Baitcasting Reel Ratios…Don’t Fall For The Marketing BS…

Randy has a discussion on the topic of baitcasting casting reel ratios and how companies use marketing strategies to sell products that anglers don’t really need…#baitcastreels #bassfishing #fishing #reels #fishing #casting #marketing #promotion
Baitwrx Intuitive Angling product link…bait-wrx.com/?...

[@walterwest7457]

Thank you for this video and keeping it real about the reels. I still fish occasionally fish with a Lews BB-1 from back when Shimano was making them in the 70’s, it’s 4 : 1 and it works just fine.

[@minhthang0811]

Final update: this little reel is the little engine that could kzbin.infoUgkxSlytCJqozTF7EbdP4LWP-HUXf9WRDJ0e . It performed flawlessly and was easy to adjust drag in the moment while I was battling a 35lb bat ray behemoth. Mind you, this reel is spooled with only 25 lb braid and 25 mono topshot. It's paired with the kastking telescopic heavy power rod and the two work well together. This has now earned my respect and confidence when traveling and fishing. If you have ever hooked into large rays and sharks, you know they pull extremely hard and can run forever! This thing clamped down on the fish and was easy to adjust during the fight. It has a nice decently fast retrieve as well. Twice the fish went on mad runs and I was able to gain back line quickly to avoid spooling.

[@pronoun_dilemma]

You hit the nail on the head. Excellent video.

[@ZhekaSpetz92]

So happy I came across your video sir! I’m looking at a Curado DC and stuck between these dang gear ratios. You mention 7 so I think I will go with a HD Curado

[@jaykay719]

Randy you remind me a lot of my grandpa back when I was younger. Your kids are lucky to have such a cool and good dad.

[@6969201]

Randy you are a legend !

[@menglee6]

so true stick to just one rod combination and learn about that rod with other kind of lures instead of having multiple combination I feel like it just too much learning to do I am having problem just learning how to feel with just one rod I feel like I would miss more fish if I would to use multiple rod

[@kerryparks1979]

I remember 6.1:1 was called a Burner!

[@nathansmith5331]

Great video

[@RIPPNLPS]

Little man is always up to something. Sneaking around and getting that photo bomb in 😂

[@Jmck256]

@Emmanuel Goldstein kind of a dick thing to say. What's it matter to you?

[@shawnbeck2303]

Just before Covid 19 started. My fishing buddy. Convinced me to try a baitcaster reel. I had been using spinning reel's and medium spinning rod's. Mostly Ugly sticks. He bought me a Quantum Pluse baitcaster reel at 6.6 to 1 ratio. A $38.00 baitcaster reel. I put it on a 6'6 Berkley Cherrywood HD MH Baitcaster rod. He said If I didn't like the combo. He would buy it from me. Well,The first year. I got better and better with The Pulse and The Cherrywood HD ROD. I bought another Pulse and a 7' MH Cherrywood HD ROD. The next year I bought a Quantum ACCURIST PT S3 7.0 to1 baitcaster reel and put it on a Berkley Cherrywood HD MH 7' rod. Now, I upgraded to The Quantum Smoke PT S3 baitcaster reel's at 6.1 to 1 and 7.3 to 1 ratios. I will not go higher than 7.3 to 1. I use my Mitchell 300 spinning reel's at 5.7 to 1 for cranks, flatside, spinnerbaits Chatterbaits. These ratios cover everything in bank fishing I need.

[@vernervanschalkwyk2280]

Awesome, honest advice. Thanks Bud. I fish a 6.3:1 and love it.

[@jeffniebanck6387]

Yep. 👍

[@scottnicholson7259]

I have a 6.5:1 ,6.8:1,7.1:1 , 7.5:1 , 8.0:1 and a 8.3:1 and use all of them. But you are right I use the 7s the most.

[@winstonrocco1981]

Heck I’ve got a few royal express abu round reels I thought those at 6:to1 was blazing fast back in the eighties

[@huntergroves2426]

Thank you so much for always shooting it strait. Thats why I never miss an episode. No bullshit. One of your biggest fans. Look forward to your content everyday.

