I have several different brands of rods, I think that advice would be most affective when applied to the rod, as it is where most of us sense or feel the action of the bait. Of course many of us also probably keep one finger on the line, as that is even more sensitive.

LOL, maybe I'm just too much a Wus to use that high gear ratio on the deep diving, strong resistance baits... LMAO

Anyway you cut it, 28 straight appearances in the classic, I think the most classic wins, and voted the Greatest Angler in the GAD, well you have to figure he does know a thing or two about catching fish.

Danny

BTW, one of the things that "hooked" me on Clunn was when I first saw him, I don't know 15 or more years ago, he had a pony tail!!! I think he was the "Ike" of that time... LMAO

Danny

PS, what I like the most about what he says is how you, as the angler, have to become one with your environment. this way you are able to notice changes the most quickly and make the proper adjustments. Now if I can just learn to do that. LOL

Danny

[Viking]

I too think that you ought to stay with one ratio as much as possible. I have almost all 6:1 ratios spinning and casting. The only exception is my Calcutta at 5:1 which I like best. They now have a 6:1 Calcutta which I will eventually replace all of my casting reels. (Hey, mom and kids birthday this month, Father's Day in June).