Gear Ratio For Deep Diving Crankbaits - 6:4:1 The New Standard ? 2024
ChrisD46 reply :
Saw a recent Timmy Horton episode devoted to crank baits (wakebaits to deep divers) . In the equipment run down of the cranking episode - all of his reels were a 6:4:1 gear ratio ...The only difference was on deep diving cranks Timmy used a larger line capacity Lews BB1 which is expected (to keep from spooling out on a long cast and thus effecting retrieve speed too much ) . * What I thought was interesting is Timmy made a brief statement that evolution in deep diving crank baits design has allowed for lures to run deeper easier and more efficiently - thus reducing fatigue on the angler so now the ability to use a 6:4:1 gear ratio effectively for deep cranking versus the old stand by 5:4:1 or even a 4:7:1 gear ratio . I thought this was interesting as Timmy loves to throw a deep diving crankbait , so if fatique was a factor with the new deep diving cranks you would see him using a 5:4:1 or slower gear ratio . The takeaway for me is it allows for 6:4:1 gear ratios (or faster) which saves $$ not having to consider having to add a slow gear ratio reel just for deep diving crank baits ... Your thoughts ?
A-Jay reply :
I have not used that reel and am not familiar with it's performance.
I use a Callcutta 200D for deep cranks.
The 5.7:1 ratio, smooth powerful gearing and large comfortable knobs make cranking big baits All Day actually pleasant.
I could start a day with another reel, but an hour into it, I know I'd be back to the 200D.
I would warn anglers that allowing another to tell you what a "New Standard" is may not be the best method.
Having some knowledge, experience & time on the water provides plenty of self confidence to make that call for yourself.
Finally, your standard and my standard can be vastly different and yet still both very effective.
A-Jay
smalljaw67 reply :
I use to use a 5.1:1 but todays reels are smooth with better gears and bearings do a 6.4:1 is ok for deep diving baits, especially with the long rods there are now. The low gear ratios were used a lot when the long rod was 6'6" to 7', and even when 7'3 to 7'6" rods became common, the 5.1:1 was still good but more and more anglers found that with the longer rods and better reels, a faster reel could work with a big crank just as good as the slower reel.
Sonik reply :
I am going to start deep cranking this year. I moved my Lew's BB1 Pro in 5.1:1 over to that rod and bought a standard BB1 in 5.1:1 for my regular cranking rod. I like the multi-stop anyway. I think I move fast too fast as it is. At the end of last summer I started slowing down retrieves and I believe I did much better. Maybe it makes me more thorough, accurate, and allows me to work baits better.
Ozark_Basser reply :
It would be nice to hear from somebody on this forum who uses a 6.4:1 for big deep diving crankbaits. I've yet to find one that felt comfortable cranking 6xds or even 5xds.
Delaware Valley Tackle reply :
One guy's opinion doesn't set a new standard. A new bait design may minimize lure drag, but I don't see it going away completely. The only way to know is to try it for yourself and see what works for you. Personally I'm not ditching my C3's or Winch any time soon.
ColdSVT reply :
I like my 6.4 stx for cranks most of the time...but when its time to go deep with big cranks i get out the calcutta 201b
Goose52 reply :
I guess it depends on what one calls a "deep-diving" crankbait. If you mean down to 12-14 feet, then sure, I can "make-do" with a 6.4:1 (say 26IPT) gear ratio. I sometimes do that if I want to limit the number of rods I've got with me. But if I'm not rod limited, or if I'm cranking below that 12-14 foot range, I'm going down to 19-23 IPT. AND, if the water is really cold, I might want to go down to 16-19IPT.
Another factor for ME is that I have a natural rhythm when I'm cranking, To keep the bait at the speed I want for the presentation, I will match that rhythm with a reels gear ratio to make sure I'm running the bait at that speed.
Why "standardize" gear ratios? If you're not $$$ or space limited, why not use the best tool for the job?
