Crankbait Reel

[T7HeadTurner]

Ok so, I've always fished a 6.4:1 Gear Ratio reel for crankbaits. And really like Flo, also a quite stiff rod, Especially for ripping lipless crankbait (In Grass).
Now, today I got my New Weightless Worm Rod and paired it with the 7.1:1 Gear Ratio. Its also My "Pond Rod".
So anyways, I was throwing a Lipless with it and I just dont see my self going back to a 6.4:1 reel ever ....... Always a pain to try to keep up in shallow water.
My question is how many of you guys do the same? I know it kinda makes sence, but what about for square bill, because I'd rather slow down then have to speed up, fishing atleast. Lol. Do you guys use a 7.1 for all crankbaits?
Hope that makes sence.
Also, I was doing a sweeping motion, then just catching up with the reel. It worked wonders (Xr50 Real Gill Chicken Pox), No pics, have a crummy phone. I've been fishing this pond for a few years now, and caught this one bass with a messed up right lip last year, Well darn thing bit again, and it had to be the plumpest little bass I've ever seen, It was gunna pop!!!! Lol. The other didnt seem so full, No eggs this time of the year, Right?

"And they say you can't catch Bass in the Winter"

-Tim

[bassboogieman]

I don't use "high speed" reels when fishing cranks. Only time I would consider one would be for burning lipless cranks. I have a very difficult time cranking a bait SLOW enough, I naturally wind too fast for most applications and have to remember to slow it down. So I use a 6.3 for lipless and shallow divers, and a REVO Winch 5.4 for the medium and deep divers. I prefer a M/m or M/mf rod when fishing lures with treble hooks, unless I ripping traps out of grass then it's MH/f.

[bamabassman]

i odn't use a 7:1.1 for cranks either. i ahve some OLD garcias with a 5:2.1 ratio i use. i also have a david fritz reel that is made JUST for cranking. i use a m with fast tip for cranking.

[Jrob78]

I like a reel in the 6's for lipless cranks around grass. I don't use a 7 gr for any moving baits. Like boogieman, I have to remind myself to slow down with a reel that takes up a lot of line. I usually use a reel with a gear ratio in the 5's for sq bills because that's what I have on my cranking rods. A 6 would be fine for that too though. It really comes down to personal preference, if a high speed reel works for you, by all means use it. There aren't any rules in fishing.

[keithdog]

Here is my lineup for crankbaits.
4.7:1 for larger cranks/deep divers
5.2:1 for medium size crankbaits
6.4:1 for smaller and shallow crankbaits and lipless cranks.
For rods, I prefer a moderate action, but for lipless cranks I prefer a fast action.

[lilmule]

I use a 4/7/1 lews reel on cranks,7/1 is for faster retrieval when pitching or burn a spinner bait, or topwater. 5/1 is next 6/4/1 and 6/3 is spinnerbait and topwater since I own no 7/1 yet.
Eventually ill get one had 32 buck bid on one (Diawa)almost got it.
But not for crankbaits-not me anyway.

[jdw174]

I use a "6" reel for all cranking with the exception of the big deep divers which I hardly ever throw anyway. If I do, then I have a "5" Quantum IRON that works just fine, thanks.

[BigBassin144]

Retrieve speed in inches per turn (IPT) are a much more useful stat to look at, unless you're dealing with big deep divers that need the torque of a low gear ratio reel.

For most cranks, I like something in the 20" IPT range. Reels like the Zillion CC (4.9:1), Revo Winch (5.4:1), etc. The AG Skeet Reese Revo fits this range too, even at 6.4:1.

Lipless cranks can definitely be fished on a faster reel, and if you're burning them, or ripping them out of the grass, it's probably a good idea. I do like to use a slower reels (~20" IPT) in early spring where I want to reel it in as slow as I can to keep it rattling.

BB

[Bassboss]

The only time I cant think of a fast crank bait reel (7:1) being useful is if you're sweeping them like you said. He my best advice for knowing whether or not you want a fast reel for cranking.

Take that 7:1 reel you have, tie a 10' diver on there and cast around a while... let me know how it pans out for ya! lol

Chances are is that you're gonna be pretty tuckered out after 10 casts. Power is the name of the game with crankbaits.. not speed. Get you a 5:1 or even 4:1 for deep divers and you'll be much more happy I promise! I think a 6:1 is fine, even great, for lipless and squarbill crankbaits. But outside that, stick with a slower reel!

[Rebbasser]

Originally Posted by keithdog

Here is my lineup for crankbaits.
4.7:1 for larger cranks/deep divers
5.2:1 for medium size crankbaits
6.4:1 for smaller and shallow crankbaits and lipless cranks.
For rods, I prefer a moderate action, but for lipless cranks I prefer a fast action.

Same here, except I use a 7.1:1 for lipless baits, but only for lipless.

If you are throwing a big bruiser like a Strike King series 5 or a DD-22 the lower the gear ratio the better. I can throw a DD-22 all day using a 4.7:1 but am only good for 5 or so casts with a high speed reel. It will flat wear you out.

[Old Hooker]

Originally Posted by Rebbasser

Same here, except I use a 7.1:1 for lipless baits, but only for lipless.

If you are throwing a big bruiser like a Strike King series 5 or a DD-22 the lower the gear ratio the better. I can throw a DD-22 all day using a 4.7:1 but am only good for 5 or so casts with a high speed reel. It will flat wear you out.

Exactly!!

[lilmule]

4/7/1 and 5/1 for cranks, crig or even t rig anything from 6/1 to 7/1 for wakebaits or topwater or spinnerbaits.Nothing faster than say 6/1 for flipping as have to get them out from where they lay,yeah I know a faster helps cover water faster or retrieve it faster then flip again ,concerned about mrs bucketmouth getting her in not the flip stuff.

[Tavery5]

Originally Posted by lilmule

4/7/1 and 5/1 for cranks, crig or even t rig anything from 6/1 to 7/1 for wakebaits or topwater or spinnerbaits.Nothing faster than say 6/1 for flipping as have to get them out from where they lay,yeah I know a faster helps cover water faster or retrieve it faster then flip again ,concerned about mrs bucketmouth getting her in not the flip stuff.

You should be using your rod for this, the reel is only to retrieve the semi slack line created by pumping your rod. If your using the reel to haul fish out of heavy cover, you may want to try it this way.