Low Speed Reel Madness 2024
onion man reply :
I am a big crankbait fisherman, and I am in the market for a new crankbait reel. My favorite company, Shimano, doesn't make any lefty crankbait reels. Neither does Quantum, and Ardent doesn't give a crap about lefties. Is there a way for me to take a higher speed reel and modify it to become a lower speed reel for my cranking? Any help would be great. If I can't do that, or it is just not worth it, would the old Shimano Curado 201B5 (it has a lower gear ratio) be a good all around cranking reel? Is the Pro Qualifier any better? Thanks.
northern basser reply :
Do you have a certain gear ratio "range" you are interested in. Wether its for cranking or not I personally can't stand any reel that cranks less than 24" per turn or about a 6.2:1. I know most people consider 5.0:1 or 4.7:1 to be good crankbait reels, but I don't like the idea of not being able to reel faster if needed.
Fishohio reply :
The REVO winch is a SWEET reel check them out if you get the chance smooth and reliable! :
Pretty sure the make a lefty 
BASSclary reply :
The PQ's are great for only 100 Bones, and a steal when they go on sale for about 70.
If you want a higher end reel though, you can order a left .Shimano Curado, buy different gears, and swap/
onion man reply :
How do I buy different gears and where? I really am clueless about swapping the gears... Is it easy? Fill me in.... Thanks.
BASSclary reply :
If you are not comfortable taking your reel apart, I highly recommend you send it in. We have some site sponsors where it should be relatively inexpensive.
And to buy new gears, (for example on a Curado) you can call shimano and im sure they could order them for you.
If you want to do it yourself though, I'd reccomend buying an extremely cheap baitcaster (wally world Special) and taking that apart first. You'll also want to take plenty of pics disassembling the reel, incase you forget how to put it back together.
Im sure if Francho tunes into this thread he can give you better advice, and show you his Cup Cake Reel Parts Holder.
Goose52 reply :
QuoteI am a big crankbait fisherman, and I am in the market for a new crankbait reel. My favorite company, Shimano, doesn't make any lefty crankbait reels. Neither does Quantum, and Ardent doesn't give a crap about lefties. Is there a way for me to take a higher speed reel and modify it to become a lower speed reel for my cranking? Any help would be great. If I can't do that, or it is just not worth it, would the old Shimano Curado 201B5 (it has a lower gear ratio) be a good all around cranking reel? Is the Pro Qualifier any better? Thanks.
I'm sure that most folks wouldn't consider a BPS PQ "better" than a Curado...BUT, the PQ is available in a whopping 8 models, with ratios of 4.7, 5.2, 6.4, and 7.1 in LH and RH. Certainly a model to fit every need. I use a 4.7 (19ipt) for deep cranking, a 5.2 (21 ipt) for medium cranking and heavy spinnerbaits, and then 6.4 and 7.1 for other stuff.
Everyone had their own opinions of the BPS PQ, but one thing for sure, BPS has tried to give you a lot of options on this reel. The other reel companies sorta tell YOU what to use... :
onion man reply :
I don't know if I want to do that much. It seems like it would be a little risky because I have never done that before. I am just going to stick to the Winch if I decide to get a cranking setup.
Right now I am stuck between getting a 6'10" MH EF for spinnerbaits w/ a curado on it or getting a 7'0" MH Moderate Fast w/ a winch for cranks. What do you guys think is more necessary in your boat? What one would be worth getting more?
I was comparing the PQ to the OLD OLD ANCIENT curado... You know, the B series
BASSclary reply :
QuoteI don't know if I want to do that much. It seems like it would be a little risky because I have never done that before. I am just going to stick to the Winch if I decide to get a cranking setup. Right now I am stuck between getting a 6'10" MH EF for spinnerbaits w/ a curado on it or getting a 7'0" MH Moderate Fast w/ a winch for cranks. What do you guys think is more necessary in your boat? What one would be worth getting more?
