| Bait casting reels not only come in different | | | | apparent working crank baits and top water baits. |
| variations and sizes, they also come in different | | | | With spinner baits I like to use the 6.2:1, but for |
| gear ratios. This has become more apparent in | | | | slow rolling them 5 ratios are far better suited, in |
| recent years. | | | | my opinion. Slow baits require the 6.2:1 because |
| For me, a fast gear ratio of 7.1:1 is quite handy. | | | | when you need it, and you will, you have it. |
| As a tournament angler I know that time is | | | | Finessed baits warrant 6.2:1 or even 6.4:1 because |
| definitely money. So with that said, when I pitch | | | | once the Bass takes the bait and turns with it |
| and flip I like the high 7 ratios because after the | | | | you will thank your 6 ratio for getting that fish |
| initial working of the bait I want that bait in as | | | | out of cover fast. If the hooked Bass bee lines |
| quick as possible in time for the next pocket. | | | | for the boat or shore you have plenty of reeling |
| Seconds on the water can mean many minutes, | | | | power to take up slack fast. This tends to happen |
| not to mention the dreaded 'tired wrist syndrome'. | | | | quite a bit when finessing, so being prepared with |
| I know a few anglers that don't like the faster | | | | 6 ratios is a smart choice. |
| ratios and stick with the 6 and under speeds. It | | | | Pitching and flipping baits is a versatile technique. |
| really is a matter of personal preference. | | | | Baits can be fished slow or fast and any speed in |
| All ratios have their place in a days fishing. I like to | | | | between, but once we have exhausted its time in |
| use 7 ratios for pitching and flipping exclusively. 6 | | | | a particular weed pocket the next one is just a |
| ratios, for me, work best when finessing. The old, | | | | few feet away. Being ready for it and countless |
| and hopefully not extinct, 5 ratios are my | | | | others is faster and more pleasurable when the 7 |
| favourite when working crank baits. I would | | | | ratios are used. |
| rather crank faster with the reel handle to | | | | Time on the water will help us anglers decide on |
| quicken its pace then work the handle slower with | | | | what gear ratio is best suited for our special |
| the higher ratios. It is easier to judge what the | | | | needs. Different gear ratios also could mean |
| crank bait is doing this way. But to each their own! | | | | having different reel manufacturers as well, |
| By putting ratios in perspective helps make sense | | | | because not all companies make the same ratios. |
| of it all. So as a rule of thumb and what works | | | | Therefore, mixing and matching reel brands might |
| for me is: | | | | be what we need. But the science of gear ratios |
| Fast Baits: 5.0:1 and up to 6.4:1 depending on the | | | | becomes known when we discover the different |
| bait used | | | | fishing scenarios and which ratio best suits them. |
| Slow Baits: 6.2:1 Finessed Baits: 6:2:1 or 6.4:1 | | | | Precise tools of the trade are priceless, even for |
| Pitching and flipping Baits: 7.0:1 and up | | | | Bass anglers! |
| Every rig has an exception, which for me, is | | | | |