Do you guys prefer a lower ratio reel or a higher gear ratio for swimbaits/ARigs?

My Calcutta 200B for 1-5 oz. baits is a 6.0:1, bringing in ~27 IPT.  It feels good to me, so I guess my answer is, "middle of the road."

Sound advice. I'm afraid of going w/my 4.7:1 Shimano Corsair because I don't think ill be able to keep the bait off the bottom/ or take up slack on a hookset from a distance.

Depends on what you're fishing.

 

List baits that you plan on throwing.

Booyah Flash Mob Jr w/3-5" Dean Rojas Cane Thumpers

Booyah 3 Wire Rig (same baits as above)

Berkley 5" Hollow Belly on a 1/2 to 3/4 oz internal weight

I'd want something faster than 4.6 then for sure. A 6.3:1 low profile would serve you well.

 

Actually, just about any normal 200 sized reel would be adequate for throwing those rigs.

Pretty much any lopro caster that takes up more than 25 IPT will be fine. Speeds 6.something to 1 is a good start.