{"id":2834,"date":"2022-07-03T13:46:02","date_gmt":"2022-07-03T13:46:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/?p=2834"},"modified":"2022-08-20T09:23:48","modified_gmt":"2022-08-20T09:23:48","slug":"best-gear-ratio-for-baitcaster","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/best-gear-ratio-for-baitcaster\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is the Best Gear Ratio for a Baitcaster?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Sure, baitcasting reels existed back when your grandfather was crushing monster bass half a century ago, but he didn\u2019t have to deal with all the different choices that we have today. Spend a few minutes in any tackle shop, and you\u2019ll quickly realize there are dozens of models to choose from, all with funny numbers associated with them like 5.2:1 or 7.0:1.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So how do you choose the best gear ratio for a baitcaster?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s easy to become shell-shocked by the variety of choices there are and just reach for whatever reel catches your eye. But knowing a bit about gear ratios (those funny numbers I just mentioned) and reel specifics will help you make a better choice when you\u2019re shopping for your next reel.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, we\u2019re going to cover the basics of gear ratios and how they affect you out on the water. We\u2019ll also share the right gear ratios to use depending on the type of lures you\u2019re throwing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66117dbfe7e75\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-66117dbfe7e75\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/best-gear-ratio-for-baitcaster\/#The_Best_Gear_Ratio_for_a_Baitcaster\" title=\"The Best Gear Ratio for a Baitcaster\">The Best Gear Ratio for a Baitcaster<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/best-gear-ratio-for-baitcaster\/#How_to_Choose_the_Right_Gear_Ratio_for_a_Baitcaster\" title=\"How to Choose the Right Gear Ratio for a Baitcaster\">How to Choose the Right Gear Ratio for a Baitcaster<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/best-gear-ratio-for-baitcaster\/#Baitcaster_Gear_Ratios_for_Crankbaits\" title=\"Baitcaster Gear Ratios for Crankbaits\">Baitcaster Gear Ratios for Crankbaits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/best-gear-ratio-for-baitcaster\/#Baitcaster_Gear_Ratios_for_Spinnerbaits\" title=\"Baitcaster Gear Ratios for Spinnerbaits\">Baitcaster Gear Ratios for Spinnerbaits<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/best-gear-ratio-for-baitcaster\/#Baitcaster_Gear_Ratios_for_Buzzbaits\" title=\"Baitcaster Gear Ratios for Buzzbaits\">Baitcaster Gear Ratios for Buzzbaits<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/best-gear-ratio-for-baitcaster\/#The_Last_Cast\" title=\"The Last Cast\">The Last Cast<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Best_Gear_Ratio_for_a_Baitcaster\"><\/span>The Best Gear Ratio for a Baitcaster<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Before deciding on the best gear ratio for a baitcaster it\u2019s essential to understand what the gear ratio is and what difference choosing different gear ratios makes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The gear ratio refers to how quickly the reel is able to retrieve the line when the handle is cranked. The three-digit numbers you see associated with baitcasters indicate the gear ratio. For example, if a reel has a gear ratio of 7.1:1 then that means that the reel spool rotates 7.1 times for every crank of the handle. The higher that first number, the faster the retrieval rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re like me, you may figure that whatever is fastest is also best. But that isn\u2019t always the case when it <a href=\"https:\/\/protips.dickssportinggoods.com\/sports-and-activities\/hunt-and-fish\/understanding-baitcasting-reels\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">comes to baitcasters<\/a>. There are times when a higher gear ratio is preferable and there are times when a lower gear ratio is the better choice.&nbsp;Skilled fishermen know the difference!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s helpful to think of reel gear ratios like the gears of a mountain bike. Higher gears have less resistance which makes it easier to pedal on flat ground. But they deliver very little torque, which makes it more difficult to pedal up an incline. The same theory holds true with baticasting reels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Having less torque isn\u2019t necessarily a bad thing. When you are fishing deep waters or using baits with a large profile in the water that creates a lot of resistance, you&#8217;re going to want to have a lot of torque. Otherwise you will burn out your arm trying to reel your line in just because you don\u2019t have the torque needed to help you retrieve your lure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best advice I can give is to tailor your rod and reel to the type of fishing you\u2019re expecting to do that day.&nbsp;Horses for courses and all that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rather than purchasing a bunch of different gear and lugging several different reels with you to the lake every time you go fishing, you\u2019re probably wondering what the best all around gear ratio for a baitcaster is if you\u2019re hoping to use <a href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/fishing\/reels\/\">one reel for everything.