- Why reel speed matters
- How to pick the right one for every occasion
It wasn’t that long ago that a reel with a 5:1 or 6:1 gear ratio was considered fast, but it is hardly the case today with 7:1, 8:1 and even a few reels that are approaching double digit proportions.
So what is the best ratio for the occasion?
Before we get into the details, understand that the gear ratio is simply the number of times the spool on your baitcasting reel or the bail on your spinning reel revolves when you turn the handle one time.
So, a reel with a 5:1 ratio means the spool will revolve five times when you turn the handle once. And, obviously, the more times the spool revolves with each turn of the handle the more line you retrieve.
So, a fast retrieve reel is the way to go – right?
Well, not necessarily.
You see, there are many times that you want a slower ratio (5:1) reel, like when you’re casting crankbaits and swimbaits that you want to bump along the bottom and keep in front of the fish for as long as possible.
By the same token, many folks fail to appreciate that fast retrieve ratio reels often excel in situations where you are making slow presentations – like flipping and pitching a jig into matted weed openings or walking-the-dog with a Spook-type topwater and letting it deadstick on the surface.
It is counterintuitive until you realize that with a fast retrieve ratio reel you can retrieve slack line swiftly, set the hook hard and then tame the fish quickly – as well as reel in fast to make another cast – so the speed of the reel has less to do with the actual presentation than it does with managing your line and controlling the fish.
Should mention, too, that some top pros like legendary four time Bassmaster Classic Champion, Rick Clunn, favor using the same medium speed reels (6:1) for all of their presentations, preferring to adjust the speed by consciously turning to the handle faster or slower.
To check out the rest of the story and this week’s Fish Talk With The Doc that I recorded for the Fish ‘N Canada television show, I hope you enjoy watching through this link: http://www.outdoorcanada.ca/Slow-medium-and-fast-retrieve-ratio-reels—why-speed-matters