What Does Gear Ratio Mean In Fishing Reel
What Does Gear Ratio Mean In Fishing Reel?
Introducing the Gear Ratio
The gear ratio of a fishing reel is a measurement of the speed of the reel’s rotation. It is expressed as a ratio of the number of turns of the reel handle to the number of rotations of the spool. A higher gear ratio indicates a faster reel, meaning it will turn the spool more times for every turn of the handle. Low gear ratios are generally used for slow trolling and deep-sea fishing, while high gear ratios are ideal for light-tackle fishing and fast-action species like bass.
What Gear Ratio Is Best?
The best gear ratio will depend on the type of fishing you are doing and the species you are targeting. For example, anglers fishing for small panfish or trout may find a 4.7:1 gear ratio is the most ideal, while a 5.2:1 gear ratio is better for bass or walleye. Larger species like muskie, or for trolling, may require higher gear ratios like 6.2:1 or even 7.1:1. Ultimately, the best gear ratio for your reel will depend on the type of fishing you are doing.
Understanding the Gear Ratio Lineup
Most fishing reels come with a variety of gear ratios to choose from. Some of the most common gear ratios in reels today include 4.3:1, 4.7:1, 5.2:1, 6.2:1, and 7.1:1. Some reels even have a 7.5:1 gear ratio, which is the highest gear ratio available. It is important to note that the higher the gear ratio, the faster the reel will be. It’s also important to note that the higher the gear ratio, the more difficult it will be to reel in a fish.
Choosing the Right Gear Ratio
It’s important to choose a gear ratio that is suitable for the type of fishing you are doing. If you are looking for a reel that can handle a variety of techniques and species, a 5.2:1 gear ratio is a good option. This gear ratio is great for light-tackle fishing and fast-action species like bass. If you are fishing for larger species like muskie or for trolling, a higher gear ratio like 6.2:1 or 7.1:1 will be more suitable.
Understanding Inches Per Turn
In addition to gear ratio, another important measurement to consider is inches per turn (IPT). This is a measurement of how much line will be retrieved with each turn of the reel handle. Generally, the higher the gear ratio, the more line will be retrieved with each turn. For instance, a reel with a 5.2:1 gear ratio will retrieve more line than a reel with a 4.7:1 gear ratio. It’s important to consider this when choosing a reel, as it can affect how quickly you can reel in a fish.
Conclusion
The gear ratio of a fishing reel is an important measurement to consider when choosing a reel. It is a measurement of the speed of the reel’s rotation, and is expressed as a ratio of the number of turns of the reel handle to the number of rotations of the spool. Different gear ratios are better for different types of fishing, so it is important to choose the right gear ratio for the type of fishing you are doing. In addition to gear ratio, another important measurement to consider is inches per turn, which is a measurement of how much line will be retrieved with each turn of the reel handle.
