Whats a good middle of the road ratio for baitcaster? I plan on using it for Snakeheads here in Md, so they tend to be a bit heavier than the local bass. Im looking at Daiwa Fuego Ct in either 6 , 7 or 8 ratio. Just looking to get one for all around use.

 

Thoughts?

6.4 is the perfect all around reel.

Well 7 does come after 6 and before 8, so I think it is probably middle of the road.....

Just now, Born 2 fish said:

6.4 is the perfect all around reel.

That's an interesting comment, what makes you feel this way?

 

12 minutes ago, Heartland said:

Well 7 does come after 6 and before 8, so I think it is probably middle of the road.....

That's an interesting comment, what makes you feel this way?

 

I feel the ipt of a 6.4 is perfect because. It just feels right for me. When I’m throwing a big Colorado blade spinnerbait or deep cranking it seems to have the Perfect power/ torque Ratio. With other baits You can speed up slightly or slow it down. Again this is my personal opinion. I have other ratio reels but most are 6.4 also something else I will add when using a higher ratio for chatterbait and spinnerbait I seem to get less fish compared to the 6.4. I think it just moves the bait to fast. Again my personal opinion based on 25 years of throwing casting reels.  

I agree with the above something in the 6.x:1 ratio is a great all around speed. Even a low 7 is fine. If you go to high of ratio even reeling super slow it can be hard at times to get your bait moving as slow as you may need to. Look at the IPT spool diameter on different reels will change this no matter the ratio. 

I use 7 for everything. I don’t deep crank tho

Most of my baitcasters are around the 6.3 range.

6.3 to 6.8 is what I use most often

6.x:1 is the best average usage ratio you can get.  

 

As a general rule of thumb.....

 

5.x:1 > Crankbaits

6.x:1 > General Purpose

7.x:1> Topwater and Lipless cranks....  And jigs if you want to pick the line up quickly. 

 

Also, I am not to sure a Daiwa Fuego would be my first choice up against snakeheads.  Those fish can be monstrous and hard to bring in.  A round reel or a larger baitcaster (if you want to stay with Daiwa >the Costal, Lexa or the Millionaire) would probably be better. 

7 would be my go to.  Can even crank with one, as long as you're not fishing super deep divers.  But still would pick up plenty of line for frogs and jigs

6.3:1 to 6.6:1 for me.

A-Jay

In the 6's.