[otis44]

Looking to buy another baitcaster, to throw light cranks, small spinnerbaits and smaller jerkbaits that are too much for spinning tackle. I own some citicas, but i'm partial to the round reels and thinking about a abu 4600C4, which is 6/3/1. I own an abu 4600C3 which is 5/1, and like the reel, I just don't want to end up with a small reel w/high ratio that feelsl like you are pulling in a 20lb striper when retrieving a shallowing running crank. Any advice. Thanks

 

[Brownfish03]

Well, I use a Shimmano Currado (sp?) 5.0.1 ratio for my small cranking.....really, you can throw small cranks on a higher speed reel, you just have to mentally tell yourself to slow down. I think its a money question...do you have the extra cash to get a technique specific reel or are you going to have to use this reel for other applications......and can you make yourself slow down???? You wouldnt throw a buzzbait on a low gear ratio reel cause' you'd kill yourself trying to keep it up on top. If it were me, Id buy a reel dedicated to throwing smaller cranks on in the 5.0 ratio!

 

[Countryboy]

if you like the round reels look at the ABU Record it is a very nice reel

 

[softworm]

I have one 5.0:1 ratio reel that I bought just for cranking I rarely use it anymore, all of mine are 6.3:1 I have taught myself to slow down especially in early spring throwing crankbaits. I fish to dt 16's with the high speed reels and don't have any trouble cranking them. It just what you get used to. I remember when I threw everything with a 5.0:1 reel even buzzbaits, we didn't always have these high speed reels.

 

[snoot]

your better off staying with 5.1:1 or close to it for cranking . I use a 4..3:1 for spinnerbaits in stain and 6.3:1 for clear water. just depends on your application.

 

[Softbaitmaker]

Again it is what you like. I don't own a round reel. I can't get the distance on the cast I can from Low Profiles. If your going to by a round reel look at the Calcuttas if your pocket book can deal with them. I have not looked at the prices of them recently but I have heard guys talking about them. I would definately stay around 5.1 gear ratio or maybe a little slower even if you can find a 4.1.1. for small cranks and spinner baits. JMHO

 

[Z-91]

I would stick with the ABU's in the C3 series if you want an all around reel. Now if you want to go real slow get the 5500C4 winch with a gear ratio of 3.8 to1 this is what I use for late winter, early spring and deep diveing crankbaits it is a slow reel but I guarantee it will not feel like you are winding in a 20LB striper. Theese reels are in the 60 to 80 dollar price range depending where you buy them.

 

[smalljaw]

Look at the line recovery per handle turn, I've seen reels that have a 6.3:1 gear ratio that had a line recovery of 28" per handle turn while a reel that had a 5.1:1 gear ratio had a line recovery of 31" per handle turn. Most round reels have a larger spool so you should be ok with a 5.1:1 gear ratio.

 

[Z-91]

Look at the line recovery per handle turn, I've seen reels that have a 6.3:1 gear ratio that had a line recovery of 28" per handle turn while a reel that had a 5.1:1 gear ratio had a line recovery of 31" per handle turn. Most round reels have a larger spool so you should be ok with a 5.1:1 gear ratio.

Just curious which reel has a line recovery of 31" and is 5.1:1 ratio?

 

[River Pro]

I use a Bass Pro Shops Extreme reel to throw small crankbaits like bandits, etc. I think its a 5.3:1. Its small and lightweight and fits perfectly in my hand. I've had it for a year and i love it. Its a great reel at a very good price. You can get them for 49.99 next weekend with the reel trade in at BPS.

 

[otis44]

Thanks to all with your replies. I've settled on the Shimano Cardiff, 5:8:1 ratio. Kinda of in the middle, round reel, a little smaller than the C3's/C4's and will work for what i'm wanting to do with it. Thanks again.