I'm looking at a company's spinnerbait and worm rod. Problem is, on a spinnerbait rod, I want a 6.3:1 reel (26.3 IPT); on a worm rod, I want a 7.3:1 reel (30.5 IPT). I'll be using this rod for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and Texas rigs. There is no middle ground to compromise with here. It's one or the other. Which reel would you go with? 

I'd go with the 7.3:1. It's easier to slow your cranking - less fatigue too - than to speed it up.

7+

it's easier to slow your reeling when you need too than speed up. 

Also, there may come a time when you'll want to burn the spinnerbait and you'll want a faster reel for bottom contact baits to get her in and throw again. 

 

Now, all that being said compare the ipt of each instead of just going by the speed rating. 

Theyre all different and some are closer than you may think. 

 

 

 

Mike

 

7 for sure

If it was me, it would be the 6:3. That's only because I would be throwing spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and plastic swimbaits more than worms.

I would go with the 6:3:1. I use them for Texas rigs with no problem.

6.3:1 for me personally, especially if you I'll be using spinnerbaits with large blades that will create a lot of torque on the reel. 

6.8:1 Lew's LFS, covers both bases.

21 minutes ago, Drew03cmc said:

6.8:1 Lew's LFS, covers both bases.

I typically only use the Tatula. Love them. Puts me out of middle ground territory. 

I would go with the 7:3:1.

For an all around reel I would pick 6.3 to 1. It will handle any bait you can throw.

As others have already said you can slow down with a faster reel. Problem is most people don't.

When I learned to fish 6.3 to 1 was a fast ratio. I could fish all of the popular baits Just fine.

It is easier for me to control the speed on a slower ratio reel. 

With a fast ratio I have a habit of fishing crankbaits and vibrating jigs too fast.

 

 

8 minutes ago, Russ E said:

 

As others have already said you can slow down with a faster reel. Problem is most people don't.

 ......

With a fast ratio I have a habit of fishing crankbaits and vibrating jigs too fast.

 

 

    ^^^^^    Bingo! Applies to more people than they want to admit. And that includes me!    jj

Tough call dude.  The 6 and 7 would be great for the moving baits but 26 IPT is a bit on the slow side for Texas rig.  To me those are 2 separate rods.

 

If those 2 specific reels are your only option, go 7 speed.  

 

What manufacturer and model?

 

 

I prefer a slower reel most of the time.  Other then buzzbaits and toads, I never feel the need to retrieve a lure very quickly, even when "burning" a spinnerbait I never feel the need to crank as fast as I can.  The high ITP comes into play for me only when trying to get a lure back in quickly to make another cast.  Most of the time I am trying to make myself slow down so a slower reel is a better fit.  

12 hours ago, LionHeart said:

To me those are 2 separate rods.

LionHeart is correct.  3 seperate rods if you really want to be choosey.

Like many just said, it’s easier to slow it down than to speed it up. But a 4” per crank difference is so unnoticeable I don’t even know if it counts as a difference.

Do the arithmetic.

 

Assume a 30' cast.  360".

 

At 26.3 = 13.7 turns of the handle.

At 30.5 = 11.8 turns of the handle.

 

I'd say it really didn't matter.

 

I remember the old red 5000's with a 3.? ratio.  We fished everything with them.  Jigs, worm, cranks, spinner baits. No problem.

Then the 5500 came with a 5.? ratio.  Burning fast. 

Then the 6, then 7, then 8, now a 10.

 

All that said, I flip & pitch with an 8.0.  Crank with a 5.  Everything else with a 6.  Moving from a 6 to an 8, I can tell the difference.  From a 6 to a 7, I doubt noticeable.

 

And I see it the other way.  It's easier to speed up than to slow down.