To decide what would be more worth while, It would help to know what setups you already have in your boat, and what you throw more often.
onion man reply :
Here you go:
A 6'6" Medium spinning rod for jerkbaits (I use it)
A 7'0" St. Croix Avid=My pride & joy for tubes, grubs, jigworms (I use this a ton)
A 6'6" Medium spinning rod for plastics (don't really use it much)
A 7'0" MH trigger rod for carolina rigs, texas plastics, and jigs (me like a lot)
A 6'6" MH trigger that is more on the lighter side, so it is more of a finesse setup (I use a lot)
A 7'0" M power BUT it is moderate action so it is real flexible... more of a small crank rod (I use it, but it is a bit too flexible for larger cranks)
Lastly, a 7'2" MH team all-star cranking series for DEEP cranks and is a surprisingly good swimbait rod, a HUGE steal at $80 (I love it, but it doesn't cover crankbaits shallower than 9ft)
Hope you enjoyed my essay.... what is needed more? Better yet, if you could pick one rod out of any rod on the planet, spinning or casting, what is most needed? I live in the north, so it is smallies and largemouth, hope that helps....
BASSclary reply :
You seem to have shallow and deep cranks covered, but dont have a medium it sounds like. Although you didn't list any rods you use for spinnerbaits, but you can use your worm, jig, rod for that. I prefer the same action/power for spinners and plastics/jigs. However you can fill in those med cranks in between the deep and shallow rod.
I'd say it all comes down two which you want more. If you think your going to throw cranks more, get a new cranking rod and vise versa.
If you want to take the spinnerbait route, I would suggest a casting rod, 6'8" MH/XF rod.
If you want to take the cranking route, I would get a 7'5"-ish rod with a nice slow action.
onion man reply :
7'5" for a cranker? For medium cranks? I was thinking more along the lines of a 7'0" MH moderate action... But I don't even know if I need that more than a spinnerbait rod... Which gap would be filled in the most out of one of those two rods?
BASSclary reply :
Quote7'5" for a cranker? For medium cranks? I was thinking more along the lines of a 7'0" MH moderate action... But I don't even know if I need that more than a spinnerbait rod... Which gap would be filled in the most out of one of those two rods?
I like longer rods for cranks for a little more casting distance, but thats just me. A 7' MH-Mod action should do fine, but since your all-star is a MH, I think essentially it would be another of the same rod, so I would go for a heavier M or a lighter MH. Some brands are heavier or lighter, but I cant name any off the top of my head.
I Might get a new spinnerbait rod though, because if you use your worm/jig rod, that would be three techniques on one rod, and if your like me and like to switch from lure type alot, it may be a hamper re-tie-ing alot.
IMO I'd get a spinnerbait rod, but its ultimately your choice, just make sure you think it through.
philsoreel reply :
I've been a die-hard Shimano guy since my brother gave me one on my 11th b-day, but I can't believe they don't make the Citica and Curado in a lefty. That sucks.
J Francho reply :
QuoteI've been a die-hard Shimano guy since my brother gave me one on my 11th b-day, but I can't believe they don't make the Citica and Curado in a lefty. That sucks.
There's three LH Curados, and one LH Citica. None of them are low IPT reels.
BASSclary reply :
QuoteI've been a die-hard Shimano guy since my brother gave me one on my 11th b-day, but I can't believe they don't make the Citica and Curado in a lefty. That sucks.
They do make the Citica and Curado in lefties, its just that
Curado e7 comes in Right and left
Curado e5 only comes in right
Citica comes in right and left
onion man reply :
It is a drag, but they did make the old 201DPV's and they are 5:1.1... I was lucky enough to find one for my deep cranking combo. How about you J Francho? Would you buy the spinnerbait setup or the cranking setup?
J Francho reply :
Depends on how much you throw cranks, and specifically what type of cranks you throw. I have 5 different crank rods now, though 3 of them can do other things.
The spinnerbait combo could throw lots of things besides spinnerbaits.
J Francho reply :
Oh, and the real answer here is to get a lefty Sol. At 5.8:1 and about 23 IPT, its a great crank reel.
onion man reply :
I was going to either buy a 7'0" MH Moderate or a 7'0" M Extra fast..... the spinnerbait rod would be a 6'10" MH Extra Fast w/ either a 6:3.1 or a 7:1.1 reel. I fish all sorts of natural lakes and impoundments for LM's and SM's... tough choice... I like the Sol, but the Shimano affiliated and overly biased tackle tour guys say it doesn't have "the power" to be a crank reel.... how about the shimano calcutta 101B? Seems okay.
