Gear ratio

[MrAC1980]

Originally Posted by Capt. Lou

Learn to use UR rod & ratio goes away , fast retrieves R best for most applications!
Not super fast but 5 to 6 I've used forever in most depths is just fine!
If u can't raise a fish then don't forget there's a rod attached to UR reel!
If u rail rod on big tougher fish then lower ratio has the edge, since now UR just reeling not using rod , but again without using rod it makes moving fish tougher ! No matter ratio.
Short stroking is the way to go use rod !!

I'm lazy, lol. I just like to hold the rod and CRANK! You saw that when I got that big cod last year on the RR. Pumping a fish, esp fluke, pulls hooks in my book. Bottom fish anyways. Blues/Bass/Tuna is diff.

[Capt. Lou]

I understand UR point, however I landed well over 200 cod last season up to 30 + lbs & 100's Pollock. / Haddock. & I cannot remember ever losing a few because I used my rod properly .
My description on the pump style may have been misleading it's a steady lift not akin to a big game stroke .
The fast action rod & fast retrieve type reel work very well in unison when this method practiced properly.
What causes lost fish on any pump style of angling is simply rods that display limited tapers or if u will heavy tapers . They simply don't allow the tackle to work in unison.
I've used this method of bottom for many species around the world & got several 50 lb plus cod , hundreds of big grouper , jacks etc no issue !
This just takes the note out of any light tackle anglers handbook , including fly tackle pump never pull works out fine.
If u ever fought any BIG fish not using the pump rod method u would need a swivel fixed holder sans Wicked Tuna , their even those rods must have tapers to o ward off line breakage & limit hook pulls !
I've taken many giants & believe me if u did this in a chair & u just reeled immt'd be a long day .
Most anglers struggle needlessly due to the fact they just reel not using their rods taper to its fullest potential , might as be using hand lines.

[Gerry Zagorski]

I'm all for as light and small a set up as possible, especially when bucktailing or any other fish that you have to feel the bite and set the hook. If your rod and reel are in your hands and you are working them all day, you will appreciate the difference. Lighter and smaller gear is also less clumbsy.

I also feel like I can detect bites better with lighter gear as well.

Give this a try.... Fish with light gear then in a few hours switch to a heavier set up....Like Hammer said... It's like playing a game of basket ball in your sneakers and at half time you switch over to work boots.

Once you go light/small you will never want to go back to heavy, especially with some of the newer small reels with more drag and higher gear ratios then their heavier peers. I personally fish with Avet SX and SXJs but might try one of these new low profile bait casters a shot as well...

[reason162]

Originally Posted by Gerry Zagorski

Once you go light/small you will never want to go back to heavy, especially with some of the newer small reels with more drag and higher gear ratios then their heavier peers. I personally fish with Avet SX and SXJs but might try one of these new low profile bait casters a shot as well...

Less than 50ft I'm using something like this all day everyday:

[Joey Dah Fish]

Blah blah blah blah blah I don't care what reel you are using it matters not!!!! You know what's important? What ever feel you're using set the damn drag right and you're goid to go!!!! Hi ratio low ratio crap!!!

[Fin Reaper]

Originally Posted by Joey Dah Fish

Blah blah blah blah blah I don't care what reel you are using it matters not!!!! You know what's important? What ever feel you're using set the damn drag right and you're goid to go!!!! Hi ratio low ratio crap!!!

Well damn....
Ya just can't say it better than that.

[aduma1107]

Love my Shimano Curado 300EJ for bucktailing. The EJ comes with the power handle as opposed to the E model. High gear ratio doesn't bother me. 15lb drag

[kurtisb]

I bought an Ocean Max reel 4.5:1 for tog this year. It was fine until late January fishing at over 150 feet. It kicked my ass.

[frugalfisherman]

Originally Posted by Joey Dah Fish

Blah blah blah blah blah I don't care what reel you are using it matters not!!!! You know what's important? What ever feel you're using set the damn drag right and you're goid to go!!!! Hi ratio low ratio crap!!!

Great minds think alike!

[Capt. Lou]

Whew glad that's over ! The rental rod will still win the pool !