Ozark_Basser reply :
In remember seeing a video with Randy Mcabee about deep diving crankbaits. He uses a 7.1:1 zillion for DD22's....Not for me.
junyer357 reply :
I notmally use a 6.4 for cranks to 12' as well but my deeper ones i use on either a 5.2 or 4.9 ratio. Ive always done this more for ease of use as well as how i like ti fish them. I normally use them more this time of year when temps are cooler and they are still deeper. I prefer to slow roll them as well and the lower speeds are easier for me. I pwrsonally have found it easier to speed up my retrive over slowing down. With a 6.4 its hard for me to slow down to where i like without it being uncomfortable and rythym worse than my dancing. This is why i also use a 5.2 for spinnerbaits as well alot Whrn i want to keep them slower and deeper.
A-Jay reply :
On 3/10/2015 at 10:08 PM, Goose52 said:I guess it depends on what one calls a "deep-diving" crankbait. If you mean down to 12-14 feet, then sure, I can "make-do" with a 6.4:1 (say 26IPT) gear ratio. I sometimes do that if I want to limit the number of rods I've got with me. But if I'm not rod limited, or if I'm cranking below that 12-14 foot range, I'm going down to 19-23 IPT. AND, if the water is really cold, I might want to go down to 16-19IPT.
Another factor for ME is that I have a natural rhythm when I'm cranking, To keep the bait at the speed I want for the presentation, I will match that rhythm with a reels gear ratio to make sure I'm running the bait at that speed.
Why "standardize" gear ratios? If you're not $$$ or space limited, why not use the best tool for the job?
X2 ~ It's all about repeatability for me.
If I can use the reels gear ratio / IPT to regulate the baits speed to where I can keep my "Routine Cadence" I'm much more effective.
A-Jay
ww2farmer reply :
I have always used a 5. something :1 for deep cranking. But the 5xd, and 6xd's pull very easy compared to the deep divers of old. This year I am going to use a 6.3:1 with a 95mm handle and see how that goes, I have already used it a lot for 5xd's and it's fine, and that is my "go to" deep crank. If I end up hating it, I'll go back.
WRB reply :
All I will add to this thread is check your cranking reels inch per handle turn at the distance you cast your crank bait. Reel gear ratio isn't as important as the IPT during the retreive. All you need is a Sharpie pen, mark the line at the rod tip after you cast,crank the reel 1 turn and mark the line agian at the rod tip. Measure the inches between the marks =actual IPT. Larger wider spools maintain IPT within a few inches during the retreive, smaller narrow spools lose about 12" IPT at casting distance.
Tom
KevO reply :
I'll keep my curado 200DPV or E5 for deep cranking, or any cranking for that matter.
J Francho reply :
I can tell whether a reel is right without decimal points or three-letter-acronyms. I do it by feel. I think the best feeling reel was a Daiwa Sol, so now I have a few more and some Alphas (JDM version). I think that the IPT is about 23, from the 5.8:1 ratio.
Goose52 reply :
On 3/11/2015 at 2:09 AM, J Francho said:I can tell whether a reel is right without decimal points or three-letter-acronyms. I do it by feel. I think the best feeling reel was a Daiwa Sol, so now I have a few more and some Alphas (JDM version). I think that the IPT is about 23, from the 5.8:1 ratio.
Yes - 23 IPT for a Sol (Daiwa listed it as 23.6). I used my Sol last season for squarebills. Hadn't fished it much for a couple seasons and then used it quite a bit last season and kept thinking...this is a very nice reel...
ChrisD46 reply :
I appreciate the replies ...I will add Timmy was fishing extreme deep diving crank baits (20+ ft.) with a 6:4:1 Lews BB1 ... What caught my attention was I thought for sure I would see a 5:x:1 slower gear ratio for that application ! I suppose it's up to individual feel - but it has me wondering that even with modern rod lengths , better reels , etc. today if a 6:4:1 gear ratio is good for deep diving cranks - wouldn't a 5:x:1 slower gear ratio be that much better ?