J Francho reply :
All my cranking rods have either a Sol or Alphas on them. :
onion man reply :
QuoteAll my cranking rods have either a Sol or Alphas on them. :
Alphas are pricey >
dave reply :
Hunt Ebay or some other place for the older Citica 201's. 5:1 Do a $13 bearing change.
Alpster reply :
Shimano's Calcutta TE201DC is a 5.0:1 lefty reel. I have the right handed model. It is the best cranking reel there is IMHO, but it's pretty expensive.
Ronnie
BobP reply :
I've been using a Curado 200B5 as my med/large crankbait reel for 6-7 yrs and haven't found anything that works better/longer. I don't know what the IPT is on the B5 but it seems just about perfect. Its lower gears make the B5 a little smoother on retrieve than the 6.2:1 CU200 too. Not a good reel to throw 1/4 oz crankbaits on, but for anything heavier, it casts very well.
onion man reply :
Yeah that calcutta is NICE, but it will empty my wallet pretty bad unless I can find a deal off ebay....
The old citica 201's are nice, and right out of the box they have 25 IPT so I could just get that. The old curado 201B5 also seems good. Nothing fancy, just an old reliable reel. Either one would be good.... The curado B5 I can find for cheaper, but maybe the citica D's are a better reel.
Chris at Tech reply :
QuoteThe REVO winch is a SWEET reel check them out if you get the chance smooth and reliable! :Pretty sure the make a lefty
X2
This is not the first time Shimano made a reel that I would have tried, had they made them in lefty. Oh well.
7 Revos later, Abu now gets all my reel money
SuskyDude reply :
This might be stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyways.
Why not just get the high speed reel, and reel slower? :-?
Is there something else I'm missing?
BASSclary reply :
QuoteThis might be stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyways.Why not just get the high speed reel, and reel slower? :-?
Is there something else I'm missing?
Its more wirk and you'll fatigue faster, with a lower gear ratio you wont fatigue so bad. Atleast from what i've read.
SuskyDude reply :
QuoteQuoteThis might be stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyways.Why not just get the high speed reel, and reel slower? :-?
Is there something else I'm missing?
Its more wirk and you'll fatigue faster, with a lower gear ratio you wont fatigue so bad. Atleast from what i've read.
Its more work to reel slower, than to reel faster? :-?
Sorry, but that makes no sense to me whatsoever.
BASSclary reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteThis might be stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyways.Why not just get the high speed reel, and reel slower? :-?
Is there something else I'm missing?
Its more wirk and you'll fatigue faster, with a lower gear ratio you wont fatigue so bad. Atleast from what i've read.
Its more work to reel slower, than to reel faster? :-?
Sorry, but that makes no sense to me whatsoever.
Im not really sure how to explain it.
onion man reply :
Okay, so the deal with having a high speed reel on ALL of your rods for ALL applications is an interesting subject. Rick Clunn, who one 4 bassmaster classics, preaches that it is good for an angler to fish with the same rod/reel all the time so that they don't have to get used to fishing a different reel, which will help their fishing because they will feel more comfortable.
I love Rick Clunn and what he teaches, but I have to disagree. For crankbaits, having a low speed reel is key to controlling the eagerness in an angler and maintaining a steady rate for the lure to run. When you catch a fish and release it, you make another cast. You are so exited to catch another lunker and you reel faster and quicker, offering an unrealistic presentation to the fish. Different ratio reels will control and limit your fatigue and result in a more realistic presention most of the time. High speed reels are great for jigs and spinnerbaits, but when you want cranks, go slow. It is a fast moving lure.
rubba bubba reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteThis might be stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyways.Why not just get the high speed reel, and reel slower? :-?
Is there something else I'm missing?
Its more wirk and you'll fatigue faster, with a lower gear ratio you wont fatigue so bad. Atleast from what i've read.
Its more work to reel slower, than to reel faster? :-?
Sorry, but that makes no sense to me whatsoever.
