I currently have some nice high-speed (8 gear ratio)reels.. I was thinking about using one for squarebills, but I’ve noticed that most people recommend a 5:1 or 6:1 ratio for that technique.

 

That said, when I look at what some anglers in Japan are doing, they’re using much faster reels—sometimes 8:1 or even 10:1—for squarebills.

 

So I get that it comes down to personal preference, but can you guys share some insight on how much gear ratio really matters when fishing squarebills?

 

Although I’m the furthest thing from comparable to many on here square bills are by far my favorite lure for the ponds I fish and all of last year I had a KVD 1.0 square bill tied on to a 8 speed reel which I was afraid would ruin the action of the lure but it didn’t. I never once thought about slowing down my retrieve as that’s just not me but I have to add I’m going with a 7 speed this year but only because I want to use the 8 speed for buzz baits. Hope this helps a bit.

Do you like to burn your square bills or slow crawl them?

 

you can make just about any ratio work for just about any technique. 

Yes it matters.. For moving baits, the higher gear N higher line pickup ratio.. Will keep your baits way up in the water column unless you are reeling in slowly... I'd go with a 6 or 7 for square bills N most cranking duties... 

I like slower speed reels for all moving baits ~ under 7:1, and higher speed reels for all baits that are worked with the rod, not the reel ~ above 7:1

 

90% of the reels I own are 7:1 as it will do both.

It comes down to Inches Per Turn IPT vs reel spool diameter/line capacity. 
100 size bait caster with 8:1 gear ration after casting 30 yards the IPT is about 20 inches actually lower then 5:1 gear ration .

Larger reel and spool the IPT doesn’t drop but a few inches after casting 30 yards.

If you are comfortable casting and retrieving your lures with 8:1 that’s good.

Tom

You can effectively slow down your 8-geared reels by using a longer handle.  

The longer handle moves farther to make one rotation, so you wind with less wrist and more forearm.  

 

Personally I only use 8’s for my dedicated bottom contact combo’s and my frog rig for obvious reasons. 
For all others I use high 6’s or mid 7’s which are interchangeable.

 

Instead of being concerned with using a high IPT reel for moving baits, I want the slowest I got for top water lures that have to be worked….walking and prop baits



 

 

Mike

Yeah man, of course it matters.  The only thing I have to add is that a high gear ratio real is a "higher gear ratio."  This means if you try to use an 8:1 reel with a moving bait with a large amount of resistance (like 10XD or even a big spinner bait) you will absolutely notice the difference of torque your reel is not providing (meaning it will wear you out).  Obviously this isn't a problem with a little squarebill.  In my opinion, a 7, or maaaaybe 6 'speed' is right for a square bill.  I can't think of anything I'd use a 5 'speed' for except possibly a 10XD if I didn't have a 6 'speed' available.

Do the fish care? Absolutely not. Do I care? Yep. 
 

6:1 is for deep crankbaits, spinner baits, chatterbaits… 

 

7:1 for square bills, rattle traps, and shallow/medium running moving bait

 

8:1 for anything bottom contact and topwater. Texas rig, Carolina rig, jigs, frogs, etc… 

 

I don’t know, just my preference and what works for me. The reality of it is is you can use a 6:1 for everything and be totally fine. 
 

Fishing gear catches FISHERMAN more than FISH and that’s just the d**n truth. I just like having nice gear 

Firstly, gear ratios are only part of an equation. Ratio coupled with spool diameter determines how fast line is retrieved and measured in inches per turn of the handle or IPT. Just keep that in mind. As far as ratios/IPT/retrieve speed affect lure presentation, imo the only mechanical advantage is in a 5:1  for deep cranks, big Colorado blade spinners and other high resistance baits. The increased torque is less fatiguing.  Faster  reels are nice for taking slack fast if a fish takes a jig and swims right at you or when working a jerkbait or top water. This is really just personal preference. Some assert that faster reels allow for more casts in a day and thus more opportunities for bites. I’ve tried putting math to that and just not sold on the idea. There’s something to be said for confidence though. 

I used to play the gear ratio game but quit when I decided to, as Henry David Thoreau said, “Simplify, simplify, simplify.” All of my baitcaster’s are 7.0:1. I can increase my rate of retrieve or slow down when needed. For square bills I usually use  moderately slow retrieve.

It is important, I use 5 gear for X-large swim/glide baits. The rest I use 8 gear which I choose my retrieve speed. The only 7 gear I got was the time that I purchased two metanium 22 DC and I got one of them I 7 gear and I don't think that I do it again 😁. Ill stick to 8.

I'm stubborn. All my casting reels are old school Shimano Citica (5:1) or Curado's (6:1). 

 

I have some newer spinning reels, but all are in the 5:1 to 6:1 ratios.

 

They work for my type of fishing. 

Ok here’s my 2 cents, probably out worth but 1. 
 

We have, what I call a natural cadence when cranking, what feels comfortable when retrieving. I try and match bait speed, gear ratio/ITP to what is my comfort zone when retrieving. 
   If you want you, can over think it, because your ITP changes when you cast. The diameter of the spool changes with less line and is variable when you start filling the spool. You can add another factor to by line diameter.

Then like @bulldog1935 stated changing the handle length will add another factor to the equation.

So I try not to over think it and fish what’s comfortable for me to the type of bait I’m using. 

While retrieving speed is a factor, its not the primary aspect as to which reel I use.  It comes down to power for me.  Using reel that doesn't have enough torque for the bait you're throwing or fish your catching will put a strain on the reel and angler alike.  

I understand the thinking of using high speed reels for everything with the notion that you can always slow down.  Anyone can do it for a little while or when catching fish, but on days when you're struggling to get bit, its much harder to consistently slow down when you're on auto pilot.