REELS
by Chuck Bailey
When driving a car, there are times when you travel at 25 miles an hour through the crowded streets of the city, and other times when the open highway allows you to fly at 60-70 miles an hour. Likewise, there are times when a deep-diving crankbait needs to go slow to obtain maximum depth and stay there, (excessive speed can actually prevent a lure from getting down), and there are times when you speed reel, (“crank and burn”), a lipless crankbait across the top of submerged weeds.
Problem is, unlike a car, a reel does not have a transmission or the ability to change gears. So many anglers buy a slower reel (3.8-1) for deep-divers, and a faster reel (6.1-1) for speed reeling. Those who can afford only one reel pick something in between (4.1-1 or 5.1-1).
GEAR RATIOS:
Gear ratio is a hotly debated issue. But it comes down to preference. Every angler is different. There are those professional who claim that it is not natural for an angler to use a 6.1-1 reel and slow it down by just barely turning the reel. Others, (like Al Linder), disagree, and claim they use a high gear ratio reel for everything – it’s just a matter of learning speed control. Rick Clunn, (in an attempt to simplify his fishing), uses the same rod and reel for almost everything. Who is right? That depends on personal preferences. Some people just can’t slow their reeling down. Others have no trouble with just barely rotating the handle of a high speed reel when slower speeds are needed.
Those who prefer the higher geared reels have other reasons for doing so. The first advantage is that after the crankbait has passed the high percentage areas where you believe the fish should be, you can zip the bait back to the boat in a hurry and get it back in the water quickly. “Time” in a precious commodity in a tournament, and more casts mean more opportunities for picking up fish.
The second advantage is when a fish runs at the boat – most fish are lost on a slack line. A high speed reel allows you to take up the slack quickly, and better control the fish. Slower geared reels are harder to keep the pressure on the fish.
TORQUE OR SPEED?
Why use a slower gear ratio reel at all? Some suggest: Torque and less fatigue. Low gear reels (3.8:1 ratio) provide more power to get the fish away from heavy cover, and reduce the hard work related to driving a deep-running crankbaits to their maximum depth. However, high-speed reel proponents argue that torque, (extremely useful in horsing big fish out of heavy structure), is not a big factor in crankbait fishing. The need to maintain constant pressure on the fish is considered more important than torque and this is where the high geared reels shine. However, if you are throwing a deep-diving crank all day long, (with water displacement and resistance at its highest), a lower geared reel will be a lot less tiring.
Some people have no trouble slowing down a crankbait with a high-speed reel, others find it impossible. Before a beginner invests in a quality reel – they should borrow several in different gear ratios and experiment. Can you comfortably slow down a high-speed reel to fish deep-divers? If not, try a slower geared reel and see if you can speed reel a lipless crank fast enough? If not you may need two reels to get the job done.
Every angler is different - go with what feels right. If you can afford several specialty reels for cranking – buy them. If your budget is limited – pick something in the mid-geared range. It all boils down to using what helps you get the job done!
LEFT OR RIGHT HANDED?
A couple of minor things to consider: if you are use to throwing spinning equipment, you know that the handle is typically on the left side. However, the majority of the handles on baitcasting reels are on the right side. This requires a right handed angler to cast with their right hand, transfer the reel and rod into their left hand, and reel again with the right. Unless you are already accustomed to this technique, beginners buying their first baitcasting reel might consider buying left-handed reels. This allows you to throw with your right hand and immediately turn the handle with your left, (just like in spinning), with no hand transfer required. It is more efficient and quicker. Again – borrow a left-handed reel and experiment.
(Note: the cost of manufacturing a reel in both right and left-handed models is expensive so not all models come in left-handed versions. Admittedly, this is a disadvantage. However, most popular reels eventually come in both right and left-handed models, as this left-handed option is gaining popularity.)
BAITCASTING OR SPINNING?
Remember; spinning reels are being used by more and more professionals, and are especially selected for throwing small, lighter crankbaits baits. They also shine in windy conditions. Baitcasting is preferred by most professionals for everything else. This is a personal preference; select the model that works for you, but make sure it has a smooth drag and large line capacity.
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