baitcast reel gear ratio recomendation

[NELS-BELLS]

I want to get a baitcast set up to use for jig fishing and flipping, or maybe a top-water frog bait on top of the pads. Since that usually requires horsing them out of heavy cover, what gear ratio do you prefer on your reel for that type of fishing?

Some guys I talk to say they like a 7.1:1 so they can get the fish up on top of the weeds/pads quickly and skim them across the surface back to the boat.

Others say they like a low gear ratio 5.4:1 so they can winch them in.

....or just compromise and get a middle ratio reel, like a 6.4:1.

Nels

[Cecil]

I would go with the 7.1. They are just bass, no "winching" required. 7:1 has plenty of power to go along with the speed...

[clm]

+1 on the 7.1:1. the only thing i use the 5.4:1 for is crankbaits.

[RawHog]

7

[thatoneguy]

Yep.

[Craigums]

Mmmm Hmmm

[Jared_P]

I am a fan of the 6.4.1...don't feel I need to get my lure back in that fast

JP

[RumRiverRat]

I use 4.9 and 5.3 or 5.4 for cranks.

On my Flipping stick 7.1

Pitching rod 7.1

Frog rod 7.1

Jerkbait rod 7.1

Topwaters 7.1

6.4 for most everything else

Anything where i am just reeling in slack like when jerkbait or walk the dog topwater I like to have a 7.1.

[kstephes033]

I'm on board writh everyone else as well. 7:1 is the way to go and get those fish up and out of the junk. I use 7:1 for everything except for crankbaits. Make sure to get a reel with a good quality drag too, I would say at least 14lb of drag, but more is better in flipping/frog situations. Depending on how much you want to spend I know the abu Revo sx has 20lb which is what I would go with if you are ok with spending 160.

[Deitz Dittrich]

nudder vote for the 7

[Raider4ever]

I go 7.1:1 on my Frog and other Topwater stuff. I have a 5.3:1 for Cranks. The only thing I would not use the 7.1 on would be swimjigs. You can't consistently (and by consistently I mean EVERY retrieve) slow your retrieve down enough to make them effective with a 7.1. You are better going with a 6.4 with SJ's.