How to Select the Right Gear Ratio Fishing Reel
What is a gear ratio?
The gear ratio of a reel measures how many rotations of the reel’s spool are produced by one full turn of the reel’s handle. A 7.0:1 gear ratio reel will spin the spool 7 full rotations for every one turn of the reel handle.
Why is gear ratio important?
The gear ratio of your reel (sometimes referred to as the speed of your reel) affects how fast you can retrieve a bait, which changes your ability to work a bait, your ability to maximize the number of casts you can make in a day, your ability to fight fish in sticky situations, and more.
Let’s look at the different gear ratios and how they can affect your fishing.
High-speed reels
High-speed reels are generally anything over a 7.0:1 ratio, with 7.1:1 being the most common and the fastest reels on the market going all the way up to around 10.0:1. Super high-speed reels are generally designed specifically for flipping and pitching. Since you’re not actually working the bait when you’re reeling it in, the quick retrieve allows you to get to your next flip faster, which results in more flips over the course of the day.
7.1:1 and above reels are usually preferred for any technique where the bait is worked with the rod only and the reel is primarily used to reel in slack. I like a high-speed reel for any bait that you drag on the bottom for this reason. You also want a high-speed reel any time you’re fishing with heavy tackle around thick cover, as you need to be able to get fish away from the thick stuff as quickly as possible.
Top of the line high-speed Reel:
- 10 plus 1 stainless steel HPCR bearing system
- Rocket 10.1:1 gear ratio
- Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag system
- Infinite brake system
- Infinite II spool
Budget Reel:
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: The Abu Garcia Revo X Baitcast Reel is made from an X2-Craftic alloy frame, providing exceptional corrosion resistance and rigidity. The spool is machined aluminum, keeping this Baitcast reel strong and lightweight at 7.9 oz.
- RECOVERY RATE: Recover 27” | 69cm of line for every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 6.6:1. Made with a D2 Gear Design and Duragear brass gear for a more efficient system and extended durability.
- BRAKE SYSTEM: The MagTrax brake system gives you consistent brake pressure throughout your cast. Lube port allows you to easily lubricate your fishing reel, keeping it functioning at its best.
- DRAG SPECS: Carbon Fiber Star Drag, Max: 18lb | 8.1kg. The Carbon Matrix hybrid drag system provides smooth, consistent drag pressure across the entire drag range. Mono Capacity yd/lb: 175/10 145/12 100/15. Braid Capacity 190/20 140/30 100/50.
- RIGHT HANDLE POSITION: The ergonomically designed compact bent handle and star give you all-day comfort. 8 total bearings: 7 stainless steel ball bearings plus 1 DuraClutch instant anti-reverse bearing provides smooth casting.
Moderate-speed reels
A moderate gear ratio is generally anything between 6 and 7. I like a moderate-speed reel for any bait that you work with a combination of the rod and the reel, for example a spinnerbait or a swim jig. A 6.4:1 reel is fast enough that you can reel up slack, but not so fast that you overwork the bait.
A 6.4:1 or 6.5:1 reel is a great reel to buy if you don’t have a ton of tackle. It’s a good multi-purpose speed that isn’t too specialized, so you can get by doing just about anything with it.
Top of the line moderate speed reel:
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: The Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcast Reel is made from an X2-Craftic alloy frame and C6 carbon sideplates. The Infini II spool design allows for extended castability and extreme loads. It's strong and lightweight at 7.8 oz.
- RECOVERY RATE: Recover 30” | 76cm of line for every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 7.3:1. Made with a D2 Gear Design and Duragear brass gear for a more efficient system and extended durability.
- INFINI BRAKE SYSTEM gives almost limitless adjustability, allowing you to handle any fishing situation. The Ti coated line guide reduces friction and improves durability. The lube port allows you to easily lubricate your fishing reel.
- DRAG SPECS: Carbon Fiber Star Drag, Max: 24lb | 10.8kg. The Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag system provides extreme drag pressures combined with unparalleled smoothness. Mono Capacity yd/lb: 175/10 145/12 100/15. Braid Capacity 190/20 140/30 100/50.
- RIGHT HANDLE POSITION: The compact bent handle and star are more ergonomic to give you all-day comfort. 10 total bearings: 9 stainless steel ball bearings plus 1 DuraClutch instant anti-reverse bearing provides smooth casting.
Budget:
- LIGHTWEIGHT CONSTRUCTION: The frame and sideplates of the Abu Garcia Max Pro Baitcast Reel are made from graphite and the spool is machined aluminum, keeping this Baitcast reel strong and lightweight at 7.4 oz.
- RECOVERY RATE: Recover 25” | 64cm of line for every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 6.4:1. Made with the Duragear brass gear to extend your reel's life.
- BRAKE SYSTEM: The MagTrax brake system gives you consistent brake pressure throughout your cast. Right handle position. The compact bent handle and star, recessed reel foot and large co-molded soft touch knobs are ergonomically designed.
- DRAG SPECS: Synthetic Star Drag, Max: 15lb | 6.8kg. The Power Disk drag system gives you smooth drag performance. The flipping switch allows you to let out more line with only 1 hand. Your free hand can then take care of other tasks.
- LINE CAPACITY: Mono Capacity yd/lb: 150/10 120/12 85/17. Braid Capacity: 155/20 120/30 80/50. 5 stainless steel ball bearings plus 1 instant anti-reverse bearing provides smooth operation for any fishing experience.
Low-speed reels
Low-speed reels are generally anything under 6.0:1. Almost anything this slow is considered a cranking reel, meaning it’s designed specifically for throwing crankbaits. High-resistance crankbaits in particular, such as 20+ foot divers, really demand a low-speed reel just for the sake of your arm. Throwing a high-resistance bait on too fast of a reel all day will wear you out.
Your deep-cranking reel should be a low speed reel. Shallower crankbait fishing is more of a matter of preference of how fast you want to be fishing. Some anglers stick with low speed for all crankings setups. I personally like to go up a little for anything under 10 feet. It just gives you more options and it’s easier to slow down than it is to speed up.
Top of the line low-speed reel:
- PREMIUM CONSTRUCTION: The Abu Garcia Revo Winch Baitcast Reel is made from an X2-Craftic alloy frame, aluminum handle sideplate combined with C6 carbon palm sideplate and Gull Wing sideplate design. It's strong and lightweight at 7.6 oz.
- RECOVERY RATE: Recover 22” | 56cm of line for every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 5.4:1. 9 total bearings: 8 stainless steel ball bearings plus 1 DuraClutch instant anti-reverse bearing provides smooth casting and engagement.
- INFINI BRAKE SYSTEM: The "Infinitely Variable Centrifugal Brake" gives you superior casting control using a unique six brake configuration. The Everslik coated pinion shaft and pawl improves wear resistance and reduces friction.
- DRAG SPECS:Carbon Fiber Star Drag, Max: 24lb | 10.8kg. The Power Stack Carbon Matrix drag system provides extreme drag pressures combined with unparalleled smoothness. Mono Capacity yd/lb: 225/10 180/12 130/15. Braid Capacity 235/20 180/30 125/50.
- RIGHT HANDLE POSITION: The extended bent handle increases torque and gives you more efficient fighting power. Made with ergonomically designed large EVA knobs for all-day comfort. The Ti coated line guide reduces friction and improves durability.
Budget: You will very seldom find any low-speed reels for under $100 on account of how specialized they are.
