Not sure about what anglers mean when they talk about reel size or gear ratios? You’ve come to the right place. In this article we aim to demystify and break this down, making it easy-to-understand. When it comes to fishing, choosing the right fishing reel can make or break your success on the water. We have all the various factors like fish species, water conditions, fish size and more that goes into selecting the perfect reel for you. You will find there are two key aspects that always jump out, and they are: Reel size and the gear ratio!
So let’s dig into the world of fishing reel sizes and gear ratios. In this article we’ll explore the four most popular reel types: Fly reels, spincast reels, spinning reels, and baitcast reels. Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice fisherman, read on to demystify fishing reel size and ratio specifications.
Reel Size Explained
Selecting the right reel size depends on your fishing technique and target species. In addition to the physical size of your reel other factors like your line strength and line capacity come into play too. And lastly, this is confusing, but you will see some manufacturers call a 300 size reel a 30 or a 100 a 10. It’s not like buying a pair of shoes. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
- Small Reels (1000-2500): Perfect for finesse fishing, light lures, and targeting smaller species like panfish and trout.
- Medium Reels (3000-4000): Versatile choices suitable for various freshwater applications, from bass to walleye.
- Large Reels (5000+): Designed for heavy-duty tasks, including larger freshwater species, saltwater angling, and big game fishing.
Reel Capacity
Keep in mind your reels capacity and try to match the type of fish you’re targeting and the fishing techniques you’ll be using. Capacity of the reel needs to be considered, especially when you’re targeting larger species that might require more line for runs and fights.
These recommendations are not set in stone for any reel by any means. I personally love using SpiderWire line. Spiderwire is on ALL my reels! It’s a thinner diameter line, which allows me to use a heavier strength line, and die to its thinner size, I can add a few more feet of line beyond the manufacturers recommendations.
Gear Ratio Explained
Gear ratio refers to the number of times the spool (or rotor) of a fishing reel rotates with each full turn of the reel’s handle. It’s represented as a numerical expression, such as 6.2:1. The spool rotates 6.2 times for every complete handle rotation. This same formula goes for 5.1:1, 6.4:1, 7.1:1, 8.0:1 9.0:1 gear ratios and so on. Gear ratios simply determine the speed at which you retrieve your line and, consequently, how quickly you can present your bait or lure.
As you gain more experience fishing, and start buying more specialized gear, these decisions make gear ratio one of the deciding factors you will use in choosing a new reel.
So What Gear Ratio Is Best?
It depends on what your wanting to do. Here is a general guideline:
- 5.1:1 to 5.4:1 gear ratio – This range is typically used for deep crankbaiting. Its also used for slow rolling spinnerbaits at times or jerkbaits in cold water.
- 6.2:1 to 6.5:1 gear ratio – This is a pretty universal range. If your throwing stuff like jerkbaits, shallow depth and lipless crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swim jigs, vibrating jigs and umbrella rigs. What is nice abpout this speed is it lets you slow down when the fish ain’t so aggressive, but can give you enough speed to “wake up” a lure.
- 7.1:1 to 9.0:1 gear ratio – So now we’re talking about flippin or froggin, running deep jigs, warm water swim jigs in warmer weather, soft plastic stickbaits, jerkbaits and warm water swim jigs.
For example with finesse fishing. you’re going to want a high gear ratio spinning reel for a couple of different reasons. You’ll be fishing jigs, worms, or small topwaters so picking a high gear ratio reel will be your numero uno choice. Secondly, these lightweight lures will be creating a lot of slack in your line. So you’ll need to retrieve it quickly or your miss the hits.
Everyone will have their own preference, however as you gain more experience and knowledge, you will see how your gear ratio matters and how it impacts not only how you fish, or why you choose a specific rod and reel combo at the lake, but also what you look at when buying that new reel.
Choosing The Fight Reel For Success
Fishing reels are the heart of any fishing rig. The reel transfers power from you the angler, to the line, and then to the fish. Factors like drag systems, material quality, and line capacity all play a significant role, but it is the reel size and gear ratio that forms the core of a reel’s performance. These 2 specifications basically determine how effectively you can control and retrieve your line, which in turn determines your ability to catch different types of fish in various fishing scenarios.
Before we dig into into this, if you’re looking for information on what kind of rod you need. Check out my article on Fishing Rods 101: A Complete Guide for Anglers. Find the right rod to pair up with your reel. Let’s get into it!
Fly Reels
Fly fishing involves delicate presentations and accurate casting. Fly reels are designed to hold the specialized weight-forward or double taper lines used in this technique. Unlike other reel types, the size of a fly reel is often expressed in terms of the line weight it can accommodate. For example, a reel labeled as “5-6 wt” can handle both 5 and 6-weight fly lines.
Here is a general guide to fly reel sizes and the corresponding line weights:
- Small Arbor Reels (2-4 wt): These reels are designed for lightweight fly lines, typically in the 2 to 4-weight range. They are suitable for small trout and panfish fishing.
