How To Choose The Right Gear Ratio For Your Fishing Reel

For some people, fishing is a leisurely activity to help them relax and unwind on the weekends. For others, fishing is a sport or a means of survival. All of these people need to ensure they have the correct gear to get the job done, including the right gear ratio for their fishing reel.

Choosing a gear ratio for your fishing reel depends on the presentation you are using. Low gear ratios are best for high resistance presentations. Middle-ground ratios are better when you are keeping tension on the line. Use high-speed gear ratios for set-ups that require some slack on the line.

Trying to find the perfect gear ratio for your fishing reel does not have to be a challenge. We will break down everything you need to know about fishing reel gear ratios and when to use them. After reading, you will be fully prepared to upgrade your gear!

The Different Gear Ratios and Why They Matter

If you are new to fishing, it is easy to be overwhelmed by the different types of gears and all their settings. No need to worry! We are here to help you sort it all out. To begin, let's discuss what the gear ratio of a reel even is.

A fishing reel's gear ratio refers to how fast it pulls in the line. You can find the gear ratio on the bottom of the reel. Gear ratio format looks like this, x:1.

The first number depicts the number of rotations the spool will do for every complete handle turn. For example, a gear ratio of 4:1 means the spool spins four times every time the handle makes a full rotation.

Great, now we know what a fishing reel gear ratio is. But why do we need it and how do the different gear ratios affect your fishing? Well, we will explain the differences between the ratios here in a minute, but let's address that first question.

Fishermen use different gear ratios to perfect their various presentations. A fisherman's presentation refers to how the fish interpret their bait in the water. Some presentations attract different types of fish. Additionally, some presentations will be more appropriate in specific circumstances, while others are pretty much the same, regardless of where you go.

So, how is gear ratio measured, and how does it change between reels? There is a standard for gear ratios. No matter what reel or company you have, equivalent gear ratios will not differ. Some reel companies even color-coordinate their gear ratios.

There are several other terms you may hear when researching reel speed and gear ratios. These terms are inches per turn and line pick-up rate.

Line pick-up rate is more accurate than a gear ratio. Line pick-up rate is recorded in inches per turn (IPT) and measures how much line one turn of the handle collects. While gear ratios do not vary, spool sizes do! For this reason, it is best to choose a reel based on its line pick-up rate. This measurement will more accurately describe the speed of the reel.

While it might be tempting to purchase the first reel you see at the tackle shop, choosing the proper gear ratio plays a significant role in successful fishing. The variation in gears will allow you to change your presentation depending on your fishing situation. So what do the different gear ratios do? We'll discuss that in the following sections.

The Different Gear Ratios and When to Use Them

As you already know, there are three different gear ratios: Low, Middle, and High. Reel gear ratio refers to the number of times the spool spins with one handle rotation. We also learned that the different gear ratios allow us to perfect various presentations.

But when should we use the different gear ratios? Well, let's explore each of the gear ratios more in-depth below.

Low Gears

A low gear ratio is anything 5.4:1 and below. Fishermen refer to reels with a ratio in this range as low-speed reels. Why are they called this? Well, they are just slower at reeling the line in than other reels.

So, why would you want a slow reel? Isn't fishing about being fast? Not all the time.

A reel with a lower gear provides more strength and resistance against the fish's fight. When batting a big fish, you do not have to use as much of your energy.

When using a lure that creates underwater drag or resistance, a lower gear ratio is best. Because the reel pulls the line in slower, it reduces your chances of moving the lure too fast. These presentations might include crankbaits or large spinners. Need some more ideas of what to cast with a low-speed reel? Watch the following video!

In the video, the creator mentioned that fish are “lethargic” in the winter. This is actually a good situation where you would want to use a low-speed reel.

Consider the following scenario. You are using a high-speed reel during the colder months of winter. You cast your bait, and as you reel it in, it moves much faster than it would with the slow-speed reel. The slower-moving fish might be chasing your bait but cannot catch it.

Think about using a low gear reel when fish might be moving slowly and need more time to catch the bait.

Middle Gears

Middle gear reels are any reel with a gear ratio between 5.4:1 and 6.4:1. These reels are slightly faster than the low-speed reels, yet not as quick as the reels with high gear ratios. Gear ratios in this range still tend to be classified as slow-speed reels. For this reason, fishermen prefer to use them with slower presentations.

Reels with middle gear ratios are very versatile. You can use this versatile reel for nearly any type of presentation. A reel with a middle-ground gear ratio will cast further than a reel with a low gear ratio. When fishing with a middle gear reel, you can also balance the tension and slack on the line better.

