Super High-Speed Baitcasters

[ttranger]

I have been toying with the idea of getting a high-speed 9:1 or 10:1 baitcasting reel for fishing buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, etc. How many of you have used them and what do you think - are they really much better than a 7:1 speed reel?

[capt odie]

In order to appreciate a reels full line pick up per handle crank, then the spool need to be full
i like a 8 to 1 with buzz baits to help get the bait buzzing before it sinks much. Also for a spook.
A 7 to 1 for top poppers
a 6 to 1 for spinner baits and square bill.

[reelex]

7:1 is my go to all around ratio, topwaters included. Dan

[bassfisher444]

I don't really see the need for that high of speed reel I use a 6:1 for most things other than deep cranking or throwing big spinnerbaits then I like a 5:1. Buzzbaits, Frogs, and some Texas rigged plastics are the only situations I use a 7:1 reel, and even in those cases I often use 6:1 reel instead.

[Fishysam]

9.0 revo rocket is fine for buzz baits but absolutely do not throw spinnerbaits on it. (New revo rockets are 10.0)

[kickerfish1]

The faster the gear ratio, the faster they will wear out. Don’t be surprised if you go through parts and gears quickly in those the 9 and 10 ratio reels.

[Bronzefly]

I've put in quite a bit of time with the new Daiwa Zillion 10. It has been an absolute blast throwing buzz baits, frogs, pitching, and fishing lipless cranks... it isn't as smooth as the Steez, but then again, I wouldn't expect it to be...

[kercha83]

i had a zillion sv tws in the 9 gear ratio and hated that reel when I'm using a lure with any resistance like a spinnerbait or chatterbait. I wouldn't recommend anything over 9 gear ratio for spinnerbaits unless you're using a small spinnerbait.

[PolarKraft195]

I like a 6.4:1 for most everything. I use 8.3:1 on my pitching reels.

[MattVT18]

I've tried a couple of the 9 speed reels and didn't like them. I really only like the 8 speed reels for up close work like flipping/punching. A 6 or 7 speed reel with a big spool takes up more line per turn than the faster reels with a smaller spool on anything more that a short presentation. I really like a Daiwa Tatula 200 6.3:1 ratio for buzzbaits, the Lew's Super Duty Wide Spools are good too. The 7 speed reels on those with high line capacity are actually too fast for me.

[Chode]

use the 10 speed for throwing DD22

[Hair Jig]

i had a zillion sv tws in the 9 gear ratio and hated that reel when I'm using a lure with any resistance ..........

THIS ^^^^^

I would HIGHLY recommend that you borrow one from a friend and try it before you spend your money. I literally HATE those things because of the resistance felt when cranking the bait. I can get anything done that I want with my 4.7 and 6.1 reels.

[fluke1987]

I don't own anything past an 8 and I only use those for frogs and punching. Anything over that I agree you will wear out the gears quickly. The higher the ratio the smaller the teeth on the main gear = less load the gear teeth can take.

[diggy_]

I have a 10:1 Revo Black 10.

I wouldn't really fish anything other than worms and jigs with it.

I bought it for the looks more than anything else.

[Chris85]

I got to thinking about this, if you run your trolling motor on high and 0-45° cast, it could help you keep up with the bait

[Mark Perry]

I use:

Bottom techniques, punching- 8.1
Frogs, buzzbaits, topwaters- 7.1
Cranks, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, swim jigs- 6.3

[Fishysam]

I got to thinking about this, if you run your trolling motor on high and 0-45° cast, it could help you keep up with the bait

not going to enjoy a spinnerbait on a 9.0/10.0 doing this