Key Takeaways
- The ideal gear ratio for bass fishing varies depending on the type of lure being used. For example, a crankbait is better suited to a slower gear ratio (around 5:1), while a topwater lure requires a faster gear ratio (around 7:1).
- It is important to select a gear ratio that matches the type of fishing technique being used. If you’re fishing with finesse techniques like drop-shotting or shaky heads, a low gear ratio (4:1 to 5:1) can provide better control. For power techniques like flipping and pitching, a higher gear ratio (7:1 to 9:1) is more suitable.
- When selecting a gear ratio, consider the retrieve speed you want to achieve. A faster gear ratio allows for a quicker retrieve, while a slower gear ratio gives you more control over your bait.
- The gear ratio should also be matched to the power of the rod being used. A faster gear ratio works better with a stiffer rod, while a slower gear ratio is more suited to a more flexible rod.
- It’s important to remember that gear ratio is just one of several factors to consider when selecting a reel. Other important factors include line capacity, drag system, and overall quality and durability.
Crankbait setup – what’s the best gear ratio?
There are a few variables that affect the ideal gear ratio for bass fishing. In order for you to pick the ideal reel for yourself, we simplify things for you.
The Best Gear Ratio for Bass Fishing in Every Situation
Originally published on November 27, 2022
I didn’t realize how important the details were until I started bass fishing. Any rod, reel, and lure setup would be used by me.
I frequently questioned why I was having trouble catching fish.
As I gained knowledge from more seasoned fishermen, I came to understand how unimportant details like understanding the ideal gear ratio for each circumstance were.
6:1 is the ideal gear ratio for bass fishing since it is a middle gear ratio reel that can accommodate the most different fishing approaches.
I consistently caught more bass once I started utilizing the proper gear ratio.
I’ve learned the following about gear ratios through trial and error and from other bass fishermen.
Wesley Littlefield, a community coordinator at Yourbassguy.com, explains the ideal gear ratio for bass fishing in this YouTube video.
What Does a Fishing Reel’s Gear Ratio Mean?
What gear ratio is ideal for each bass fishing circumstance? Crankbait’s ideal gear ratio Spinnerbaits’ ideal gear ratio Gearing for Topwater at its best Swimbait gear ratios that work best Soft plastic gear ratios that work best jerk bait gear ratio that works best The optimal gear ratio for flipping A Texas rig’s ideal gear ratio
For spinning reel techniques, the best gear ratio
The ideal gear ratio for using a bait caster
When to Use a Reel with a Fast Gear Ratio
When to Use a Reel with a Medium Gear Ratio
When to Use a Reel with a Slow Gear Ratio
Questions and Answers
Final Cast
Best Gear Ratio for Crankbaits
The finest reel for shallow- and deep-diving crankbaits has a slow gear ratio. For two reasons, I often use a 6:1 or 5:1 reel.
The first is that you only need to get the crankbait to run along the bottom; it performs the majority of the work. Most of the time, you can accomplish that without a fast gear ratio.
You want a lower gear ratio in order to have more cranking power, which is the second reason. Reels with a slow gear ratio make it simpler to retrieve lures like crankbaits that have a lot of drag.
However, because lipless crankbaits don’t need as much torque to retrieve, a fast reel like 8:1 works best when using them.
Best Gear Ratio for Spinnerbaits
For spinnerbaits, a gear ratio of 7:1 or 8:1 is ideal. Spinnerbaits are typically fished swiftly, so you want a reel that can return your lure to you as quickly as possible.
Fish have more time to examine the bait and decide if they want to bite if you are using a reel with a low gear ratio.
With a high gear ratio reel, on the other hand, the spinner bait is moved through the water quickly, giving the fish time to react before it disappears. More reaction attacks result from this.
Best Gear Ratio for Topwater
Because we have to choose the type of topwater we’re throwing, selecting a gear ratio for a topwater is a little different.
A medium-speed reel, ideally in the 6:1 range, works well for tossing a spook or popper.
To keep a buzz bait, frog, or Whopper Plopper-style lure moving and on top of the water, you need a high-speed reel. This is why most fishermen that fish buzz baits prefer an 8:1 or 10:1 gear ratio reel.
Best Gear Ratio for Swimbaits
A 7:1 reel is your best bet for most swimbaits because you don’t want them to make contact with the bottom.
More opportunities for a bite result from a fast reel keeping the swimbait off the bottom and in the strike zone for longer.
Best Gear Ratio for Soft Plastics
It’s frequently preferable to move the lure with the rod than the reel when fishing with soft plastics. It could lead the majority of anglers to believe reel speed is irrelevant.
That is untrue, though, as a solid hook set when you get a bite requires you to quickly pick up the slack in the line with a high-speed reel.
Stick with an 8:1 or even 10:1 gear ratio fishing reel as it is the best choice for the majority of bottom baits.
