I have an older round Abu reel with a 4.7:1 gear ratio any recommendations on a rod for it?

I'd probably use it for a deep cranking rod. 

Or a big heavy big bladed spinnerbait rod.

Are you trying to stay within a certain price range? A tall cranking rod would be ideal..

That reel retrieves 21ipt to 23ipt when full. I use one of mine for crankbaits.

Josh

I would use it for deep cranking. It's a good ratio for this technique