[Garone Custom Rods]

Anyone who tells you to use a higher retrieve reel for deep dropping flat out DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT! 4:1 with a tall spooled reel is perfect IMO as you still pick up plenty of line and can turn the handle with ease. Some of my smaller reels that I use to deep drop are slightly faster ratio 5.1:1 (jdm saltiga 35N and Ocea Jigger 200NRPG) but i only use them with less weight or for jigging. Personally I like a rod that is softer than most because I fish J hooks.

Dave definitely gives advice based on real world experience on the water and has curated what he has in the shop based on that experience. A lot of videos you see with guys using higher ratio reels may be using what they already had or may have been sold on based on bad advice.