- Mid Arbor Reels (5-7 wt): Mid arbor reels can handle slightly heavier lines, ranging from 5 to 7-weight. They are versatile and can be used for trout, bass, and other medium-sized species.
- Large Arbor Reels (8-10 wt): Large arbor reels accommodate fly lines in the 8 to 10-weight range. They are suitable for larger freshwater species like salmon, steelhead, and bigger gamefish.
- Extra Large Arbor Reels (11+ wt): These reels are designed for heavy-duty fishing. They can handle fly lines with weights of 11 and above, making them suitable for saltwater fishing and targeting larger species like tarpon, marlin, and tuna.
These size ranges are a guesstimate and usually varies between different manufacturers and models. When you shop for your fly reel, think of the type of fish you’ll be targeting, the weight of your fly rod, and the fishing environment you’ll be in. Having a balanced setup ensures great performance and a more enjoyable fishing experience.
Implications of Gear Ratios in Fly Reels
Unlike other reels like spinning and baitcast reels, fly reels do not typically emphasize gear ratios in the same way. The concept of gear ratios in fly reels is not as important in fly fishing as it relies more on the smoothness of the drag system and the manual control you have over line retrieval.
When you do see a gear ratio it’s usually indicated as a ratio like 1.0:1, 1.5:1, and so on. For instance, a 1.0:1 ratio means the spool turns once for every full handle rotation, while a 1.5:1 ratio signifies the spool turns 1.5 times for every handle rotation. Pretty simple huh? Well…, once we get into spincast, spinning and baitcast reels that ratio goes way up as you’ll see.
Matching Reel Sizes to Fly Rods
Choosing the right fly reel size involves considering the weight and length of your fly rod. A balanced setup ensures optimal performance. Lighter rods suit smaller reels, while heavier rods require larger reels to balance the setup and provide adequate line storage.
As you just learned fly reels are the easiest to figure out. No let’s move on into the Spincast Reel.
Spincast Reels
Spincast reels are easily the most popular reel among beginners for their simplicity and ease of use. Just about everybody starts out with a spincast rod and reel combination. Usually a Zebco. With all reels, size is generally indicated by a numerical value, with smaller numbers representing smaller reels. These reels are often labeled as “10,” “20,” “30,” etc. Its important to remember that these values will vary between manufacturers.
Spincast Reel Sizes
Here’s a general guide on spincast reel sizes along with their suitable fishing line strengths:
- Size 10 (Ultra-Light): These smaller spincast reels are suitable for ultra-light fishing. They are often paired with fishing lines in the range of 2 to 6-pound test. Size 10 reels are great for targeting small panfish, trout, and other lightweight species.
- Size 20 (Light): Size 20 spincast reels work well with fishing lines ranging from 4 to 8-pound test. They are versatile and can handle a variety of light fishing applications, including panfish, trout, and smaller bass.
- Size 30 (Medium-Light): Size 30 reels are typically paired with fishing lines in the 6 to 10-pound test range. They can handle slightly larger fish and are suitable for medium-light freshwater fishing, such as bass, walleye, and larger trout.
- Size 40 (Medium): These reels are capable of handling fishing lines in the 8 to 12-pound test range. They are suitable for medium-sized freshwater species like bass, pike, and catfish.
- Size 50 (Medium-Heavy): Size 50 spincast reels can accommodate fishing lines in the 10 to 14-pound test range. They are ideal for targeting larger freshwater species like big bass, muskie, and small saltwater species.
- Size 60+ (Heavy): Spincast reels in sizes 60 and above are designed for heavy-duty applications. They can handle fishing lines in the 12-pound test and higher range. These reels are suitable for larger freshwater species like catfish, as well as some saltwater fishing for species like redfish and snook.
Gear Ratios and Their Impact on Spincast Reels
Gear ratios influence the retrieval speed of spincast reels. A higher gear ratio (e.g., 4.5:1) results in faster line retrieval, making it suitable for scenarios where quick retrieves are essential, such as covering large areas.
Ideal Applications for Spincast Reels
Spincast reels are great for beginners and are well-suited for light to medium fishing applications. They are particularly effective for panfish, trout, and other small to medium-sized species. Their simplicity and ease of use make them a staple in family fishing outings.
Spinning Reels
Spinning reels are versatile and suitable for a wide range of fishing styles. Most of my fishing rods and reels are spinning rigs and the ones I use the most. The reel size is often indicated by a numerical value similar to spincast reels. Sizes are generally indicated by numerical values, and these values can vary slightly between manufacturers.
Here’s a general guide to spinning reel sizes along with their suitable fishing line strengths:
- Size 1000-2000 (Ultra-Light to Light): Spinning reels in this size range are designed for ultra-light to light fishing applications. They are often paired with fishing lines in the range of 2 to 8-pound test. These reels are ideal for targeting small panfish, trout, and finesse fishing.
