Fishing Reels Gear Ratios Explained
Fishing Reels Gear Ratios Explained
Understanding Fishing Reel Gear Ratios
For many anglers, the terms “gear ratio” and “fishing reel” are almost synonymous. Knowing the gear ratio of your reel (or the reel you’re considering buying) is essential to making sure you’re using the right type of reel for the type of fishing you’ll be doing. So, what is a gear ratio, and how do you know what type of gear ratio you need?
In simplest terms, a gear ratio is the number of times the spool of a fishing reel rotates in a single rotation of the handle. In other words, if your reel has a gear ratio of 6.1:1, the spool will rotate 6.1 times for every one rotation of the handle. This means that you’ll be able to retrieve line faster than a reel with a lower gear ratio.
Types of Gear Ratios
There are three main types of gear ratios for fishing reels – low, medium, and high. Low gear ratios are generally used for slow-moving baits such as live bait, and will often have ratios of around 3.5:1. Medium gear ratios are great for crank baits and spinner baits, and will range from around 5.2:1 to 6.2:1. High gear ratios are ideal for fast-moving baits such as top water lures and buzz baits, and will have ratios of around 7.1:1 or higher.
Choosing the Right Gear Ratio
Choosing the right gear ratio for your fishing reel depends on the type of bait you’ll be using, as well as your own personal preference. If you’re using slow-moving baits, a low gear ratio is likely to be your best bet. If you’re using faster-moving baits, a higher gear ratio is likely to be more suitable. It’s important to remember that a higher gear ratio doesn’t necessarily mean a better reel – it just means that you’ll be able to retrieve line faster.
What Gear Ratio is Right For You?
When it comes to choosing the right gear ratio for your reel, it’s important to consider the type of fishing you’ll be doing. If you’re planning to use slow-moving baits, you’ll want to stick with a low gear ratio. If you’re planning to use faster-moving baits, a higher gear ratio will likely be more suitable. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of gear ratio you need, but it’s important to keep in mind that a higher gear ratio doesn’t necessarily mean a better reel.
Conclusion
When it comes to fishing reels, gear ratios are an important consideration. Knowing the gear ratio of your reel (or the reel you’re considering buying) is essential to making sure you’re using the right type of reel for the type of fishing you’ll be doing. Low gear ratios are generally used for slow-moving baits, while higher gear ratios are ideal for faster-moving baits. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of gear ratio you need, but it’s important to keep in mind that a higher gear ratio doesn’t necessarily mean a better reel.
