Fishing Reel Gear Ratio.

A fishing reel's gear ratio is not the singular determination of its speed. Another factor that is often overlooked is the "IPT", "inches per turn" measure. This refers to the number of inches of line recovered with each full revolution of the reel's handle.

Unfortunately, the reel manufacturing industry is not standardized on speed and fishing reel gear ratio. Each handles it a bit differently. The size of a manufacturer's spool in any particular reel and its line capacity will more often than not be different from those of other manufacturers. Two reels with the same gear ratio but spools of different circumferences will recover line at different "IPT" rates. This is even characteristic of different reel models of the same manufacturer.

Some companies have tried to clarify the confusion of fishing reel gear ratio and reel speed/power. They now provide anglers the amount of line that is taken up when you turn the handle one revolution. This tells the reel's "real" speed. For example, look through any fishing tackle catalog. You will find both the fishing reel gear ratio and the line recovery number noted for each reel on a page. If you're comparing reels you have to look at both numbers.

This explanation of fishing reel gear ratio could easily get mired down in words like... mechanical ratio relative to the gears and spool size which creates a geometric ratio as to the amount of line that is recovered with a single turn of the handle... yadda, yadda, yadda. Uh? Say what?.

Listen, it's very simple. If you want to know the speed or power of a reel you have or one you're contemplating purchasing, consider both "gear ratio" and "line recovery" numbers. That will tell you all you need to know. The following table illustrates differences in "IPT" line recovery for 6.2:1, 6.3:1 and 6.4:1 gear ratios.

5.0:1 This range of gear ratios and those lower than this, have always been considered as crankbait lures, especially for deep divers. With the appearance of swimbaits the past few years it has grown in favor with many angler's for fishing the usually large and heavy swimbaits. If you're fishing big lipped, deep diving crankbaits or one ounce bottom hugging spinnerbaits choose a reel with a gear ratio between 5.0 and 6.0. Anything higher will likely wear your wrists and hands down to a nub by day's end. I've found the Abu Garcia® Revo Winch that has a 5.4:1 gear ratio to be a great choice when a "slow speed" reel is needed.

Generally, reels within the low speed range of gear ratios, around 5.4:1, will recover 20"-24" of line for each complete crank of the handle.

6.0:1 The 6.0 range is probably the most widely used baitcast fishing reel gear ratio. Fast, but not excessively so. A good choice for buzzbaits, spinnerbaits and lipless crankbaits. Those of us that flip and pitch find the 6.0 range of gear ratio fits the bill nicely, though many now use a reel in the 7.0 range. It's good for jigs, plastic worms, Carolina rigs and lipless crankbaits as well. Actually, this gear ratio can be used for most any application, especially if you are adept at controlling your cranking speed.

Generally, reels with gear ratios of 6.2:1, 6.3:1 and 6.4:1 will recover 26"-28" of line for each complete crank of the handle.

7.0:1 High speed fishing reel gear ratios are becoming more and more prevalent in freshwater baitcast reels. Some anglers use them when "burning" spinnerbaits or crankbaits. Others find them very handy in catching up with bass who run directly at the boat, as many large bass will do. If you're fishing fast, covering a lot of water searching for bass, this gear ratio allows for rapid line recovery and an increased number of casts.

Generally, reels with gear ratios in the 7.0 range will recover 28"-31" of line for each complete crank of the handle. Remember, high speed reels sacrifice "power". Something you might wish you had if hooked up to a really big "hawg".