Rod and Reels and gear ratio

Question
Hi I have been bass fishing for some time now but I have never asked what the gear ratios mean, I kind of have an idea but am not sure. Right now I have 2 reels that are 6:3.1 and was thinking of buying an Abu Garcia Ambassaduer D5 Series bait cast reel that has a gear ratio of 5:3.1 whats the diffrence and also what kind of line is good for this? Another thing what kind of rod would you suggest and type of techniques would you be able to do with this type of reel? Any info would be greatly appreciated

Answer
Samuel; The gear ratio is the ratio of the turning of the spool to the turn of the handle.  A 6.3:1 means that for each turn of the handle the spool turns 6.3 times.  While a 4.2:1 means the spool only turns 4.2 times for each turn of the handle.  A higher ratio means line can be taken in faster while the lower ratio gives more power to bringing in the line.

I have heard people say that the ratio is the number of inches of line brought in by each turn but this can't be a true measure because as more line comes in the diameter of the spool increases causing each turn of the spool to take in more line than would a nearly empty spool.

A high gear ratio is usually desireable when one wants to make the lure move faster in the retrieve.  When one wants the lure to move slower a lower gear ratio is desireable.
Of course the fisherman can slow down or speed up but it is more difficult to crank fast enough with a low ratio reel to keep a buzz bait on the surface for example.  It is some what easier to go the other way.  i.e. It is easire to reel slowly to slow roll a spinnerbait with a low ratio but if you have a high ratio it is possible to slow down.

The kind of rod and line you need depends on what size fish you expect to catch, how long casts must be made based on clarity of water, and how much stuff you will have to work the fish through to get him to the boat or ashore.

Personally I use a medium action rod of 6 to 6 1/2 feet and I have been using garcia 5000 or 5500 series reels for nearly 50 years.  I still have a couple that are over a  quarter century old.  I like 14lb mono line on one reel and 17 on others.  The 14lb is best for casting light lures while the heavier line is used for larger heavier lures.  I have another reel that I have spooled with 30lb/8lb diameter spider wire line for special heavy use.  I also keep a spinning outfit loaded with either 8 or 10lb mono.
The lake where I fish is much covered with drowned timber and lots of heavy weed growth.  If I were fishing a less heavily wooded lake I might go a little lower like 12 and 14 instead of 14 and 17 on my casting reels and 6lb on my spinner.

I use my casting reels for about 80-90% of my bass fishing although I sometimes use my spinning outfit for light plastic worm fishing.  Of course the size of fish in this lake is much greater than in many of the lakes I used to fish up north.  An 8lb bass doesn't even qualify to get your picture in the local paper, it takes at least one of 12 pounds or mord.  That is one reason I use a little heavier tackle.  I wouldn't want to hook that 12-14lb bass and have him break off.

I am not familiar with the Ambasdsaduer D5 but Most Garcia reels are good quality.  The 5.3:1 is sort of a midle of the range reel not real fast but not slow either but with plenty of power for most uses.  It is not necessary to pay a high price for a rod either.  I never pay more than $25 for a rod.  The reel is more important.  I pay $60 or so for a reel Ambassadeur 5500C.   I also buy one of the major brands of line. I use Trilene but I am sure Stren or some of the others are just as good.

I hope this has been of some help for you.  Thank you for using me for your question.   If there is anything else I can do for you please contact me via All Experts.

I  Am

Jack L. Gaither  (JackfromSeminole)
Lake Seminole GA.