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Baitcaster Gear Ratio Guide
The right gear ratio makes lures behave as intended and keeps you in contact with the fish.
Reading the numbers
A 7.1:1 reel turns the spool 7.1 times per handle turn. Line retrieved per turn equals roughly the ratio × the spool circumference at the current line level, so a fuller spool picks up more line. Manufacturers list inches per turn (IPT) for a full spool: around 22–26 IPT is slow, 26–31 medium, 31+ fast.
By technique
| Technique | Suggested ratio |
|---|---|
| Deep crankbaits | 5.x–6.x:1 |
| Spinnerbaits and chatterbaits | 6.x–7.x:1 |
| Topwater | 6.x–7.x:1 |
| Texas rigs and jigs | 7.x–8.x:1 |
| Pitching and flipping | 7.x–8.x:1+ |
| Swimbaits | 5.x–7.x:1 depending on lure |
If you only own one baitcaster, a 7.x:1 reel covers most techniques — you can always reel a fast reel more slowly. Compare low-profile baitcasters.