Waiting for hours to win that trophy bass? Struggling with spinning reels but are afraid to get your hands on baitcasters? Confused about what’s the best gear ratio for baitcaster for fishing? Let us clarify everything and make your fishing experience excited than ever.
Sit back, relax, grab your favorite drink, and let’s unspool the reel to see how gear ratios work in baitcasters and which one should be the perfect gear ratio for your purposes. We’ll turn our heads to every nook and corner. Let’s start cranking the handle.
Best Gear Ratio for Baitcaster Explained in 2022
Gear is one of the most crucial mechanisms in baitcaster reels. It simply connects the handle with the spool so that the spool can be spun by cranking the handle. So far so good, right? But where this gear ratio comes from?
Well, the gear ratio is the measurement of how many spins the spool gonna take for one turn of the handle. For example, if you see a baitcaster having a gear ratio of 6.4:1, which is probably the most common gear ratio out there, you know the spool will have 6.4 spins for one turn of the handle.
Different Gear Ratios of Baitcaster
From low to high, baitcasters come in different gear ratios. Choosing the right gear ratio is crucial as it will impact the result of fishing. It doesn’t only depend on the level of your control but also on other things like the water you are fishing in and the type of the target.
Baitcasters having a gear ratio of around 5.1:1 is known as low or slow gear ratios. A high gear ratio means having a ratio of more than 7.1:1. Medium gear ratios are more popular with anglers because they are the best fit for both fast- and slow-moving presentations.
Low, Medium, and High Gear Ratios for Your Reels
Reels with different gear ratios are used in different scenarios. See what matches you to find out which gear ratio will be ideal for you.
1. Low Gear Ratio Reels
As you already know, a reel having a gear ratio from 5.1:1 to 5.4:1 is usually considered to have a low gear ratio. These reels are the best for big baits. How do you know when to use low gear ratio reels?
- If you are fishing in deep water where you require heavy baits, a reel with a low gear ratio might help to have better control over the line.
- If you are after a slow-moving fish, reels with a low gear ratio will work the best.
2. Medium Gear Ratio Reels
These reels generally have a gear ratio of 6.1:1 to 6.4:1. The medium gear ratio is ideal for those who want moderate spooling power and speed. These reels are very popular among bass anglers as they are very versatile.
Where the crankbaits run in a medium-range, like 8-12 ft, a baitcaster reel with a medium gear ratio can be ideal to keep the baits in the strike zone for a longer period.
3. High Gear Ratio Reels
High gear ratio reels can be suitable for pro anglers who have mastered the techniques of baitcaster reels. In the following cases, baitcasters with high gear ratios might be a good choice.
- If you are fishing in a small strike zone where the baits need to be retrieved faster, a high gear ratio reel will do the work.
- When you need to quickly pull the target, something like a fast-moving bash, high gear ratio reels will be ideal.
- If you need fast movement and better control of the line, a high gear ratio will work the best.
Things to Consider Gear Ratio Before Buying Baitcasters
Other than the gear ratio, you should focus on a few things while buying baitcaster reels. Here you go.
Graphite frames are more cost-effective but aluminum frames will withstand much more pressure. In the case of spools, choosing the ones made of forged aluminum will be better even if they cost more.
When it comes to the handle, chose something that has rubber knobs so that you are comfortable using them over and over again.
What Is a Baitcaster Fishing Reel?
A baitcaster is a device that is attached to the fishing rod in a direction that the spool is parallel to the rod. It is made of a few different parts like a spool, star drag, level wind, clutch bar, casting control knob, spool tension knob, etc.
These devices work the best with braid line types. If you aren’t experienced enough to handle a baitcaster reel, you might end up making a bird’s nest or backlash. It means if the spool moves faster than the casting line, it will make a tangled mess which is called backlash.
It takes a bit of time and patience to master the controls of a baitcaster reel. But once you are comfortable with it, it can be very rewarding. You can use different types of baits or lines with this type of reel, so it is very versatile.
Pros and Cons of Baitcaster Fishing Reels
Take a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of baitcasters.
Pros:
- Baitcaster reels can hold heavier lines than spinning reels.
- The drag capability of baitcaster reels is greater.
- Baitcasters are great for handling large and powerful fish.
- Very durable and lightweight.
Cons:
- Baitcasters are far more expensive than spinning reels.
- You need to learn a lot to properly handle baitcasters.
Final Thoughts
What’s the Best Gear Ratio for Fishing for Baitcaster? We assume you have got an overall idea of the impact of the gear ratio of baitcasters for fishing. As we can’t just throw our verdict to you, we leave it to your sense. Think about your strategies, targets, purposes, and choose the right gear ratio accordingly.
The number isn’t the only parameter to decide what’s the best gear ratio for baitcaster for fishing. Rather you should consider several factors before choosing one. Though the process can be a bit confusing, you are assured to obtain a much better reward once you take the baitcaster with the right gear ratio for fishing.
