What Does Gear Ratio On A Fishing Reel Mean
What Does Gear Ratio On A Fishing Reel Mean?
Introduction
Gearing up for a successful fishing outing requires more than just landing a big catch. To have the best chance of success, it’s important to understand the various components of your fishing gear, including the gear ratio. The gear ratio of a fishing reel is the ratio of the number of turns the spool of the reel makes in relation to the number of turns the handle of the reel makes. Gear ratios play an important role in how fast you can reel in a fish, so it’s important to understand the basics of gear ratios to make the most of your fishing trips.
Understanding Gear Ratios
When you’re shopping for a fishing reel, you’ll notice that they are categorized by their gear ratios. Gear ratios are expressed as a numerical ratio such as 5.1:1 or 6.2:1. The first number indicates the number of revolutions the spool of the reel makes for every single turn of the handle. For example, a 5.1:1 reel means that the spool turns 5.1 times for every single turn of the handle. The higher the ratio, the faster the spool will turn.
How Gear Ratios Affect Performance
Gear ratios play a role in how quickly you can reel in a fish. High gear ratios are typically better for fast retrieves, while lower gear ratios are better for slow, more controlled retrieves. High gear ratios are often better for lures and baits that require a fast retrieve to be effective, such as crankbaits and topwater lures. Low gear ratios are better for heavier baits, such as jigs and deep-diving crankbaits, that require more control and slower retrieves.
Types of Gear Ratios
Fishing reels can have a wide range of gear ratios. Low gear ratios are typically in the range of 4.1:1 to 5.1:1, while high gear ratios are in the range of 6.1:1 and up. Extra high gear ratios, such as 8.1:1 and higher, are available on some specialized reels. It’s important to choose the right gear ratio for the type of fishing you’re doing.
Benefits of Multiple Gear Ratios
Some fishing reels, such as baitcasting reels, are available with multiple gear ratio settings. This allows you to switch between different gear ratios depending on the type of fishing you’re doing. This is a great way to be prepared for any type of fishing situation without having to buy multiple reels.
Conclusion
Understanding the basics of gear ratios is important for any successful fishing outing. Gear ratios play an important role in how quickly you can reel in a fish, so it’s important to understand the basics of gear ratios in order to make the most of your fishing trips. Some reels are available with multiple gear ratio settings, which is a great way to be prepared for any type of fishing situation without having to buy multiple reels.
