Selecting a Fishing Reel for the Technique and Job at Hand

Baitcasting, Spinning, High-Speed or Low Gear Ratio | Which fishing reel when, where and why?

Baitcasting, Spinning, High-Speed or Low Gear Ratio | Which fishing reel when, where and why

Like anything on the market, us as consumers have the ability and access to a multitude of brands of fishing reels to choose from.  These reels can come in numerous designs and price points, the obvious statement here is to find a reel you are comfortable with and at a price point you can afford.

Either before or after you have narrowed down a price point for the reel you are looking at, it is important to look at the nitty gritty details of fishing reels.

Many reel manufacturers offer several models of the same reel, but in different gear ratios.  For example, the Wright & McGill Victory II casting reel comes in two models, one that has a gear ratio of 7.0:1 and the other has a ratio of 6.3:1.  What this means is that per crank of the reel handle, the higher gear ratio reel will bring in 27.5” of line and the lower gear ratio model brings in 23.5” of line. 

Here is a look at what situations require a high speed reel and others that need a low and slow approach.

High Speed Reel – 7.0:1 or Higher

These high speed reels, which as highlighted above, pick up more line in a short amount of time, shine in several situations; Carolina-rigging, topwaters plugs and flipping.  In all of these situations you need to be able to pick up the slack in your line as fast as possible, this way you will be able to get a solid hook set on that fish.  When fishing topwaters such as frogs or plugs, like a Zara Spook, you want to have the ability to get your lure back to the boat and make a new cast as quickly as possible, as when you see fish breaking the surface you don’t want to miss that action.

Low Speed Reel – 6.3:1 or Lower

Now the obvious situations where you want a slower retrieve reel is when the water is cold and the fish want a slower presentation.  This means in the spring when slow rolling a spinnerbait, or in the spring/fall when working a jerkbait very slowly.  But a lower gear ratio reel also excels when fishing deep diving crankbaits, as you are bringing less line in with each crank of the handle, this will ease the stress on the reel and your forearm.

Drag & Reel Handle

Two important features I look for in a reel, and found in the Wright & McGill series, is a strong, powerful, smooth drag and the reel handle itself.  The reel’s drag is what stands between you landing that big bass of a lifetime and just another fish story you tell to your buddies at the bait shop.  I want a drag that I can both crank down super tight when frogging or punching heavy cover, yet loosen up when fishing topwater plugs or crankbaits.  In either situation the drag needs to perform and not fail when it counts.  I like a reel handle that has big knobs, this allows me to quickly find them and start cranking that bass in.  A big reel handle also is very helpful when fishing in the rain or early/late in the season when your hands are chilled and may not have the most dexterity.

Spinning Reels

Despite the presentations that are rigged up on a spinning rod/reel combo being primarily under the finesse category, the spinning reel itself should be big.  What I mean here is the size should at least be in the 3000 or 300 (actually number depends on the brand) plus size.  What this means is that the spool size is bigger, meaning the line will come off the spool smoother.  This results in greater casting distance and less memory in your fishing line.  I like to use the Wright & McGill Victory Pro Carbon 3000 spinning reel, which like it’s casting counterpart features an oversized, soft touch reel handle.  This handle provides me with the maximum amount of control when fighting a bass.

When you are starting to put together your rod and reel combinations for next fishing season, be sure to make sure that the rod and reel fit together and perform in unisons.  This will help you improve your casting distance, feel and fish fighting ability.

Glenn Walker has been fishing tournaments for over ten years, spreading his passion and knowledge of the sport via articles and videos.  For more information, visit him at his website or on Facebook.