There are various types of fishing reels with different gear ratios on the market. For a beginner, he usually feels confused about the gear ratio on reel.

Firstly, we should know about the definition of gear ratio and the difference between high and low gear ratio.

Gear ratio means that the rotating circles of spool when handle turn a circle. For example, fishing reel whose gear ratio is 7.1:1 means that its handle rotates 1 circle while spool has already about rotates 7 circles. The higher gear ratio is, the faster retrieve is, meaning that artificial baits swim faster with reel having high gear ratio.

There is no specific demarcation between high gear ratio and low gear ratio. In general, fishing reel whose gear ratio below than 5.4:1 is defined as low gear ratio fishing reel while fishing reel whose gear ratio above than 5.4:1 is defined as high gear ratio fishing reel. Gear ratio of fishing reel on the market is usually 5.4:1, 6.4:1, 7.1:1 and 8:1. Some manufacturers also provide casting reel whose gear ratio is 9:1.

Fishing reels with different gear ratios are used for various situations. Reels with high gear ratio have high retrieve speed and searching efficiency.

Reels with high gear ratio are more suitable for searching target fish on wide water surface. Meanwhile, the reels can hook fishing faster, improving efficiency. Moreover, when we use such reel to fish in water area where various obstacles existing, reel with high gear ratio can hook the fish from water quickly, reducing the possibility that being get stuck or fish escapes away. Lastly, if we search in a water hazard, reels with high gear ratio can significantly reduce fishing time.

Reels with low gear ratio have lower retrieve speed than high gear ratio. In practice, low gear ratio reels are more suitable for delicate operation, making artificial bait more life-like. Reels with low gear ratio is more appropriate for specific water layer, different methods make lure show multiple swimming actions. Especially for spinnerbait, low gear ratio reel can control the velocity of spinnerbait more efficiently. In addition, for lower retrieve speed, the reel is more suitable for searching in water bottom, making lure more life-like.

In conclusion, low gear ratio reels are more suitable for elaborate operation. For such features, when we use popper or pencil to fish, using low gear ratio reel is more efficient.