<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I recommend most anglers opt for a reel with a gear ratio around 7.0:1 and 7.5:1. These reels provide ample retrieve speed while still providing some torque to pull up deepwater lures or those that create a ton of water resistance.&nbsp;They will give you the best all around performance from a single reel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Choose_the_Right_Gear_Ratio_for_a_Baitcaster\"><\/span>How to Choose the Right Gear Ratio for a Baitcaster<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While a single all around reel will do the trick a lot of the time, most anglers try to pair their reel to the fishing they\u2019ll be doing that day. Below Ill cover the best gear ratios for some of the most popular types of lures that are used with a baitcaster. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Baitcaster_Gear_Ratios_for_Crankbaits\"><\/span>Baitcaster Gear Ratios for Crankbaits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Crankbaits and swimbaits usually represent the largest and heaviest lures you\u2019ll throw. The key to getting these lures to where they need to be in the water column is to select a lure with a reasonably slow retrieve speed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reels in the 5.0:1 to 5.9:1 range allow your crankbaits to sit where they\u2019re supposed to, and they also offer an excellent feel between the lure and the rod. You can actually feel what your bait is doing down there at all times!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can still get <a href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/best-jerkbait-rod\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"1714\">great results with a crankbait <\/a>and a medium speed reel. You\u2019ll just need to crank the reel a bit slower to ensure that your bait is kept at the proper depth. But you will be sacrificing a bit of the feel that you get when you use a slower reel in the 5.0 gear ratio range.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Baitcaster_Gear_Ratios_for_Spinnerbaits\"><\/span>Baitcaster Gear Ratios for Spinnerbaits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re fishing spinnerbaits, smaller swimbaits or jerkbaits, a reel with a medium retrieve is ideal. Look for something in the 6.0:1 to 6.9:1 range for spinnerbaits. This is the sweet spot for getting your lure to behave as naturally as possible while still retrieving quickly enough to handle a fish that\u2019s running straight towards you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When fishing spinnerbaits in particular, a reel with a slower retrieve is fine if you\u2019re slow-rolling the bait. Otherwise the retrieve is too slow to give you the proper action on the bait.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Baitcaster_Gear_Ratios_for_Buzzbaits\"><\/span>Baitcaster Gear Ratios for Buzzbaits<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Buzzbaits are some of the most unique lures on the market and they lend themselves well to fishing with a high speed reel with a fast retrieve. The key to <a href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/buzzbait-vs-chatterbait\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2188\">fishing a buzzbait<\/a> is to start burning that thing back towards you for a few cranks as soon as it hits the water. This action gets the blade thumping right away so you can start drawing in any fish in the vicinity of your cast. The best gear ratio for a baitcaster used mostly for fishing buzzbaits is 7.0:1 or greater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once that blade gets thumping you can slow down to a normal retrieve speed while still creating a colossal water disturbance that tricks the bass into thinking you&#8217;re a tasty treat for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although you can use a medium speed reel with buzzbaits, you\u2019ll really need to get that reel working to bring the buzzbaitback to you with the blade pumping. This can be tricky with a lower speed baitcaster. You&#8217;ll know what I&#8217;m talking about when you feel how sore your arm gets after you&#8217;ve been pumping the wrong gear ratio all day long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gear ratios lower than 6.0:1 are virtually impossible to use with a buzzbait and I don&#8217;t recommend them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Last_Cast\"><\/span>The Last Cast<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Baitcasting reels have come a long way over the past few decades and with these improvements there\u2019s now a world of different reels and gear ratios from which to choose. Unfortunately all the extra choices means that you need to get up to speed with what it all means so you can choose the best gear ratio for a baitcaster reel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When you\u2019re shopping for a new baitcaster carefully consider what type of lures you\u2019ll be throwing the most and pick a reel that\u2019s going to lend itself well to that style.&nbsp;Slow for crankbaits, medium for spinnerbaits and fast for buzzbaits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What&#8217;s your favorite gear ratio to use with a baitcaster?