Key Takeaways
- The gear ratio of a fishing reel is the number of times the spool rotates for each handle turn. A 7.1:1 gear ratio reel rotates 7.1 times for every handle turn.
- A lower gear ratio, such as 5.1:1 or 5.4:1, is better for larger and heavier lures that require more power and torque to retrieve.
- A higher gear ratio, such as 7.1:1 or 8:1, is better for smaller lures that require a faster retrieve.
- Inches per turn (IPT) is also an important factor to consider. It refers to the amount of line that is reeled in with one handle rotation and is affected by the spool size and line thickness.
- When choosing a gear ratio reel, consider the type of fishing you’ll be doing, the size of the lures you’ll be using, and your personal preference for retrieval speed.
Choosing the Right Gear Ratio Fishing Reel – Wired2Fish
Best gear ratio for bass fishing Many anglers find it overwhelming to purchase new fishing reels since there are so many alternatives available. Choosing the appropriate gear ratio reel is one of the important decisions. Understanding fishing reel gear ratios will improve your performance on the sea and reduce your worry when making a significant purchase.
The number of times the spool revolves for each handle turn is used to calculate a reel’s gear ratio. For instance, if a reel has a gear ratio of 6.4:1, the spool inside revolves exactly 6.4 times for each handle turn.
The spool of a 5.1:1 reel will spin 5.1 times for every handle turn, whereas the spool of a 7.1:1 reel will turn 7.1 times for every handle turn, making the 5.1:1 reel much slower than the 7.1:1 reel.
Additionally, useful information is the IPT, or Inches Per Turn, of a reel. This gauge shows how many lines can be reeled in with only one handle rotation. Additionally, it could imply that a gear ratio reel that advertises itself as the quickest is actually no faster than other high-speed reels. Just because a reel is 7.3:1 or 8:1 doesn’t necessarily imply it reels in more line per turn than a 7.1:1 reel—it also relies on the spool and line size—since spool size, depth, and width can affect IPT.
Low gear ratio reel | 5.1:1 thru 5.4:1
Large, powerfully pulling baits are best suited for a lower fishing gear ratio reel. These reels offer the most torque, which lets you focus more of your efforts on finding the fish and less on retrieving the bait. shallow crankbaits
These reels are excellent for slow-rolling large, heavy baits like spinnerbaits as well.
swimbaits
icy water
shallow crankbaits
massive swimbaits
Spinnerbaits for deep water
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Medium gear ratio reel | 6.1:1 thru 6.4:1
These bass fishing reels are highly well-liked by bass anglers since they work well with a variety of approaches and presentations. Whether you’re using a square bill to plow through unpleasant cover during
respawn
Fall fishing with spinnerbaits on shallow flats
When utilizing anything that causes a reflex strike, I prefer a 6.4:1 reel. I can fish the bait more quickly because of the increased speed, which makes the most aggressive fish respond. On the other hand, while using crankbaits that range in length from 8 to 14 feet, I’ll choose a 6.1:1 reel. While still keeping enough speed to provoke a reaction strike and giving me more torque, the slight decrease in speed keeps them in the strike zone for a longer period of time.
rectangular crankbaits
crankbaits with a medium depth
Low-profile spinnerbaits
equipment for shallow castable umbrellas
Abu Garcia REVO X Gen 4 Casting Reel, shown.
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High gear ratio reel | 7.1:1 thru 8.1:1
A high gear ratio reel is the way to go if you’re fishing any bass fishing bait that you primarily work with your rod, but you need to be able to swiftly pick up the slack when you get a bite. When battling a large bass, a rapid reel is particularly helpful since you need all the speed you can get to quickly draw the fish away from any potential line-fraying dangers. You frequently use the tip of your rod to draw the bait.
Plastics, jerkbaits, topwaters, jigs,, and even jerkbaits
Big worms and jigs
swaying heads
rigs in Texas
Charlotte rigs
Topwaters
Jerkbaits
crankbaits without lips
Daiwa Tatula 100 Casting Reel is the reel shown.
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Final thoughts
It can be challenging to select the proper bass fishing gear ratio reel, but with a basic comprehension of what the numbers actually imply, it becomes a lot simpler to comprehend. Try to keep things simple while getting your next reel by keeping in mind this straightforward gear ratio chart.