[@winstonrocco1981]

Well I bought 2 revo rockets don’t think I’ve used them twice. 6:3 to 1 is my favorite

[@RCAR77]

Agree for avg new fishing angular that the most common gear ratio to use is the 7.1 you can use it on most applications. Hell you can pair up a 7.1 reel and any Med Fast rod and crank all day long and catch fish. but grab med mod cranking rod oh what a difference. I found out what a difference Gear ration made with Buzz bait fishing. used 7.1.1 starting out it caught fish with no problems. But with the same rod went to 8.1 and man what a difference my buzz bait was right up on top of the water and i was able slow down my retrieve. with that being said yes you can use a 7.1 for almost all applications but is it the most efficient No. So in my option saying its marketing BS is BS in itself. PS Love your posts Keep it up.

[@S2pidMedia]

I tend to largely agree. All of my reels, whether spinning or baitcasting take the same amount of line in inches per turn. However, there's a river and connected pond that I do a lot of fishing in, and for whatever reason, those fish take the lure and head for deeper water very fast. I was losing way too many fish that took the lure and swam towards me because my slower reels couldn't keep up. I bought an Abu García revo rocket in 10.5:1 and I stopped losing fish. Would I recommend it for everyone? No. It's a fantastic reel, but I bought it for a specific set of circumstances. Since I spend 10 or more hours a week on that river, it was worth the cost to boost the number of fish I land there.

[@jihohan6677]

Love this kind of video. I only started fishing a little more than a year ago and I had go through a lot of fishing lingo including gear ratio, rod action, tip, baits, lures, etc. I didn't know what to buy and what to fish with. I probably could have saved a lot of money if I saw a video like this a year ago. Keep up the good work!

[@kevinwill8542]

easy for me all mine are 5-1-1 for movers..7-1-1 for dragging and top water

[@jonathanberchtold7183]

Randy, Could you do a video about how to pick out a decent spinning reel? Not an endorsement for a brand but what makes a spinning reel a good reel.

[@JoeBonnie77]

Yep it's ridiculous🤷🏻‍♂️

[@christopherjames9843]

Many reels I have a couldn't even begin to tell you the gear ratio's. I am too busy catching fish to even care.

[@rick4649]

How did we even catch fish before all of these new innovations!! I couldn’t agree more, if you caught fish with a 6.1 or 7.1 why do you need a 10.1 ?

[@ryanbuckley3314]

I can see how it might be handy to have a 9 or 10:1 on a medium action with some mono for burning spinnerbaits, chatterbits, buzzbaits, or whatnot. Your right, though. I would rather have two, first class reels, than a cheap one for every job.

[@ivanwesley8182]

So funny, I still use Mitchell 300’s and ambassadeur 5000’s. I’m officially an old man 🤷‍♂️

[@danham3344]

Really appreciate your realistic and honest approach to these issues and on life. Not the norm for someone who has been in and around the industry not to take advantage of the consumers on behalf of the companies and sponsors. One of the many reasons that yours and Jonny’s channels are my favorites. Keep em coming Randy!

[@scottclark1168]

I agree,gear ratios have gotten out of hand,I ha e a buddy that throws a spinnerbait on a 3.8:1 shimano curado,and we've won alot of money when they on it,only the bigs eat it,but that only time he gets it out,still to slow for me,lol

[@CSwivel]

Aaron Martens said in a video he prefers a fast 8:5:1 for almost all techniques

[@Thewheelman0]

I use it between a five and seven

[@willperryman4559]

Great tips and truth, and I have stayed with Shimano for 40 years, when I retired my Abu Garcia 5000c and 2500c which I still have. I am retired now and I have all the fishing equipment I could ever need and one day it will belong to my grandkids along with the lures and baits I’ve collected .

[@ETuss713]

A 7 ratio is good but a 8 is best! For my type of fishing (inshore) the higher works best.

[@Zenfit2000]

Thank you for this…being new to fishing it is easy to get caught up in all the different gear.

[@menglee6]

you mention just have 7:1 ratio is enough are you referring to spinning or casting reel?

