Overview
Gear Ratio Basics: Gear ratios indicate how many times the spool turns per handle turn, affecting casting efficiency and ease of reeling. Ratios include slow (around 5:1), medium (6:1), and fast (7:1 and above).
Choosing Gear Ratios: Slow ratios provide more torque, ideal for heavy baits with high water resistance, like big crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Medium ratios are versatile, suitable for various baits and techniques. Fast ratios are best for quick retrieves and high-speed action, such as flipping, pitching, and topwater lures.
Reel Versatility: Using multiple reels of the same model allows for easy swapping of spools to change gear ratios and line types without respooling. This flexibility helps manage gear ratios and adapt to different fishing needs.
Application Examples: Low gear ratios are useful for heavy, resistant baits to reduce physical strain. Medium ratios offer a good balance for general use, while fast ratios excel in scenarios requiring rapid line retrieval or frequent casting.
Line Impact: The amount of line on the spool affects the effective gear ratio. A spool with more line increases line pickup per handle turn, slightly altering the effective gear ratio.