Frogfather reply :
On 3/11/2015 at 6:19 PM, ChrisD46 said:I appreciate the replies ...I will add Timmy was fishing extreme deep diving crank baits (20+ ft.) with a 6:4:1 Lews BB1 ... What caught my attention was I thought for sure I would see a 5:x:1 slower gear ratio for that application ! I suppose it's up to individual feel - but it has me wondering that even with modern rod lengths , better reels , etc. today if a 6:4:1 gear ratio is good for deep diving cranks - wouldn't a 5:x:1 slower gear ratio be that much better ?
Out of curiosity, what rod did he pair this with? Power, action...
roadwarrior reply :
Deep cranking is a technique that benefits tremendously from dedicated gear.
I fish the Lamiglas SR705R/ Shimano CTE200GT (5.0:1)
Catt reply :
Paul Elias, Mark Davis, & David Fritts all use 5.1:1!
That'll work for me 
ChrisD46 reply :
Timmy Horton used a : Duckett Ghost Cranking model 7'6" MH for Deep Cranking .On 3/11/2015 at 7:48 PM, Frogfather said:Out of curiosity, what rod did he pair this with? Power, action...
Team9nine reply :
No idea what "the standard" is, but I have no plans of changing from my 4.4:1 and 5.0:1 reels for any of my deep crankin'...
Alonerankin2 reply :
5.0:1 = about 20 ipt in the "best reel" ever made for such work.. As RW stated " Shimano CTE200GT" with a hawgtech 102mm handle of course! Makes the work so very easy!
WRB reply :
20 years ago I bought a Lew's David Fritts cranking rod & reel combo from BPS as a entry level outfit for my 12 year old son to learn and take care of. The reel is a Lew's RB3 "round baitcasting reel" I believe made by ZEBCO/Quantum back then. The reel is still in very good condition, smooth powerful cranking for DD14 To DD22 type lures, caught lots of good size bass over the years. I don't know what the gear ratio is, need to check. The RB3 reel is similar to a Cardiff 300 in size, today I would buy the Cardiff for a good entry level cranking reel and also use it for swimbaits.
Tom
Maxximus Redneckus reply :
I dont deep crank but i do use a 3.8 reel to slow roll big bladed spinnerbaits.and i also use the same setup to fish manns minus wakebaits.
Jeff H reply :
On 3/11/2015 at 2:09 AM, J Francho said:I can tell whether a reel is right without decimal points or three-letter-acronyms. I do it by feel. I think the best feeling reel was a Daiwa Sol, so now I have a few more and some Alphas (JDM version). I think that the IPT is about 23, from the 5.8:1 ratio.
Ha! I'd like to know how you manage that?? From what I understand, you don't fish enough to figure any such thing!
I have a TD-Z 100M that I was going to gear up, but I didn't yet so I could try the stock gearing on some crankbaits or spinnerbaits. I have a 5:1 Tatula that I throw deep divers on. It didn't get used much last year, maybe 30 casts total as I just don't crank deep very much....cuz I'm no good at it!
DCales84 reply :
I've seen a large majority of Timmy Horton's shows on WFN and he has used a 6.4:1 reel for a ton of techniques. As an example the last show he was flipping grass and using a 6 ratio reel. Guess it's what works best for him and you will also see that he uses his 7'3" signature series rods for a large majority of what he does. I don't recall a single show where he has had more than one rod on the deck.
WRB reply :
Bumped this to go with current cranking reel post
Tom
PS, measured IPT @ full spool for the Lew's RB3 = 23.5". Compare this to Shimano Cardiff 300 series = 25" IPT with 5:8-1 ratio, similar diameter spools, the RB3 is approx 5:3-1 ratio.
clemsondds reply :
Just curious if everyone is still using lower ratios to crank with. I saw a deep cranking video by tacticalbassin a couple months ago and they both use 7:1 for even 10xd...said it helps with the start/stop action, as well as more action and control. I was looking at getting a 4:9:1 until I saw that video...what are your thoughts?