- Size 2500-3000 (Light to Medium-Light): Spinning reels in this size category can handle fishing lines ranging from 6 to 10-pound test. They are versatile and suitable for various freshwater species, including bass, walleye, and larger trout.
- Size 4000-5000 (Medium to Medium-Heavy): Reels in this size range are capable of handling fishing lines in the 8 to 14-pound test range. They are well-suited for medium-sized freshwater species such as bass, pike, and catfish.
- Size 6000-8000 (Heavy): Spinning reels in these larger sizes can handle fishing lines from 10 to 20-pound test. They are suitable for heavy freshwater applications and can target larger species like muskie, stripers, and smaller saltwater species.
- Size 10000+ (Extra Heavy): Spinning reels in this size category are designed for heavy-duty applications. They can handle fishing lines in the 15-pound test and higher range. These reels are suitable for big game freshwater fishing, as well as some saltwater fishing for larger species like tarpon, snook, and redfish.
Just like a spincast or baitcast reel, you have to consider both the line strength and the line capacity of the spinning reel when choosing the right size for your fishing needs. The size of the reel should be balanced with the fishing rod you’re using for optimal performance. Matching the reel size to your target species and fishing techniques will help you make the most of your angling experience.
Influence of Gear Ratios on Spinning Reels
Gear ratios play a crucial role in spinning reels, determining how quickly you can retrieve your line. A higher gear ratio, such as 6.2:1, yields a faster retrieval rate, making it effective for techniques like fast-paced lure presentations. The most common gear ratio for spinning reels runs from 5.2:1 to 6.2:1.
Pairing Spinning Reels with Fishing Techniques
Spinning reels are renowned for their versatility, making them suitable for various techniques such as finesse fishing, jigging, and casting lightweight lures. Choose a reel size and gear ratio that align with your preferred fishing style.
Ready to move on to our last reel? Let’s do it!
Baitcast Reels
Baitcast reels offer you precision and control. This makes them very popular among experienced anglers. Just like spinning reels, baitcast are sized numericaly indicating their capacity and size. Like all reels, these values will vary between manufacturers. Here’s a general guide to baitcast reel sizes along with their suitable fishing line strengths:
- Size 100-150 (Light to Medium-Light): Baitcast reels in this size range are designed for light to medium-light fishing applications. They are often paired with fishing lines in the range of 8 to 12-pound test. These reels are suitable for finesse fishing, targeting smaller bass, trout, and other medium-light species.
- Size 200-250 (Medium): Baitcast reels in this size category can handle fishing lines ranging from 10 to 15-pound test. They are versatile and can handle a wide range of freshwater species, including bass, walleye, and larger trout.
- Size 300-350 (Medium-Heavy): Baitcast reels in this size range are capable of handling fishing lines in the 12 to 20-pound test range. They are suitable for medium-heavy freshwater applications and can target larger species like pike, muskie, and bigger bass.
- Size 400+ (Heavy): Baitcast reels in these larger sizes can handle fishing lines from 15-pound test and higher. They are designed for heavy-duty applications and can target big game freshwater species such as catfish, stripers, and large muskie. Some models in this size range can also be used for saltwater fishing.
It’s important to note that baitcast reels are often used for precision casting and accuracy, so choosing the right size for your specific fishing needs is crucial. Additionally, matching the reel size to the fishing rod and the type of lures you’ll be using will ensure a balanced setup that performs optimally. Always consider the fishing line strength, the species you’re targeting, and the techniques you’ll be employing when selecting the appropriate baitcast reel size.
The Dynamics of Gear Ratios in Baitcast Reels
Gear ratios are a huge focus point with baitcast reels because of the direct impact it has on line retrieval and lure presentation. Baitcasters, usually start at 5.5:1 and go up to 9.3:1. Experienced and professional anglers will often use the higher gear ratios like 7.1:1 to 9.1:1
Here are you’re basic gear ratios for baitcasters:
- Low Speed: 5.5:1 to 6.6:1 are often used with heavy lures such as big crankbaits or swimbaits.
- Medium Speed: 6.7:1 to 7.9:1 are often used with Spinner baits, plastic worms, swimbaits, bottom bouncing rigs, etc.
- High Speed: 8.1:1 to 9.3:1 are often used with long casting, open water fishing, flipping and pitching from a boat and when bass fishing in or close to cover.
Wrapping Things Up.
As you embark on your angling journey, do not underestimate how important fishing reel sizes and gear ratios are. These specifications will have an impact your casting distance, retrieval speed, and overall fishing experience. By understanding all the nuances across different reel types – fly reels, spincast reels, spinning reels, and baitcast reels – you can make informed decisions that will lead to high fish catch success rate. Remember, the right reel size and gear ratio can transform a fishing outing into a memorable adventure filled with hooked trophies and thrilling battles.