[@lour3548]

Let me play devil's advocate on the idea that different ratios cause issues. To a large extent, it seems that anglers considering this question of ratios probably have at least a few rod/reel setups. And, it also seems that most choose their "arsenal" for the purpose of using different setups for different types of fishing. To the extent this is true, then we anglers adjust the way we fish as we move from one setup to the next. If the bottom rod has a high ratio reel, and the crank rod has a low-ratio reel, then those ratios are as much a part of how we learn to fish those setups as the rod powers/actions/lengths, line types, and lure types. If it were the case that we anglers who have 6 rod/reel setups, for example, fished them completely randomly with respect to types of lures and styles of fishing, then I would agree with your explanation a bit more. That is, if we simply picked up the closest rod to throw on a spinnerbait, then there could be some extra confusion caused by the reels having different ratios. But, I don't think that's how most anglers do it, in which case, the reel ratio becomes part of the specialization process as much as the rod and line. We learn to use each setup to accomplish the specific tasks for which we use each setup. Having said all of that, I have about half of my reels at low to mid 6's and half at 7 or 7.1:1. I do, however, have a Revo Winch at 5.4:1 that I really do appreciate on a "reaction" rod for bigger crank baits.

[@Mikey-in2ec]

Any secrets about reducing backlashes? Setting magnetic control, do you think line conditioners are helpful and any other variable in line control would be appreciated.

[@jenrizar660]

Is anything wrong with 6.2:1 ratios? What is good for?

[@DigiPimp2]

Thanks Randy for clarifying the issue of so many different reel ratios. Unfortunately I am guilty of collecting quite a few. My average reel costs are in the $100 range and the ratios are 7.0, 7.1, 7.5, 7.6, 8.1 and 10.1. They all feel very different and I’m satisfied with each of them. Just glad to know it’s not necessary.

[@robpatterson2441]

Another great video, Randy! Truly appreciate your honesty and opinions. You clearly and repeatedly state these are your opinions (offered after a lifetime of competitive angling), and always wrap it up with the statement that folks are welcome to try other options, but this is what you found to work for you. Very refreshing!

[@georgetick822]

Agreed Randy. Go ahead and do a rod video as well. I had a friend who fell for that and maxed out a credit card upgrading perfectly fine rods and reals. SMH

[@clydepelton4808]

Randy can you do a video about getting the most distance from your casts? I'd sure appreciate it.

[@voodoobushcraft5162]

What gear ratio would you recommend for spinning reels? Thank you

[@travisbruno1988]

I use 7.5.1 for nearly everything and my BFS reel for trout and panfish.. I have 4 rod setups thats all you need not 20 types of rods and reels..im also not rich.

[@mikeharris130]

All mine are 7.ish :1.

[@Thewheelman0]

14 hour shift and plenty of intuitive angling

[@travisbruno1988]

Your rite 100% you can do it all with that one reel..love the honesty and realness. God Bless and tight lines Randy. We appreciate and love your channel

[@johncagle8355]

Thank you Randy for thinking of the people who just like to fish. People who can't afford a $80 k boat with 20 rods and reels on the deck.

[@johnnyharper5180]

I'll betcha most of those $80k boaters can't afford them either without the 20 year note. Paying 10% down and financing $72k for 20 years at 6% interest equals $515 monthly with total interest paid $51,799. Sum total of $131,799 including down payment!

[@richardjordan9092]

@@johnnyharper5180 youd be an idiot to go that in debt for a sport. Especially if you're just doing it for fun.

[@johnnyharper5180]

@@richardjordan9092 I would never, but I have worked in finance for 30 years and there are many.

[@TN-Vols-Fan]

@@richardjordan9092 After retirement, I worked at BPS for several years. One of those years was spent in boat sales. I can't tell you the amount of folks that would buy a Z-20 or a Z-21, option them out to the max and put them on a 15 to 20 year note. I'm not kidding when I say that I actually tried to talk several of them them out of it so I could have a clear conscience. It never worked. One guy asked me if I really wanted to sell him a rig? As we weren't on commission, I told that "it didn't matter to me one way or the other. I just like sleeping at night." I moved back to the fishing dept and never looked back. Now I've retired from all work.

[@richardjordan9092]

I believe that's what youd call a midlife crisis lol

[@camdenhurst2247]

I think the lower gear ratios should be phased out. They are old technology. You can always slow down your retrieve with a 7:1 to match that of a lower ratio but you can’t speed up a 5:1 to that of a 7:1

[@jkvanderyt]

Thank you for confirming what I already thought! 7:1 does it all!!! Thank you Randy for sharing you experience and knowledge for the good of all anglers 💪🏻🎣

[@RyanCook55]

Appreciate the honesty as always All my reels are 6:5:1. I just purchased a 7:1 bait caster. Thanks again Randy

[@joelreiz3745]

So glad you brought up this subject. I have been thinking about this for a long time. I don’t pay much attention to gear ratio. Too complicated.

