I was fishing Kentucky Lake last year and saw a pro during the Elite series event throwing a big spoon and ripping it and letting it flutter back down before ripping it again. He was ripping it as hard as he was setting the hook. It was insane to me. I had a big old spoon and tried it myself and was just a little concerned my tackle was a bit too light. What line and rod and gear ratio of the reel would you all use?  Thanks All

Ben Parker's spoons weigh an ounce and a half and I've seen it recommended to use swimbait rod, reel and line.  I haven't gotten one, but the bait monkey has been singing to me.

I believe most of them are using light swimbait rods, probably rated 1-3oz or somewhere in that range. It looks very effective when they're on it. It also looks like a lot of work. 

I use a Temple Forks Tactical Cast Rod 7'9" Extra Hvy

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/catpage-GLOOMISRODS.html?from=basres

The last rod on that page...

It works great for this - I chase a lot of pike and musky and use this rig a lot with 1 1/8 oz. Doctor Spoons.

I have it paired with a Shimano Calais DC...but any decent reel should work.  I use the DC because the speed I get with a moderate cranking effort on that reel seems to set them off.

I haven't used any spoons of that size...only Johnson Sprites about half that weight (or less). The only recommendation I have is a high-grade bearing swivel because of the twisting.

I've fished with Ben Parkers spoon for two years now on Ky lake I hate throwing it but it catches big fish and they will throw it also. Buddy lost a big one last year at the boat it threw it and stuck em in the hand... Had to use the line treble hook trick pull....