How Does Gear Ratio Work On Fishing Reels
What is Gear Ratio and How Does it Work on Fishing Reels?
Gear ratio is a measure of how quickly a fishing reel retrieves line when the handle is turned. It is the number of times a rotor turns with one complete turn of the handle. It is a very important factor to consider when choosing a fishing reel. Generally, the higher the gear ratio, the faster the line is retrieved, but there are other factors to consider.
A gear ratio is expressed in a number that shows the ratio of the number of times the rotor revolves compared to the number of times the handle is turned. For example, a gear ratio of 5.2:1 means that the rotor will rotate 5.2 times for every one time the handle is turned. The higher the gear ratio, the quicker the line is retrieved. A higher gear ratio is usually used when fishing for larger and faster moving fish.
Types of Gear Ratio on Fishing Reels
There are two main types of gear ratio on fishing reels: high speed and low speed. High speed reels generally have a gear ratio of 5.2:1 or higher and are ideal for retrieving line quickly. This is beneficial when fishing for larger and faster moving fish, as it allows you to keep up with them. Low speed reels generally have a gear ratio of 4.8:1 or lower and are better suited for fishing for smaller and slower moving fish. They allow you to slow down the line retrieval speed, giving you more control and accuracy when fishing for smaller fish.
Advantages of Different Gear Ratios
The main advantage of using a higher gear ratio is that it allows you to retrieve the line quickly. This is especially useful when fishing for larger and faster moving fish, as you need to be able to keep up with them. A lower gear ratio is better suited for smaller and slower moving fish, as it allows you to slow down the line retrieval speed and give you more control and accuracy when fishing for smaller fish. It also allows you to use lighter lures, as the lower speed means that you don’t have to use as much force to cast.
Disadvantages of Different Gear Ratios
The main disadvantage of using a higher gear ratio is that it can be harder to control the line. This is because it moves at a faster rate, meaning that it is easier to make mistakes and lose control of the line. A lower gear ratio is better suited for smaller and slower moving fish, as it allows you to slow down the line retrieval speed and give you more control and accuracy when fishing for smaller fish. However, it also means that you need to use more force to cast lighter lures.
Conclusion
Gear ratio is a very important factor to consider when choosing a fishing reel. Generally, the higher the gear ratio, the faster the line is retrieved, but there are other factors to consider. High speed reels are ideal for retrieving line quickly and are best suited for larger and faster moving fish. Low speed reels are better for smaller and slower moving fish and allow for more control and accuracy when fishing for smaller fish. It is important to consider the type of fish you are targeting and the type of lures you are using when selecting the right gear ratio for your fishing needs.
