Gear ratio - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

Sparky4711 · #1 03-01-2015, 09:38 AM

What is the best gear ratio for a fluke reel for bay and ocean? read other reports that favor a slower one, thinking about buying a small baitcasting reel something like a Lexa or Curado, what do you think.

MVP · #2 03-01-2015, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky4711

What is the best gear ratio for a fluke reel for bay and ocean? read other reports that favor a slower one, thinking about buying a small baitcasting reel something like a Lexa or Curado, what do you think.

I am not a big fan of high gear ratio reels for bottom fishing. Can not go wrong with eather of those choices. I have been using the Lexa 300 with the lower gear ratio with great results last year. Bought from Yon at jigging world. I like the power handle that he provides.

Gerry Zagorski · #3 03-01-2015, 10:52 AM

I've heard great things about the Lexa too... Team it up with a Jigging World power handle (not a big fan of the paddle handles that come standard) and nice light weight pole and you should be set.

Sparky4711 · #4 03-01-2015, 11:01 AM

Alex read other reports too, just wondering why a slower is better, lexa comes in 3 different ratio, I would think higher is better more time in water. Thanks for your input.

hammer4reel · #5 03-01-2015, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky4711

Alex read other reports too, just wondering why a slower is better, lexa comes in 3 different ratio, I would think higher is better more time in water. Thanks for your input.

used t be that faster reels didnt have the winching powers of the slower reels, and the gears were finer to create the speed.
Today much of that has change in most fast reels use a drop down gear box to use bigger gears with the same size teeth as the slower one.
Gives you the best of both worlds.

The lexa is a decent reel for the money, but if looking to step it up a notch the Abu Revo NACL is the reel to look at, much smoother with more drag
And it comes standard with both , a double paddle handle as well as a power handle.
so in the long run the price of the 2 become a lot closer.

It makes the Lexa feel like a coffee grinder

frugalfisherman · #6 03-01-2015, 12:14 PM

Fluke don't give a rat's behind what reel you are using. They just care about the bait.

hammer4reel · #7 03-01-2015, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frugalfisherman

Fluke don't give a rat's behind what reel you are using. They just care about the bait.

And using a quality reel that keeps the bait in the feeding zone more catches more fish.

Fishing with todays better rod and reel combos, allows guys to stay at the rail longer and effectively fish without fatigue.

My crew fishes sun up to sun down, and using the right equipment makes that possible

Blackfish Doug · #8 03-01-2015, 02:04 PM

I own the lexa I love it make sure you get the model with the power handle. If you don't get the upgrade & then decide you want To upgrade to that handle can turn out be costly.The paddle handles I feel are better suited for fresh water fishing. For fluke it's a great real that you won't have to break the bank on.

HighHook94 · #9 03-01-2015, 03:32 PM

I like the Diawa Saltist for everything (fluke, blackfish, stripers, etc). Can't afford a bunch of $200+ reels so i just have one that's good for just about everything. It's a 6:1 gear ratio or something along those lines. It's pretty darn fast, plus it has a lot of power to yank blackfish out of the wrecks. If you're a bait dragger, then it really doesn't matter what reel you use for fluke, but if you're bucktailing, i think it makes a difference to get a nice reel. The only vice of the Diawa reels would be that they're a little heavy, but they are solid and last forever.

MVP · #10 03-01-2015, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky4711

Alex read other reports too, just wondering why a slower is better, lexa comes in 3 different ratio, I would think higher is better more time in water. Thanks for your input.

It is just the opposite as lower gear ratio will keep you in the water longer.
I like the lower gear ratio for winching power when bottom fishing rather than the 6-7 ratio reels. As hammer said bigger gears on the newer reels help eliminate so of the short falls of higher ratio reels. Talk to someome who does a lot of tile /tuna fishing. You would think a higher gear ratio would be better suited for fishing deep water and gaining more line. In reality you will just tire yourself out more and reeling in fish will take longer. I went with the Lexa because of the power handle that was included with purchase from jigging world as I am not a fan of paddle handle. I also liked the light weight as with rod I matched it up too it totally balances perfectly and with light weight of set up bucktailing all day is not an issue. the ABu NACL is also a great choice. Went with the lexa because it was lighter reel. Still may get myself the Abu NACL to use for inshore blackfishing as that reel puts out some sick drag
Make sure to go with the 50 size and not the 60.