looking for some suggestions!

[panfishpounder00]

ok, i've just dropped over $1200 in new casting gear, i went with 5 quantum pt smoke combos to add to the clients' "weapon of choice" , i went with the 6'6" med action rod and 5:3:1 gear ratio reels, i'm thinkin worm rods perhaps, dropshots,texas rigs...ect what are your guys thought on that kind of use and also, i'm torn between flouro or braid, i'm thinkin braid myself. i think the gear ratio is great for winchin bass out of heavy cover, also though it is a fast action it could serve as a good crankin rod.... your thaoughts please!

[CAMAN]

Too slow of reel for my taste, but most of my reels are 7:1. I fish fast and want to get the lure in quick if I don't get a bite, and not spend my whole day reeling.

[KickNBass]

5:1 reel for cranking or some pros will use that in a very specific flipping of super heavy cover. I would replace those with at least 6:1 but I would go 7:1.

[Slob_Samurai]

6-6 med action for heavy cover? Im a 7:1, 7 or 7-2 MH or H action rod for that purpose. Im my mind heavy cover = power fishing. Why 5 combos all the same? Mix it up for different applications.

[Larson15]

The only time I use a 5:1 is for cranking otherwise everything else is higher. I prefer a 7:1 for my heavy cover fishing and 6:1 for other stuff. The reason myself and a lot of other people prefer the higher gear ratio is to pull the fish out of the heavy cover faster. Todays reels have more than enough power for heavy cover fishing regardless of gear ratio. Other than fishing some cranks and some other finesse style baits (dropshot, shaky head, etc.) I usually use MH or H rods. I also prefer to have 7ft or longer rods as well.

This is all personal preference and there really is no right or wrong answer other than you find what works best for yourself. Im sure a few others will chime in on this and tell you what works for them.

[panfishpounder00]

thanx guys, some great info and opinions here!, i went with the 5:3:1 ratio for something different, i already have numerous "burners" they are great for a really fast retreaive and fishing fast while in the search mode, i use these setups for rippin spinnerbaits and buzzbaits through the cloumn. i went with the higher(or lower, if you call it) for a specific reason, one i got kinda a good deal on the whole package, @b@y did have a few for really cheap, but used. i do agree on the heavier rod for heavier cover however. a MH would have been better. after doin some research, i'm thinkin i was on the right path with the worm rod, for deeper points, drop offs. this will be the 1st year that i am offering a "traditional" approach to bass fishing, as i'm more into the fly rod scene on bass fishing. keep the suggestions/opinions coming!!

[Slob_Samurai]

I do prefer a med action rod for smaller spinner baits, swim jigs, and crankbaits. I guess when I read your original post I was under the impression that these combos were the only ones you would be fishing with.

I can also stray from the norm when it comes to plastics and lighter cover. I still love to use worms and beavers with my spinning setups.

I still only use spinning gear for docks (can't skip a baitcaster) and all my spinning rods are meds.

[Sportland_Bait]

I would definately go with Fluoro. Helps with any backlashes that may occur and you still don't get much stretch. Sounds like some great gear. Send me an email if you ever need anything. We can usually offer some great deals. I think I could have saved you some money on your recent purchase. Should be fun though rigging up the new combos. Good luck this season.

Jason Erlandson

[bASS_BLASTER]

I have Steez and Core 50mg's. I like the higher gear ratios b/c you can always slow it down, you can never speed them up. I use braided and have less backlash vs fluro or mono. And when I do get backlash, braided is easier to undo, just wet it or wax it. Another thing to consider is use spinning when its winding, zero backlash there.

[blakjack23]

While its easier to slow down a fast reel, you can definitely speed up a slow reel, it'll just wear your arm out pretty quick. With that said, my only 5.7:1 reels are used for slow rollin spinnerbaits and cranks. All my other reels are high speed.

Once you go to Steez and Cores it hard to go back to anything else.