Jermination reply :
On 2/19/2020 at 1:06 AM, clemsondds said:Just curious if everyone is still using lower ratios to crank with. I saw a deep cranking video by tacticalbassin a couple months ago and they both use 7:1 for even 10xd...said it helps with the start/stop action, as well as more action and control. I was looking at getting a 4:9:1 until I saw that video...what are your thoughts?
8xd plus i use a 6:2:1 old curado cu-200. ive started using at least 7:1 on my squarebills, it's easier to reel it down then sweep it along the rocks as opposed to constant cranking. suspending plugs like the old xcalibur/rebel shad-r i always use at least a 7:1 to catch up because they will hit on the pause a fair amount of the time
Team9nine reply :
On 2/19/2020 at 1:06 AM, clemsondds said:Just curious if everyone is still using lower ratios to crank with. I saw a deep cranking video by tacticalbassin a couple months ago and they both use 7:1 for even 10xd...said it helps with the start/stop action, as well as more action and control. I was looking at getting a 4:9:1 until I saw that video...what are your thoughts?
Nothing over 5.1:1 for me, including some older “high 4” reels (4.8, 4.9). Squarebills and shallower diving baits (Shad Raps, Bandits) get higher, but actual deep divers don’t. If I have to move the bait faster to get bit, I’ll troll ???? I don’t buy the argument that you just reel slower...not the same
A-Jay reply :
I use 5.3:1 and 5.8:1 ratio 150 & 200 sized reels for large lipped deep divers.
And there is No Way I could deep crank all day with a 7 speed anything reel.
I can 'speed up' (to a point) but for me SLOW winding an 8 or 10 XD or a Norman DD22 HD
with a fast reel is like torture.
I'm with @Team9nine - in the rare instances I need to cover water or speed up a deep presentation like this,
I'm long lining it - or getting my troll on.
A-Jay
Hook2Jaw reply :
I've got my eyes on a Daiwa Tatula 150 5.5:1. I've been throwing some 22' divers on a 6.3:1 and I don't find it comfortable at all.
J Francho reply :
There's a few outliers using faster reels for deep plugs, but the consensus is still lower IPT for deep crankers, even after a half decade.
clemsondds reply :
Is there a too low ratio? eg 4:9:1... Trying to figure out if there's a sweet spot. I know it also depends on brand and IPT is more important
J Francho reply :
Depends. I build a cranking reel for a customer with 3.7:1 gears. IPT was somewhere around 18-20.
Team9nine reply :
On 2/19/2020 at 2:21 AM, clemsondds said:Is there a too low ratio? eg 4:9:1... Trying to figure out if there's a sweet spot. I know it also depends on brand and IPT is more important
IMO, yes - anything under 4.8 or so. Several companies used to make 3.8:1 ratio reels and they were simply too slow. In IPT terms, David Fritts swears 21” is the sweet spot for deep divers, so you might consider that as a baseline. That’s pretty close to 5:1 generally
MickD reply :
I love fishing my old Calcutta 100 with 5.2 (I think) ratio. I use it mostly for swim and chatter baits , which I tend to reel too fast most of the time. I think it's about 40 years old now. Still a very nice casting reel.
clemsondds reply :
On 2/19/2020 at 1:55 AM, A-Jay said:I use 5.3:1 and 5.8:1 ratio 150 & 200 sized reels for large lipped deep divers.
And there is No Way I could deep crank all day with a 7 speed anything reel.
I can 'speed up' (to a point) but for me SLOW winding an 8 or 10 XD or a Norman DD22 HD
with a fast reel is like torture.
I'm with @Team9nine - in the rare instances I need to cover water or speed up a deep presentation like this,
I'm long lining it - or getting my troll on.
A-Jay
On 2/19/2020 at 2:25 AM, J Francho said:Depends. I build a cranking reel for a customer with 3.7:1 gears. IPT was somewhere around 18-20.