[@dcslapout5697]

Thank you for your honest opinion and clarifying all the hype

[@akaJackLugar]

Reel manufacturers and golf club as well realize the 'hot new reel/club' will always find buyers especially when pros endorse. LMAO

[@dannyyork3742]

7-1 speed up or slow down, simple. Great thought Randy! Great video! Love these insight videos!

[@wyatts9646]

Well IMO Just cause the ratio is big or small doesnt mean it cant reel the same speed, it all depends on the spool size and the ratio. so 7:1 wont reel in the same amount on 2 different reels

[@TheMrZanshin]

This old quote is true Most fishing gear is designed to catch fisherman not fish.

[@charlesgrahammacleodstuart510]

Great discussion point Randy! Your points are well received and as always an education to the weekend warriors and bank beaters.. Here is my personal,take on the ratio discussion.. I have 48 reels (Shimano Team for 5 years) and as a retired Invitational angler, I part time in the worlds largest fishing store and have this discussion every day I work. I believe there are three levels of fishing and the gear ratio’s that apply Top water FAST Top water, Frogs etc Mid water 5:1 to 6:8 Spinnerbaits, Crankbaits, Jerkbaits Bottom fishing FAST T and C Rigs, jigs and Mudbugs (a blast from the past LOL) Just my opinion… Oh and I have a 4:1 and when I need that 5th fish.. It’s a doozy!!! 😀

[@hwk611]

Hey Randy! Just got back into fishing after a long break. Just wanted to say thanks for sharing your tips. They are very helpful. I really like your no nonsense approach. Thanks again buddy!

[@jonathangiven9073]

Thanks again Randy for the straight shooting info. I never fell for the different reel ratios, but I had some "guilt" over not having a slow ratio for jigs or worms or whatever...but not enough to dedicate a rod/reel to it. As a non-tournament guy...I'm interested in keeping up with baits and techniques that help me on those days I'm on the water. I like quality gear for the few set-ups I have, so thanks for all your quality no-nonsense info. Hugely entertaining and appreciated.

[@martinford2496]

Thanks for the advice. I like the one-speed reel for all applications.

[@dartdodge69]

Gear ratio is NOT a direct correlation to speed. It's line recovery per revolution. Spool diameter will affect it.

[@ericl2969]

I just looked though all the comments that are here so far, and you are the first guy to say this. To be completely accurate with the language, gear ratio does directly correlate to speed in the mathematical sense, but it's not the only thing controlling speed, so your point about spool diameter is spot-on. Larger reels with larger-diameter spools have higher rates of retrieve, but people tend to be ignorant of that. Also, in recent years people seem to have a real attraction to tiny reels, both for spinning and for baitcasting, and that trend is contradictory to their love affair with high retrieve ratios. Thanks for mentioning this.

[@tablerockkid8237]

As does the amount of line on the spool.

[@MadMaxx89]

Yes! Thank you.

[@jayb7675]

Two hands, a hook and some string is all you really need.

[@michaelkolbe5963]

They are getting out of hand with gear ratio's ! Wish they would make only 4:9.1 5:8.1& 5:4.1 , 6:0.1 and go back to 26-28 inches if line recovery .5:4.1 cranking and 5:8.1 Jigging for bass .Only ratios you need at least for comfort fishing cause some of us do like comfort !

[@dhjhawk]

Agree. Switching gear ratios constantly messes me up. I like knowing the feel of the reel and being comfortable. Great topic again, Randy. Thanks!

[@stevoncrick7078]

I totally agree Randy! Keep on truth telling!!! Love the channel.

[@twiggsherman3641]

Reel ratio's are useful for technique specific applications. When I buy a reel now, it's for a specific technique. I prefer 8:1 for jigs, worms and stuff I want to reel up the slack on quickly. You don't need it, but once you get used to using it, it's hard to give it away.

[@bassstrategy7910]

I agree, to me it’s part of the advantage of building a technique specific setup. I’m not sure I’d exceed 8:1 but I use 6,7 and 8:1.