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-heading has-xl-font-size\">Editor&#8217;s Picks<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"mai-grid entries entries-grid has-boxed has-image-full\" style=\"--entry-title-font-size:var(--font-size-lg);--align-text:start;--entry-meta-text-align:start;\"><div class=\"entries-wrap has-columns\" style=\"--columns-xs:1\/1;--columns-sm:1\/1;--columns-md:1\/3;--columns-lg:1\/3;--flex-xs:0 0 var(--flex-basis);--flex-sm:0 0 var(--flex-basis);--flex-md:0 0 var(--flex-basis);--flex-lg:0 0 var(--flex-basis);--column-gap:var(--spacing-lg);--row-gap:var(--spacing-lg);--align-columns:start;\"><article class=\"entry entry-grid is-column has-entry-link has-image has-image-first type-post category-rods tag-trout\" aria-label=\"Light vs Ultralight Rod For Trout: Which Is Better?\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\"><a class=\"entry-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/light-vs-ultralight-rod-for-trout\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Light-vs-Ultralight-Rods-for-Trout-400x300.jpg\" class=\"entry-image size-landscape-sm\" alt=\"Which is better a Light vs Ultralight Rod for Trout fishing\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Light-vs-Ultralight-Rods-for-Trout-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Light-vs-Ultralight-Rods-for-Trout-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Light-vs-Ultralight-Rods-for-Trout-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Light-vs-Ultralight-Rods-for-Trout-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Light-vs-Ultralight-Rods-for-Trout.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width:599px) 599px, (min-width:600px) and (max-width: 799px) 799px, (min-width:800px) and (max-width: 999px) 333px, (min-width:1000px) 400px\" \/><\/a><div class=\"entry-wrap entry-wrap-grid\"><h3 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\"><a class=\"entry-title-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/light-vs-ultralight-rod-for-trout\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Light vs Ultralight Rod For Trout: Which Is Better?<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/article><article class=\"entry entry-grid is-column has-entry-link has-image has-image-first type-post category-reports tag-colorado\" aria-label=\"Colorado Fishing Reports for 2024: Are the Fish Biting?\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\"><a class=\"entry-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/colorado-fishing-reports\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Colorado-Fishing-Reports-400x300.jpg\" class=\"entry-image size-landscape-sm\" alt=\"Our Colorado Fishing Reports show you the best fishing near you\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Colorado-Fishing-Reports-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Colorado-Fishing-Reports-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Colorado-Fishing-Reports-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Colorado-Fishing-Reports.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width:599px) 599px, (min-width:600px) and (max-width: 799px) 799px, (min-width:800px) and (max-width: 999px) 333px, (min-width:1000px) 400px\" \/><\/a><div class=\"entry-wrap entry-wrap-grid\"><h3 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\"><a class=\"entry-title-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/colorado-fishing-reports\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Colorado Fishing Reports for 2024: Are the Fish Biting?<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/article><article class=\"entry entry-grid is-column has-entry-link has-image has-image-first type-post category-hooks tag-crappie\" aria-label=\"What Size Hook for Crappie?\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\"><a class=\"entry-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/what-size-hook-for-crappie\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/What-Size-Hook-for-Crappie-400x300.jpg\" class=\"entry-image size-landscape-sm\" alt=\"The best size hook for crappie landed all these fish\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/What-Size-Hook-for-Crappie-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/What-Size-Hook-for-Crappie-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/What-Size-Hook-for-Crappie-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/What-Size-Hook-for-Crappie.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width:599px) 599px, (min-width:600px) and (max-width: 799px) 799px, (min-width:800px) and (max-width: 999px) 333px, (min-width:1000px) 400px\" \/><\/a><div class=\"entry-wrap entry-wrap-grid\"><h3 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\"><a class=\"entry-title-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/what-size-hook-for-crappie\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">What Size Hook for Crappie?<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sure, baitcasting reels existed back when your grandfather was crushing monster bass half a century ago, but he didn\u2019t have to deal with all the different choices that we have today. Spend a few minutes in any tackle shop, and you\u2019ll quickly realize there are dozens of models to choose from, all with funny numbers &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2845,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2834"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2834"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2834\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3306,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2834\/revisions\/3306"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2845"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2834"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2834"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2834"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}