Crankbaits Reels

[Central Bassman]

Hello there, I was wondering what you guys think is the best crankbait reel and gear ratio is?? Cost doesnt matter but dont want to spend to much just want something what works good and will last a few years.

[senkoskipper]

If cost is no matter then you should get the new shimano currado in the 5:1 gear ratio, its made for cranking.

[Ray Esboldt]

I'll second the Shimano Curado opinion, or any Shimano is a good choice. The theory used to be that slower gear ratio reels were better for cranking. My thought has always been to just reel slower. A slow retrieve allows your bait to gain maximum depth for the amount of line you have out. You also need to factor in your line diameter. The thinner it is, the deeper the bait will dive. I use Garcia 5500s, but not for the slower gear ratio. I use them because I like to palm the big faced reels versus clamping down on the low profile ones.

[SluggoMaster]

I like last year's 5.0 to 1 Shimano Curado's but the 5.0 to 1 Citica should work just as well. I don't have any yet, but they are on the shopping list when I need another crankbait reel.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I'll put a vote out for the new Citica 5-1..., I myself do not have one, but got to use one.. pretty sweet.. i use a chronarch for a crankbait reel., but many can not afford them.

[ocf]

how much of a hole does it put in your wallet??? more than 400$ i guess

[Central Bassman]

Hey Deitz Dittrich, What ratio is that Chronarch?? or what do u think is best of cranking??

[Deitz Dittrich]

Ocf, not that bad.. they are about $269 I think...

You can get the chronarch in a 6.2-1 and you can get one in a 5.1-1... which equates to about 26" of line per handle turn and 21" of line per handle turn.

If you running your normal run of the mill crank bait(0-12 feet divers) then any regular reel will be fine. I use the Saltwater version of the Chroarch(6.2-1 gear ratio, and the only real difference is that it has as slightly larger handle) I team it up with a Crucial MH Crankbait Rod(hybrid fiberglass and IM9Graphite)and 10 lb Gamma Flrocarbon.

For deepwater cranking(Norman DD22, DT16, Poes 400's ect) I use the 5.1-1 chronarch crankbait reel with the same rod and same line.

The reason you drop down in gear ratio is simple. It works like a winch. If you throw a deep crankbait for any peroid of time with a regular reel, your forearms will start to throb! The drop in gear ratio, will make you turn the handle more but it will be much easier to turn.

Again, you can get the Shimano Citica in a 5.1-1 and its a great reel.. I dont suggest them for your typical cranks becuase its just not nessisary. Thye work great for normal cranks, but its not as needed. Although it may help you to slow down some days, which is nice. NEVER, use the 5.1-1 for running a buzzbait or rat-l-trap.. because you will get to tired from turning the reel over so fast.

[turn_in_poachers]

I dont know. You could get away with a 6.3:1 gear ratio reel. I think with that gear ratio, its easier to slow down your retrieve than speed up your retrieve. Sometimes you might want to burn the crankbait really fast, and it would be easier with a faster gear ratio. I myself use a TD Fuego with a 6.3:1 ratio for big cranks and it works perfectly. Ill throw smaller, lighter cranks with my Alphas with a 5.8:1 ratio.

[LetThemGo]

Do the new Curados with the higher gear ratio (7:1 ???) handle the deep cranks with the same ease as a regular 5:1 cranking reel? With the new gear system in the new curados, I thought someonee told me you get the both of both worlds: power and speed.

[Deitz Dittrich]

nope, I have one of the new 7-1 curados.. you can get some major line per handle turn.. but I would not even think of using it as a crankbait reel... I use if for carolina rigging.

[Central Bassman]

From what im reading and hearing is that your better off getting a 6.3 ratio instead of a 5.1 because u can use it for many different types of cranking.. Right or wrong??

[Deitz Dittrich]

in my opinion yes.. the only time I use the lower gear ratio is for deep cranks... If you do a lot of deep cranking(15 feet plus cranks) then its a good investment. Otherwise, no, you can get by with a 6.3-1...

I do own a 5.3-1... and do like it.. but again only for throwing deep cranks.