Why Gear Ratio Matters for Crankbaits
Crankbaits fish best at the right speed and depth. A slower reel helps prevent overworking the lure and reduces fatigue when pulling resistance-heavy baits all day.
Recommended Ratios by Crankbait Style
Use these starting points and adjust for water temperature and fish mood:
| Crankbait Style | Recommended Ratio | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Diving | 5.1:1 to 5.8:1 | Maintains depth and reduces fatigue |
| Medium Diving | 5.8:1 to 6.4:1 | Good blend of speed and control |
| Squarebill/Shallow | 6.2:1 to 7.1:1 | Faster reaction presentations |
IPT (Inches Per Turn) Can Be More Useful
Gear ratio is important, but inches per turn (IPT) is often the better practical metric. Two reels with the same ratio can retrieve different amounts of line depending on spool size.