[@flyslinger2]

I use 5:1 for slow roll spinner baits along the grass on the Potomac river. Helps keep the bait in the pockets and gaps longer.

[@SimplyFishing]

I think this advice needed to be said years ago. Love your channel.

[@mburke1211]

Great advice. I hate to admit that I own 6, 7, and 8:1 reels. Many times, I saw a sale when I wanted a new reel, and all the store had was a 6 or 8 speed reel. I try to set up my combos accordingly, but to your point, I often have to think about what reel I have in my hand with what bait to make sure I fish it appropriately.

[@nineinchrails3361]

I agree so much with what you said in the last quarter of the video. (Marketing & bass fishing) I had just started watching tactical bassin (great channel no hate) and I guess got overwhelmed with all the information and details on every specific bait, color, size, what type of O rings for the hooks, what gear ratio for every bait and rod and I started spending more time when I was shopping for lures trying to find the one or a look a like like the one in the video. As well as spending MUCH more money on the damn things. I eventually realized that I’d always wanna tie on one of my OG lures and had all these other new lures that I barely tied on. That’s all I would be thinking about when I was fishing, is the bait. Granted I learned a lot, their videos are very informative. But you just gotta be careful because you will fall in the trap if not.

[@steve4321able]

Almost all the new Lews high end reels start at a 7 speed. I think it will be the new industry standard.

[@lannyseals2084]

Great video Randy! I use 7:5-1 on all my reel's and never really have any problem's with what I do, would like to step down to the 7:1 reel's and give it a try... thanks for sharing all the awesome content! Stay safe and healthy out there!

[@scottspradau3067]

Thanks for keeping it real, pardon the pun. Love the straight skinny you put out. Knowledge, experience and opinion we can trust.

[@brianpierson7708]

As a kid I have used a zebco 33 and pitched and flipped , frogged , jerk bait , wormed , spinnerbait , cranked and everything in between even used it win the lighting shad came out that ran something like 24’ feet deep or something like that and Over south LA for bass, berm ,catfish, and also for red fish and specks drum and sheepshead it’s like you said u gust have to adjust your speed to what you are using thanks it’s about time someone tells it like it is about that that’s like a good rod is hard to fine anymore because all these kids on KZbin fishing and telling everyone that u have to have a heavy or extra heavy to fish that’s 7’8”. 7’11 and yea I got rods that are 8’ for some stuff but to cast to pin point spots or under docks u need a good rod that is going to fit u and your height that’s have a good day

[@leepao6302]

Couldn’t agree more! Same thing I fish a 7 gear ratio reel too

[@micheledaugherty275]

6.1 ( 28 inches per turn) for my main stays. On moving baits……7.1 (31 inches per turn) for worm & jig applications. 5.1 ( 23-25 inches per turn )on the XDeep Cranks. The key for me has been switching all my reel handles , on all my casting reels to the same Gator Grip power handles. ( Common back in the day, but hard to find now).Everything has the same feel whatever reel I pick-up, I am of the school of using the best ratio for the technique .Whatever reel I use has the same feel ,because of the uniform handles. Rob

[@erichildreth7562]

Thanks for the advice on different reels speeds and I have to agree with you, some of these high speed reels are to catch the consumer. I guess that I can say that I am old school when it comes to reel speeds, I have stuck with the 5.3 and the 6.2, these have worked well for me and as you said it is all about adjusting your reel retrieve. I know that you have waayy more time on the water than I ever have and I really do appreciate all of your tips and advice that you provide to us and it is great to see your son in your videos, you just never know what kids are going to do next!! Thank you sir!! :)

[@jamesblackledge4009]

My prize reel was the 5500C. Many, many years ago. I remember the 5:1 coming out being called a “fast reel”.

[@dennisederer3594]

Thank you for the excellent tips. I use Mitchell 308pro spinning and 13 Fishing 7.1 reels. None of those reels are great by professional standards; however, every reel casts the same. Like you said.

[@bobadams7167]

Thanks Randy! Good info!

[@wienerdoggin74]

Thanks for always keeping it "reel". lol I love all of your no bs content. Thanks Randy!

