Reel speeds compared to type of fishing

[foleytriton.2003]

I guess what I'm asking is there a difference in reel speeds compared to jig,worm,crankin,spinner.I am always looking to improve.I know a person has a urge to crank same speed and I've always heard to just slow down or speed up.alot of different speeds out there now.Does anyone have a more accurate theory on this and what rod action to match them...just trying to improve my presentation..

[eightpounder]

i like a 7 to 1 ratio for my flipping applications, that includes jigs, lizards, worms, and anything that i got to shake on the bottom. I have used 6to1 ratios for that and sometimes theres 2 to 3lb spoted bass that take off so fast with your bait you cant catch up. so i use a 7 to 1 ratio for that purpose and for that purpose only. Spinnerbaits do fine on 6 to 1 reels and so do crankbaits. Bass may like a slow presentation but most times if it hits him in the face or is right in front of him he will eat it.

[LOZman]

I use 5:1 ratio reels for all my jig and worm fishing. You sometimes need the power to get them out of cover yet it is fast enough to keep pace with a bass coming towards you. 7:1 reels are used for lipless cranks and other high speed lures and 6:1 can be used also. For crank baits, you need to slow down and a lot of crank men use ratios between 3.8:1 and 4.3:1. The 3.8:1 is used for very large lipped deep cranks such as the Norman's DD22 or in winter when you want an extremely slow presentation. A lot of anglers use the same ratio reel for all applications but the better you become. the more you realiize the need for different speed reels. Remember, low ratio reels mean more power and high ratio reels mean more speed. Decide the type of fishing you do the most and go from there. I'll let someone else chime in on rod actions and powers. Hope this helped you.

Good Fishing!

[foleytriton.2003]

Say you like 7.1 on jig and worm.Do you find yourself swimming jigs and over cranking worms.I have 6.3 on mine.I've got 4.9 on normal crankin.7.1 on spinner rod and 7.1 on a castaway long range launcher.Gotta 6.2 on topwater and a 5.2 on another worm pole.I've tried to find a spot to where I normally crank that I dont have to speed up or slow down as much.How do you compensate or the more you fish the more you get use to.I try different speed and different rod actions just trying to get best set up combos that i can.my reels are daiwa zillions and shimano chronarch b .rods are G loomis and castaway and shimano.I update when I find a spot for it.just trying to get better..thanks for info.may try a 7.1 on jig/worm.

[foleytriton.2003]

Hey LOZman,sounds like I come close to your set up.Do you think you have to adjust your crankin speed on these.I am just looking for something that comes natural,I know you have to speed up or slow down on some conditions.I didnt know the lower speed reels had more torque.I dont get to go as much as I would like so I'm trying to hone my skills in every way.man has to have right tools for task.I thank you for info.

[crankmaster]

I used to get all caught up in the reel speed drama but I learned from my own style of fishing I use either 6:1 or the new 6.5:1 for all of my tactics the only exceptions are I have some 7:1 reels for flipping spinnerbait and buzzbait fishing and two 5:1 reels for slow rolling spinnerbaits

[lefthook3305]

I use 7:1 for anything I'm not fishing all the way back to the boat. Flippin, pitching, frogs, and topwater baits all get fished in a specific strike zone. The less time you spend dragging the bait through dead water the better.

For cranks I like a slower retrieve; something with about 25" per turn.

I have not seen the benefit in a 7:1 for spinner baits. I found I had to intentionally slow down.

As for swimming jigs, a shake the rod tip constantly. That makes the skirt come alive and forces me to reel at a nice moderate pace.

[whitetailbasser]

Here's my breakdown:

I like a 6:1 to 7:1 for all soft plastic applications. That includes t-rig, c-rig, flipping, fluke/weightless worm, etc. Rod size and action will vary but will be no shorter than 7' and at least a MH.

For crankbaits I like a 5:1. It's easier to get your bait to run deeper with slower ratio. Also keeps you from reeling so slow all day. I like a 7'2" Medium action with moderate tip.

Topwaters and traps I like a reel in the 6:1 class. Spinnerbaits the same.

[Walkabout7781]

Everything I use is 6:1 or close. I think my Calcutta (crankin') is 5.8:1, and some of the others may be 6.0:1 or 6.2:1. I don't throw big cranks, 'cause our water is generally very clear.

I use both LH and RH crank. I prefer LH crank for many uses, but if the presentation is a "touchy/feely" type, generally I prefer to change hands and use a RH Crank. Thus, for Pitching, I use a LH (or even spinning), for C'rig RH. I'd like to use a LH for cranking, but have this Calcutta...anybody want to swap a nice Curado for a nice Calcutta? Spinnerbaits, LH crank, etc. I don't flip, because our water is generally too clear, and my left wing doesn't work so good since a car accident buggered up my neck, so I have a RH crank Daiwa TD2hi on my flippin' stick for C'rigging. Nice setup.

It is my opinion that many guys make too long a cast when C'rigging, giving up sensitivity and hookset. Plus, if you get hung up, you have to go too far to get it unstuck. Cast a comfortable distance, but not as far as you possibly can.

[Paddybass]

Back in da homeland, be known to crank wit da 4:1 ratio when da water be fridgid.