With the somewhat slower speed, the even pace of the reel reduces the amount of lift on the lure. These conditions lead to a better presentation and increased chances of landing a fish.

If you are learning how to fish, start with a middle gear ratio reel. The versatility of the reel will allow you to practice and perfect all the different presentation techniques. As your fishing skills advance, consider getting either a low or high gear ratio reel. You will ultimately want to purchase the reel with the gear ratio that best matches your fishing style.

High Gears

Reels considered to be high-speed have a gear ratio of 6.4:1 and up. The highest gear ratio reel you will find is 10.1:1. However, not all reel types can achieve such high speeds. For example, spinning reels stop at 7.1:1 while bait casters have a maximum potential of 10.1:1.

Some fishermen consider reels with gear ratios between 6.4:1 and 7:1 to be middle gears. However, in general, they fit into the high-speed reel category. Reels within this range are still fairly versatile, allowing you to use a variety of presentations.

As you reach the high gear ratios, you can let more slack out on your line. Because the reel brings the line in faster, you can afford to put more room between you and the fish.

These reels are ideal for fishing in deep areas, where you need to bring the fish to the surface. They can also be of use when fishing in areas with lots of vegetation. If the line collects more vegetation, it could snag, and the fish could break free. With a high-speed reel, you can pull the fish out of the vegetated area faster.

You can even use a high-speed reel to skip baits on top of the water! Not sure how to make your bait jump across the surface of the water? Watch the following video to find out!

This clip only discussed the types of bait you can use and techniques used to skip them; however, at the beginning of the video, he explains what kind of rod you want and how to set your reel settings. Consult the video to learn about these factors of perfecting the skip cast!

In summary, each of the different gear ratios allows you to achieve various presentations while fishing. The presentation you use could be the difference between landing a fish and going home empty-handed.

If you are new to fishing, start with a middle gear ratio reel. A reel with a gear ratio in this range will allow you to practice the various presentation types. However, more advanced fishermen and women should use a low or high gear ratio reel (depending on their circumstances).

Most Common Reel Gear Ratio

Although there are many different gear ratios, one ratio tends to be more common than the others. Why does this matter? This gear ratio is more common because it is easier for all fishermen to use.

If you are looking to get a reel for some fun, family fishing, and grab the first reel you see on the rack, you have a good chance of selecting this generic reel.

So what is the most common reel gear ratio?

The most popular fishing reel gear ratio is 6.4:1. Why? For all the reasons we discussed above. This middle-range gear ratio allows you to cast all variations of presentations. This reel gear ratio does not allow you to specialize in a specific type of presentation; however, it does expand your tool belt.

This fishing reel gear ratio is perhaps the most common sold because it caters to the everyday fisherman. You do not have to specialize in spinning lures or skipping bait to use it. This generic reel allows you to have fun, and that is what fishing is all about.

So get yourself a 6.4:1 reel and start casting slow or fast lures. With this reel, all fishing presentations are within your capability!

Fishing Tips

While using the proper gear ratio does play a factor in the success of your fishing trip, it is only the beginning. To help you become a master fisherman, we have compiled a list of three of the best fishing tips. Let's get started!

Pick the Best Time of the Day

Finding time in your busy schedule to go fishing might be difficult. However, planning your fishing trip for the best time of the day will yield better results.

During the heat of the day, fish are less likely to rise to the surface where the water is warmer. Additionally, if the water's temperature increases too much, the fish will be sluggish and less likely to bite. Go fishing when the fish are active instead (usually in the morning or the evening).

Time the Weather Right

In addition to choosing the right time of day, you need to time your fishing trip for the correct weather conditions. While you could go fishing on any day, some weather conditions may be more favorable.

Fishing in the rain might not sound like an ideal trip, but some light rain can be of benefit. As the rain falls, it knocks bugs out of the air. The bugs then land on the water's surface for the fish to eat. Use a surface lure to attract more fish to bite during these weather conditions.

Use the Lure / Bait Properly

The above tip alludes to this principle. By using a surface lure during the rain, you are imitating the bugs falling from the sky. Do the same with all your baits and lures!

No matter what type of lure or bait you are using, it should accurately reflect the fish's food source it is imitating. If the lure does not move properly through the water, the fish likely will not bite it.

Many fishermen and women feel as though they have to stick with one type of lure or bait. However, this might be hindering your fishing trips! If one presentation is not working, do not be afraid to switch it up! Different baits and lures might work better than others.