On 2/19/2020 at 2:26 AM, Team9nine said:IMO, yes - anything under 4.8 or so. Several companies used to make 4.4:1 ratio reels and they were simply too slow. In IPT terms, David Fritts swears 21” is the sweet spot for deep divers, so you might consider that as a baseline. That’s pretty close to 5:1 generally
Can I get your advice? Most of my reels are shimano slx dc 7:1. I was looking to get another for a skipping rod, but maybe I'll take the one off of my deep crank and replace that with an actual deep crank reel. So tt has a deal on these reels Daiwa Catalina TW 100PL-RM - LEFT 4.9:1 for around $160 (msrp $350) or I could go with another Shimano slx dc (or curado dc) at 6:2:1. Which would you go with? I'm more use to DC reels but this daiwa seems to be setup for deep crank. thanks
A-Jay reply :
On 2/19/2020 at 5:16 AM, clemsondds said:
Can I get your advice? Most of my reels are shimano slx dc 7:1. I was looking to get another for a skipping rod, but maybe I'll take the one off of my deep crank and replace that with an actual deep crank reel. So tt has a deal on these reels Daiwa Catalina TW 100PL-RM - LEFT 4.9:1 for around $160 (msrp $350) or I could go with another Shimano slx dc (or curado dc) at 6:2:1. Which would you go with? I'm more use to DC reels but this daiwa seems to be setup for deep crank. thanks
I've tried two reels that were sub 5 to 1 and they were fine for working the bait but a little too slow to fight (keep up with) a spirited bass once hooked.
So Mid- to high 5 something works for me.
Either way, I do not have any hands on experience with the reels you've mentioned above so I can't offer anything there.
But I can tell you from experience, that the TW Reel Demo program is a great way to "Try before you Buy".
https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/demoprogram.html
We all have that 'sweet' spot in our own retrieve cadence, the one that feels most comfortable to us.
But it's also different for each of us as well.
So what I like, you might not and vise versa.
Perhaps try a reel or two - a couple of different speeds & brands and find "The One" that's right for you & your style of fishing.
Good Luck
A-Jay
Tizi reply :
You might check out the Daiwa Tatula 150 with 5.4:1 ratio. It is my deep crankbait reel. I use it on a MH XT glass rod.
dodgeguy reply :
I use 6.8 Lews reels. If you get the 94 mm handle it makes it easier.the key to cranking with a higher speed reel is to pull the bait with the rod then reel in the slack.Roland Martin said he uses 8 to 1 sometimes. I know guys who fish cranks with spinning rods also. They have higher IPT in most cases than baitcasters. They all seem to do it by moving the bait with the rod then reeling in the slack.
clemsondds reply :
Awesome! Thanks guys. I guess I just didn't want to miss out on that reel if it was a crazy good deal. It's a japanese market only reel...so pretty rare to see it offered in the states. I don't have much experience with daiwa so wasn't sure.
Team9nine reply :
On 2/19/2020 at 5:16 AM, clemsondds said:
Can I get your advice? Most of my reels are shimano slx dc 7:1. I was looking to get another for a skipping rod, but maybe I'll take the one off of my deep crank and replace that with an actual deep crank reel. So tt has a deal on these reels Daiwa Catalina TW 100PL-RM - LEFT 4.9:1 for around $160 (msrp $350) or I could go with another Shimano slx dc (or curado dc) at 6:2:1. Which would you go with? I'm more use to DC reels but this daiwa seems to be setup for deep crank. thanks
Agree with @Tizi and @A-Jay If you want a dedicated deep crank outfit, stick with the 5.x ratio reels. I wouldn't move up to 6.x
mrpao reply :
Lower gear ratios provide more torque.
You won't be wore out at the end of the day.
That being said, all my cranking reels are in the 5 gear ratios.
