I just bought an American Rodsmiths crankin rod and want a reel to top it off with.What gear ratio is the best for an all around crankbait reel? I will be throwing mostly small to medium size baits if that helps?

I have never really fished with crankbaits but want to start and would like to get the right equipment the first time. thanks for any help

robbie

For throwing small to medium crankbaits I'd go with the Daiwa Zillion High Power or Shimano Curado E5.  I have the Zillion and it will handle any crank from 1/4 oz on up very well.  I used to own a Curado 200DPV (same spool as the E5, I think) and it, likewise, would handle lighter baits well.  I would not receommend the Revo Winch unless you will be primarily casting heavier (1/2 oz+) crankbaits.

Any 5:1 reel of your selection.

Think Shimano.  

Definitely think 5.0:1 and Shimano.  Curado 200E5 or 201E5(if you like the handle on the correct side)!lol

Later,

definitely a lower gear ratio with a lower IPT rating.  

I use Daiwa Sols on both my cranking rods.  They are a little faster than what has been recommended at 5.8:1, but not too fast.  I judge the proper speed by the amount of resistance in the bait.  That's not to say that there is "one special speed" for each bait, but that there is one speed "for the fish" on that given spot/time/day.

I tried my buddy's Zillion Crazy Cranker, and despite its amazingly long and smooth casting, I am just too used to what I've been using for cranking.  Seemed like a lot more reeling than was necessary.  I'm sure anyone could adjust to the super slow speed (4.9:1), though.

Definitely think 5.0:1 and Shimano. Curado 200E5 or 201E5(if you like the handle on the correct side)!lol

Later,

Did Shimano break down and give in to make a 201 E5? That would be awesome. To my knowledge a 201 E5 doesn't exist.  

If you want to go round, the Cardiff is a solid choice. That is what I use.

Calcutta 200 TE

Luna 103 5:8-1 perfect

When I was younger; 3.8 or 4:1 reels were the standard crankbait reels.  Then 5.1:1's are what everyone was using.  Now you see more and more 6.2:1 reels used for cranking (including me).  I can just fish faster.  Also, I don't like anything that can hold more than about 120yds of line.  Any more than that and you can forget about baits 1/4oz and below.

When I was younger; 3.8 or 4:1 reels were the standard crankbait reels. Then 5.1:1's are what everyone was using. Now you see more and more 6.2:1 reels used for cranking (including me). I can just fish faster. Also, I don't like anything that can hold more than about 120yds of line. Any more than that and you can forget about baits 1/4oz and below.

id love to see a Sol in a 4:1 for cranks. i have an old Daiwa Magforce i just put new ceramic bearings and drag washers in thats 3.8:1 and it sees a lot of heavy crank bait use. im interested to see how the reel does now.

I have the curado 200e5 for all my crankbaits and it works amazing. I would highly recommend it.

I use Daiwa Sols on both my cranking rods. They are a little faster than what has been recommended at 5.8:1, but not too fast. I judge the proper speed by the amount of resistance in the bait. That's not to say that there is "one special speed" for each bait, but that there is one speed "for the fish" on that given spot/time/day.

I tried my buddy's Zillion Crazy Cranker, and despite its amazingly long and smooth casting, I am just too used to what I've been using for cranking. Seemed like a lot more reeling than was necessary. I'm sure anyone could adjust to the super slow speed (4.9:1), though.

The Sol retrieves at 23.6 IPT and the High Power at 22 IPT.  Not a whole lot of difference.  

I use a Curado 100D for all my cranking.

Daiwa Sol for most of my cranking needs. I usually throw cranks in 1'-8' water and this reel works fine for those needs. If I do throw anything deeper I would use a Shimano Chronarch 101B.

If you will be throwing Rat L Traps any than consider a 6:3:1 reel. A low geared reel is mostly for deep running cranks. Remember, it is easier to just slow down than to speed up!!!!

thanks for all you guys help. i went to bps yesterday and looked at several reels. the salesman showed me a david fritts crankin reel, the new revo winch and the curado e5.  the fritts reel was a little sloppy feeling but half the price of the other two. i ended up buying the curado. i did a lil yard fishin last night with a 1/4 oz weight and loved it!! cant wait to go fishing with it for real! thanks again

robbie