[@ChewinFat]

Reel speed is like flavors of ice cream it comes down to preference. I will say a buzzbait is a workout on slower reels but doable. If Doug Hannon can catch over 400 10lb bass out of a aluminum Jon boat with old fiberglass rods and mono I’m pretty sure we all can catch bass with any of the equipment available today even the cheapest options will work just my thoughts.

[@chrishaynes2282]

Glad to see somebody out there is honest and speaks the truth. All my reels are 7.1 and I got one 8.1. N I like the 7.1 better.

[@thehedgeknightnc3681]

I'm going to get a 50 to 1 so I can get them in the boat quick.

[@renaudtheis1197]

Are you sure about 7:1 in 1988? In 1996 when I started fishing 6:1 was the fastest I had heard of!

[@darrellgrant7615]

Yes he’s sure and so am I. Bass Pro Shops use to sell the reel in their catalog and I’d drool over that reel every spring when I had my paper routes and that was in the late 80s/early 90s.

[@jamesbeaudry2032]

I still love using my ambassadeur 4600c3 with the 5.3:1 ratio. All my reels are the same and do everything I need them to do

[@seanmccoy6967]

I'm with the kid who posted below. I'm going back to my Zebco 33. Fishing was fun and I did not have to think too hard about what to bring to the lake.

[@bill-qv3er]

I only use 7:1 and 6:4.1 for cranking. All those reels with 8:1 -10:1 are ridiculous and are a bunch of hype and are a waste of money. It is a marketing ploy to take your money.

[@robin_lundahl]

So you only have one rod aswell ? I do agree with you, dont believe you need all speed versions BUT fishing every typ of bait with the same rod and reel is you BEEEP .... Yo do come along way having one slow reel and one fast reel. The universal inbetwener is bad at all types of baits. Go with 6.1:1 and 8.1:1 and you are home.

[@cgharden1]

6.4 and 7.2 ratios do everything I need.

[@scotthanten3405]

Hi Randy, I appreciate you sharing your many years of wisdom and value your opinion backed by experience. Would you consider doing an unbiased video on rods like you did on baitcasters?

[@melf6084]

keep up the great video. watching up here in Ontario,Canada

[@msquared9605]

Goes back to my personal philosophy of fishing. It’s less what gear you use (tackle, baits, rods, reels, boats, etc) and more of how you use your gear

[@huntergroves2426]

Could not agree more. All my gear is SUPER low-budget and I routinely outfish guys that use the best of the best.

[@connorerhardt1767]

I agree with you 100% on the 7:1 ration as the best overall reel for almost everything. But with a 300 size reel i always stay with a 5:1 (4.7:1 on the curado 300) first 300 i bought was a 6.6:1 and i think it brought in like 36 inches of line which is way to quick for most big baits. Along with that if its a pitching or flipping setup you might want a small light reel with a 8:1 just to keep that 30-35 inch retrieve per turn.

[@mikefurness1598]

Have to agree with you Randy! I have reels that run from 6.8 to 7.4 ; 1. And only two brands. It makes a difference I feel to stick to a limited ratio and a brand or two so that you get the same feel every time. Enjoyed the video and the confirmation!

[@bsbill]

Steve Kennedy was flipping bushes in the Classic with an old Curado B. Those only came stock in 6:1 at the highest ratio last I can recall

[@astrophysicistguy]

When I decided to get back into bass fishing after a 29 yr hiatus I went out and bought 6 new reels, all that were identical, 7:1. They all work for every situation, slow, fast and every wear in between

[@endangasgar1876]

I'm agree with you in some point of view especially for those anglers who doesn't have so many fish variations just stick with one middle ratio reel is enough. For some countries which have more fast speed predator fish like giant snakehead in Asia or other similar fishes which just attracted by speeding lure, maybe you need higher ratio such as 8.4:1, 9.2:1 and so on. But off course we don't need to spend all bunch of reels with different gear ratio.. we just need 2 different tackle set i/e medium rod with medium ratio 7:1 and medium heavy/heavy rod with high gear ratio 9:1 to cover all type of fish target from slow retrieve to fast retrieve lure action.

[@kickbonzo1765]

I fell into that hype back in early 80s - had 4:1 for deep run cranks and 7:1 for everything else, all eventually used and still is 7:1 - you control all with it, it’s simply feel as what your using and what is needed during so. I agree 110% if it went that high..