gear ratio?

[dan z]

I have a C4 with a 6.3-1 ratio and its a bear to reel in the blade baits with I can throw topwaters fine. would putting a power handle make it easier to reel in blade baits?

any input would be great!!

[urban cowboy]

No, you need a 5.1 or 4.1 for big blades with an 8 foot heavy rod. You do this and you will be able to throw all day. It will make a big difference.

I come up every year and my gear has evolved over that time. I remember the first year when I was using a reel like that with a 7 foot rod. I was to sore to cast after day 3. Spent the rest of the trip trolling.

[hanson]

Trying to pull the big double 10s with that reel will wear you out and then the reel.

[TrophyEyes]

You will burn out your C4 in no time reeling in double 10's, plus you won't be able to hold your rod on day 2.

[Esox_Magnum]

I started with a 6600 Rocket for everything ( didn't think I would get addicted and got cheap stuff) Pulled blades with that when I finaly got a DC-10, threw that bait 12 hours first day I had it on that old Rocket and boated 2 fish a 42 and 41. Since I have fell to the addiction and left the Abu's in the closet for better reels. Last year blade reel was a 300 Curado and worked well. This years a Toro 60 ( IMO only muskie reel Abu makes) I also have a Okuma Induron thats a great blade reel but it's on my dawg, jerk rod at the moment, I wanted to abuse the Toro as much as I can for a season.

I'm a little guy to (140 on a good day) and all my reels work well for me for blades or any bait for that matter depending on what rod I'm using. My 9' blade rod makes pulling them easier than my 8' IMO.

[JRedig]

A power handle will give you more leverage. The problem with these reels is it will cause deflection in the casing and allow the gears to misalign and strip out. BTDT, 3 on the shelf that are junk, never again.