I read somewhere that low gear ratio's are better for using swimbaits..I suppose for greater strength in fighting the fish and possibly easier to use for the slower retrieves with these lures. Is this correct?

4.7/1?

http://www.bassfan.com/bigbass_article.asp?ID=8

I use both 6.3 and 5.8/1 reels but I'm a newbie to the big baits.

Dan

"Drill Here, Drill Now, Pay Less"

Deo Vindice

I use a CTE300 and it is 5:1 for my larger baits or if I'm going to use heavier line. But I use a Chronarch that is 6.2:1 for my smaller stuff. I think it all comes down to personal preference.

Most of the larger reels are going to be 4.7 or 5:1.

My overall thought on gear rations for bass is that faster is better because its not as if bass pull so hard that they wear you out on a high gear ratio. To me, fishing for bass with a low retrieve ratio would be like buying an offroad truck with low gears when you only drive on the freeway.

People like to make a case for using low retrieve reels on big crankbaits, and I understand why because its physically easier to turn the handle and it forces you to slow down, but if you get used to working the bait at the 'right' retrieve on a 6:1 its not as if they bait does anything different in the water on the high speed reel vs. the low speed reel. Swimbaits are the same way, even though the baits are heavier its not like you're going to get worn out on a high speed reel.

As it is, the best swimbait reels are calcutta TE's and the 300 and 400 are 5.0:1 ratios. If they had a 6:1 or highter I'd use that but 5:1 does the job great as it is. Maybe they'll come out with the levelwind version of the Trinidad 12 some time :)

I think we're all forgetting that the gear ratio is less important as to the line retrieve in inches. A larger spool with a "lower" ratio can take up line as fast as a similar reel with a smaller spool and a higher gear ratio.

For example a Curado with a 6.2:1 ratio takes up 26" of line per handle revolution.

A CTE300 takes up 25 inches, very close for the gear ratio being a point off. A 5:1 Curado takes 21". Rob I think you need the 7:1 Curado with 30" of line pick up. }(