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Gear Ratio reel for 6-8" Hudds

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 12:00 pm
by RJB
I'm just getting into swimbait fishing and wanted some input on what gear ratio reels, most of you guys use when throwing bigger swimbaits that you want to keep right on the bottom? Any input would be great! Thanks

Re: Gear Ratio reel for 6-8" Hudds

Posted: Sat Jan 21, 2017 2:54 pm
by Gary Dobyns
I like to use a 5.1 or so gear ratio. It simply helps me fish the bait slower without having to concentrate to slow down!! I like fishing fast but with certain baits it's counter productive. Huds are one of these baits. Worst case, I wouldn't want to fish over a 6.1-6.3 gear ratio for Huds.

Re: Gear Ratio reel for 6-8" Hudds

Posted: Sun Jan 22, 2017 11:39 am
by RJB
Appreciate the reply Gary. Thanks!!!

Re: Gear Ratio reel for 6-8" Hudds

Posted: Mon Jan 23, 2017 5:06 pm
by cib11b
I use a Abu Garcia Orra Winch, Tackle warehouse has them on sale right nor for a killer price. Great reel for less than $100!

Re: Gear Ratio reel for 6-8" Hudds

Posted: Tue Jan 24, 2017 8:25 am
by bassdaddy
I'm going to emphasize what Gary has already stated. My fatal flaw when it comes to fishing Huds is poor pacing. Most of the time, fishing a Hud too fast for the conditions and water temp completely nullifies its effectiveness. For me there is no question that fishing a 5:1 reel helps me slow down and put more fish in the boat. I should be able to make the adjustment on my own but I'm just not wired up to do it, so the slower reel is a solid tool that helps me.

Re: Gear Ratio reel for 6-8" Hudds

Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2018 7:58 pm
by GreenPig
I fish hudds with 4.9 to 6.2 depending on the season. 4.9 is nice for bottom bumping December thru February.

Re: Gear Ratio reel for 6-8" Hudds

Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2019 3:07 pm
by VCSwimmers
as fast as i can get lol . i can slowdown for retrieval but when a big one grabs it and keeps coming toward me or when one hits when im ripping it in 50+ ft of water i want as fast as a retrieve as possible . lost big fish , tournaments and aoy's because of it . doesn't happen alot but enough for me lol