Gear ratios, retrieve rates per species

[skrilla]

In general I prefer the faster reel.

Baitcasters... I prefer faster reels 6:1 or above. For me it's easy to slow my cadence when needed. And when I need to rip line ( sea lion, landing fish in surf, yanking them outta structure, quick retrieve to recast into boils ) I can do so in an instant.

Smaller Squidder size conventionals... I prefer faster 6:1 ratios which puts you at about ~36" per crank. Even with a higher ratio the smaller spool height of these size reels keep torque on the low side.

Medium Jigmaster size conventionals... This is where I have both slower and faster ones. Slower 4 or 5:1 ratio hits the sweet spot for swimming surface irons. Faster 6:1 makes less work for ripping in yoyo jigs and wahoo bombs. The torque difference is more noticable so pick your poison and learn to pump and wind. Metal famed reels will bind less under heavy drag pressures which can allieviate torque loads as well.

Bigger Senator size conventionals... Consider 2 speed reels in this size category. Set it on high gear as your default. Low gear when you need it.