Reel gear ratio

[WallyGator12000]

I have a friend who is hoping to get into muskie fishing, and he has a Abu-Garcia CB (Red color, gear ratio 6.3:1). He was wondering if this reel would be able to handle muskies, or if he would torch it because of the fast ratio. If this reel isn't a good choice, any suggestions? Thanks!

[freighttrain50]

i think it would torch it. you want a slower ratio because of the fact you will be pulling heavy baits. if you had a faster reel it would put too much stress on the bearings and the real. go with the Abu C3 6500. i just got one for christmas and absolutly love it. its a great real and was just on sale and Galyans before the holidays, it's also dependable and smooth. go with a slower ratio though. go with the 5.3 to 1. you'll be glad that you did

[RuKiddingMe]

I definitely would not torch the reel, the higher gear ratio reels do hold their place in the Musky arsenal. There are great for bulging bucktails and work out really nice with jerk baits and gliders. With the jerks and gliders it’s nice to have that extra speed for picking up the slack in a hurry. I have a Abu C4 and wouldn’t think of getting rid of it for the reasons stated. I far as for fighting fish, you notice the gear ratio enough during the fight for it to matter. Keep the reel, you’ll find uses for it.

[jigeye]

I agree with RU. I bought a C4 three years ago. I don't like it when working jerks or large bucktails but it works great for topwater and smaller bucktails.

[Gus]

I agree with previous poster. What I did at first because that was the only reel I had in my musky collection was to get a larger handle crank for it. Abu sells them. I picked mine up at cabelas for 10-15. It helps lessen the wrist/arm fatigue when you do pull larger baits. I used it for two years as my only musky reel and it held up fine.

[arrowheadslayer]

I would use the 6:3:1 gear ratio for everything for me it is the only reel I will even use. It does wear on the arm alittle but it is nice when you get the big ones following and you can kick it into high gear. I have been using mine for 5 years and have done great with it

[Scoot]

If you're going to cast only easy pulling baits like easy glides/jerks, small bucktails with small blades, etc., then I'd say 6:1 is fine. For anything that pulls tough, I'd strongly suggest closer to 5:1. It makes a big difference.

[rodbuilder]

All I have used for the past 3 years is 6.3:1. Works great for burning, if you want to slow down, just turn the handle slower. After a couple years, your forearms begin to look like Popeyes!

[Giant_Jackpot]

As you get older your opinion will change on the high speed reels. In my opinion, the only thing they are good for is burning bucktails. Abu will sell you the gears to lower the ratio to 5.3. Just call them up and they will ask model and serial number. They are easy to change.