Log Catcher reply :
I only use reels in the 5:1 or about 20 IPT for any crankbait I throw. I still have a Curado 200B in the 3:8:1 gear ratio. I will use it if I am fishing when the water is still really cold. I have used it in warm weather and caught fish with it.
J Francho reply :
On 2/19/2020 at 5:16 AM, clemsondds said:
Can I get your advice? Most of my reels are shimano slx dc 7:1. I was looking to get another for a skipping rod, but maybe I'll take the one off of my deep crank and replace that with an actual deep crank reel. So tt has a deal on these reels Daiwa Catalina TW 100PL-RM - LEFT 4.9:1 for around $160 (msrp $350) or I could go with another Shimano slx dc (or curado dc) at 6:2:1. Which would you go with? I'm more use to DC reels but this daiwa seems to be setup for deep crank. thanks
I found the same as @A-Jay when I tried a Zillion Crazy Cranker. It was smooth as butter, and great for big billed baits, but once a fish was on, you really had to work to keep it pinned. A longer rod, like 8' might help, but I was always cool with my 5.8:1 23 IPT reels for cranking.
johnD. reply :
On 3/10/2015 at 9:49 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:One guy's opinion doesn't set a new standard. A new bait design may minimize lure drag, but I don't see it going away completely. The only way to know is to try it for yourself and see what works for you. Personally I'm not ditching my C3's or Winch any time soon.
Exactly.
clemsondds reply :
Interesting...last night I heard a video where J. Wheeler saying he was using a 5:1 when he caught all his bass in this last tournament on Lake Eufaula the other day
Team9nine reply :
On 2/19/2020 at 10:31 PM, clemsondds said:Interesting...last night I heard a video where J. Wheeler saying he was using a 5:1 when he caught all his bass in this last tournament on Lake Eufaula the other day
Yep, 5:1. True story - I taught Wheeler how to deep crank on a local reservoir back when he was about 15 or 16 years old. We crushed them. He was so excited, he called Joe Thomas ( he was friends with Joe and Joe’s son) and convinced him to drive over and film an episode of Joe’s show, Stihl’s Reel in the Outdoors, on the lake about deep cranking. It was his first TV appearance and his comfort with being on camera was obvious and only grew from there.
12poundbass reply :
On 2/20/2020 at 12:07 AM, Team9nine said:Yep, 5:1. True story - I taught Wheeler how to deep crank on a local reservoir back when he was about 15 or 16 years old. We crushed them. He was so excited, he called Joe Thomas ( he was friends with Joe and Joe’s son) and convinced him to drive over and film an episode of Joe’s show, Stihl’s Reel in the Outdoors, on the lake about deep cranking. It was his first TV appearance and his comfort with being on camera was obvious and only grew from there.
Can that video be found on line? Would be interesting to see a 15-16 Wheeler.
clemsondds reply :
On 2/20/2020 at 12:07 AM, Team9nine said:Yep, 5:1. True story - I taught Wheeler how to deep crank on a local reservoir back when he was about 15 or 16 years old. We crushed them. He was so excited, he called Joe Thomas ( he was friends with Joe and Joe’s son) and convinced him to drive over and film an episode of Joe’s show, Stihl’s Reel in the Outdoors, on the lake about deep cranking. It was his first TV appearance and his comfort with being on camera was obvious and only grew from there.
Super cool story! You must be proud!
Team9nine reply :
On 2/20/2020 at 12:26 AM, 12poundbass said:Can that video be found on line? Would be interesting to see a 15-16 Wheeler.
It used to be years ago, but haven't seen it online for a while.
On 2/20/2020 at 12:29 AM, clemsondds said:Super cool story! You must be proud!
Every event he’s ever done well in since we started fishing together makes me proud...and that’s been a bunch over the years - lol ????
A-Jay reply :
On 2/20/2020 at 12:43 AM, Team9nine said:
Every event he’s ever done well in since we started fishing together makes me proud...and that’s been a bunch over the years - lol ????
Well, I like his style and this explains quite a bit.
A-Jay
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