I'm going to get a 7'1" MH St.Croix rage micro guide rod and I am looking for a reel to pair with for Carolina rigging. What gear ratio? Reel suggestions, even rod suggestions, etc.

 

All and any help will be appreciated.

 

Now I'm thinking I should go with a bit bigger of a rod, maybe a 7' 4" H or a 7' 6" MH?.?.?.?

In that situation I want something high speed.  You are usually fishing deeper water and therefore there is gonna be a large amount of line out and some slack.  when a fish bites, you are gonna want something that can pick up line really quickly in order to keep the fish pinned.  I use a high speed zillion in 7.3:1.

 

Price wise there are a ton of options depending on what you are willing to pay.  Several threads here mention great deals or higher end stuff. 

 

Really high speed reels like the Abu STX, Daiwa Zillion Type R, Lew's Tournament Pro or Super Duty, BPS Pro Qualifier, h20 mettle etc will all give you what you want. 

Ya you will want a high gear ratio reel, and a longer rod will help. My carolina rig rod is a 7'4 H dobyns champion extreme. Model 745.and i have it paired with a 7.3:1 pinnacle optimus with 17lb fluoro. Ive experienced with many different setups for c-rig and this is the best setup by far. Light, sensitive, and TONS of power in that 745 for monster hooksets in deep water.

I use a 200E7 for my C-rigs and braid is a must IMO. That combined with a long, sensitive rod will let you feel every rock and stick on the bottom and allow you to get solid hooksets on a long cast and keep up with a fish if it charges the boat like they seem to like to do. 

The main requirement for a carolina rig bait caster is that you want to be able to throw a heavy bait a long ways.  Backlashes while carolina rigging are bad.  Probably put you out of action with that reel for the day.  In this instance, I think gear ratio is a secondary concern.  6 something if it makes a difference.  To my mind the primary concern is distance, distance that is repeatable over and over all day.  I'm thinking Calcutta, either the standard one or the 200 TEGT 11 ball bearing model.  I don't carolina rig that often, but that is what I'd use.

Was just in the same boat as you man... My thread on here might help a bit

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/120860-carolina-rig-rod/