crankbait reels.

[terryt]

what is everybodies take on gear ratios on baitcasting reels for crankbaits. i read an article it said the slower the gear ratio the better. something like a 3.8 or 4.3 ratio

[Deitz Dittrich]

I use a regular 6.1-1 for shallow cranks and rat-l-trap type baits.. but go down to a 5.1-1 for deep diving cranks. It really helps for forearm fatigue. I think the 3.8-1 is a little too much in my opinion!

[Daze Off]

I agree with Deitz - I had a Quantum 3.8:1 and it about drive me nuts - sold it at a garage sale for $10. Now I use a 6.2:1 and just try to remember to reel more slowly.

Daze Off

[RK]

Hiya -

I like slower gear ratios for cranks, especially big deep divers, or even medium divers. When you combine hard pulling baits with popping them through weeds, it gets tough on the forearm/elbow after a while. The main reason for the lower ratio for me though is it keeps me from fishing deep cranks too fast.

My cranking reels are old Lews Speed Spools, which had a 4.3:1 gear ratio. A newer example would be something like a Shimano Citica DPV, which has a 5.0:1. I've fished cranks with a 3.8:1, and it works fine, but a little slow for anything other than fishing deep cranks very slowly through brush or heavy weeds. In those situations, you can't beat the cranking power for bulling fish out of cover, but if you use it for shallow or medium cranks or rattle baits, you'll crank your arm off getting the bait moving fast enough.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[Daze Off]

The thing that bothered me most about them was trying to catch-up to a fish that was running toward the boat or at least in a way that created some slack.

Daze Off

[RK]

Hiya -

Good point Daze. A slow reel on the wrong rod is bad news for cranks - especially with smallies that like to jump a lot. I fish big cranks on a 7'11" noodle for just that reason. Once that thing loads up they really have to rush the boat to get any slack. Plus with either superline or a lower stretch line like Fluoro, there's some forgiveness there so I don't pull hooks out.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm

[SluggoMaster]

Here is a tip for those of you who use slower reels. NEVER cast perpendicular to the boat. I always make casts at an angle in front of or behind the boat, since this will give you the best leverage with the fish, and you don’t have to burn the reel, since they are not running right at you, 99% of the time. Most if not all fish immediately head for deeper water when they are hooked, and usually that is right under the boat.

[Cabela10]

I use 7.1:1 gears for lipless cranks and I use 5.1:1 gears for Medium/Deep diving cranks, everything else I use 6.3:1

[cjac]

I don't hit a lot of water where I'm going 15 to 18 deep, so my 3.8:1 Curado is three years old and essentially new in box. 5.1:1 is ideal, and for quite a few of the shallow cranks I just use the standard Curado or Scorpion. The moderate action rod gives me enough room for error.

Chris

[SimilarIsland]

Quote:

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I use 7.1:1 gears for lipless cranks and I use 5.1:1 gears for Medium/Deep diving cranks, everything else I use 6.3:1

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Can't fish a Rattle Trap without a 7.1:1