What Gear Ratio Should I Pick?
Gear ratio trades torque for speed. Slow (5.0:1-5.5:1): maximum cranking power for deep crankbaits and big swimbaits. Medium (5.6:1-6.5:1): the all-purpose default for jigs, worms, and general use. Fast/Extra-Fast (6.6:1 and up): burn reaction baits and cover water quickly. Full IPT reference: The Fishing Gear Numbers.
The one thing to know: A reel's gear ratio (e.g. 6.2:1) is turns-per-crank, not speed by itself — actual retrieve speed (inches per turn, IPT) also depends on spool diameter, so two 7.0:1 reels from different lines can retrieve different amounts of line per crank.
Check IPT, not just the ratio number
Two reels with the same gear ratio can retrieve different amounts of line per crank if their spool diameters differ. Manufacturers publish inches-per-turn (IPT) alongside the ratio — use that figure to actually compare retrieve speed across models, not the ratio alone.
This page is general spec guidance, not a performance guarantee for any specific reel or fishing condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
A medium ratio (5.6:1-6.5:1) is the most common all-purpose recommendation — it retrieves fast enough for general use without sacrificing so much torque that deep-diving crankbaits or heavy jigs feel like a chore.
Usually, but not guaranteed — actual retrieve speed (inches per turn) also depends on the spool's diameter, so two reels with different gear ratios can have closer real-world retrieve speeds than the ratios alone suggest. Check the manufacturer's stated IPT.
A slow ratio (5.0:1-5.5:1) is generally preferred, because it delivers more cranking torque per turn, making it easier to grind a wide-lipped, deep-diving crankbait through a long retrieve without fatigue.
A fast to extra-fast ratio (6.6:1 and up) is typically preferred, since these techniques benefit from a quick, burning retrieve speed more than raw torque.
Many dedicated anglers keep at least two reels — a slower-ratio reel for crankbaits/big swimbaits and a faster-ratio reel for jigs, worms, and reaction baits — rather than compromising on one all-purpose ratio.