What gear ratio should I use for crawling a buzzbait as slowly across the surface as I can while still keeping it on top well? Either baitcasting or spinning reels will do. My favorite buzzbait reel is actually a big spinning reel with 12 - 14 pound test for baits up to 3/8 of an ounce and 17 pound test for 1/2 ouncers.

I like a 6.3:1 BC. A lot of people will say 7:1. My experience is that there is a tendency to work the buzzbait too fast with the higher speed reel.

Thanks Dave. Would a slower speed reel have trouble keeping the buzzer on the surface?

I use a 5.8:1 reel with no issues.  For years, I had sub 5:1 ratio reels, and fished buzzbaits.

I use a 6.2:1 and would actually like a bit faster. I find I have to really crank to get the bait up on top. I would like the additional speed to get it up faster. it is easier to slow down than speed up.

I used to use the 7:1 and found I was having to concentrate on slowing down. I sometimes have to slow down the 6.3:1. Buzzbaits should run as slow as necessary to keep it up but, no faster. Like JFrancho said, he runs with an even slower reel.

Everyone has their preferences, but I use a 7:1.  It isn't difficult for me to slow down when it needs to be crawled, but when it needs to be burned, I have that covered as well!

I use a 6.2:1 that has 25 inches per turn take up, seems just right to me.  I have used all the way down to a 4.7:1, just reel a little faster.  YOu have asked about keeping the bait ontop of the water, I fish a lot of buzz baits and can tell you from experience that a double propped buzz bait can be fished very slowly and stay on top.  I have not found anther buzzbait that can be fished as slow as a double prop, I bought a Cavitron to see if I could go as slow with it, no dice.  Anyway my point is that it isn't the reel that keeps the buzzbait on top it is the design and blades of the bait, the bigger the blade the easier it is to keep on top, the more blade surface against the water provides more lift.  good luck

7.1 for me, its less work to slow down that to speed up and the higher ratio is nice when you get'em hooked.

7.1 for me, its less work to slow down that to speed up and the higher ratio is nice when you get'em hooked.

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7.1 for me, its less work to slow down that to speed up and the higher ratio is nice when you get'em hooked.

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