The premise is that in higher gearing reels, they, of course, have higher torque. This means they are harder to turn than a lower geared reel, resulting in greater/earlier fatigue.
The better explanation is that it is mentally more difficult to reel slower than to reel faster. It takes more mental focus and concentration to reel slower (easier to forget and start reeling at the faster speeds you are used to turning the crank at), and by buying a lower geared reel it helps eliminate that.
i.e. you turning the handle at the same speed you are used to but your bait is running slower.
Raul reply :
A couple of models you can consider:
Daiwa Zillion Crazy Cranker
Daiwa Exceler Power Reel
Both are available in lefty model, I might be a Shimano man, but you can have my Daiwas the day I die.
.RM. reply :
QuoteOkay, so the deal with having a high speed reel on ALL of your rods for ALL applications is an interesting subject. Rick Clunn, who one 4 bassmaster classics, preaches that it is good for an angler to fish with the same rod/reel all the time so that they don't have to get used to fishing a different reel, which will help their fishing because they will feel more comfortable.I love Rick Clunn and what he teaches, but I have to disagree. For crankbaits, having a low speed reel is key to controlling the eagerness in an angler and maintaining a steady rate for the lure to run. When you catch a fish and release it, you make another cast. You are so exited to catch another lunker and you reel faster and quicker, offering an unrealistic presentation to the fish. Different ratio reels will control and limit your fatigue and result in a more realistic presention most of the time. High speed reels are great for jigs and spinnerbaits, but when you want cranks, go slow. It is a fast moving lure.
In all actuality I think Rick was talking ergonomics, and system weight.
I don't think he was talking same rod and gear ratio for all applications.
He is more old school than that....
Tight Lines!
onion man reply :
Okay, that is probably what he meant. Hey does anybody know if the shimano calcutta 101B is good at casting light baits and crankbaits? Seems like a decent reel to me....
0119 reply :
Susky Dude, you can absolutely use a high speed ratio reel and simply slow down your retrieve. Especially now with high efficiency gearing, HEG for shimano, there is no need to worry about torque when reeling in deep divers the size you use for bass. Now if you were trying to drive in a bigger swimbait then it would drain your energy.
Goose52 reply :
QuoteThis might be stupid question, but I'm going to ask it anyways.Why not just get the high speed reel, and reel slower? :-?
Is there something else I'm missing?
Deep diving crankbaits, due to the large diving bills, present quite a bit of resistance on the retrieve. The lower gear ratio reels offer a mechanical advantage that makes it easier to crank the reel. You normally don't burn a deep crank anyway, so the lower speed potential of the low gear ratio is not a limitation. While it's true that you could use a 7.1 reel and just slow down - your wrists may complain about that after cranking DD22s or Manns 20+ or 30+ cranks all day.
If you have ever ridden a multi-speed bicycle (10-speed, 21-speed, etc.) you don't use 10th or 21st to ride up hills do you - you shift down to a lower gear. Same thing with the reels.... :
SuskyDude reply :
rubba bubba and Goose52 - thanks for the info. I crank quite a bit with high speed reels, but never deep diving so I never thought about that.
Sorry if I started a tangent.
philsoreel reply :
QuoteQuoteI've been a die-hard Shimano guy since my brother gave me one on my 11th b-day, but I can't believe they don't make the Citica and Curado in a lefty. That sucks.They do make the Citica and Curado in lefties, its just that
Curado e7 comes in Right and left
Curado e5 only comes in right
Citica comes in right and left
Yeah, my mistake. I meant low geared lefties. HIA syndrome...
Buying a low geared reel was more beneficial to my crank fishing than any other change I've ever made.
Goose52 reply :
Quoterubba bubba and Goose52 - thanks for the info. I crank quite a bit with high speed reels, but never deep diving so I never thought about that.Sorry if I started a tangent.
I'm sorta the opposite, when I think of cranking or hear the term "cranking reel" I sorta assume deep cranking as shallow and medium cranks can indeed be handled by 6.x to low 7.x reels without that much effort. A photo that puts it all in perspective - a Mann's 30+ compared to a Bomber 6A (rated at 6-8ft)
guest reply :
Just buy a used lefty Citica off this site or ebay and change the gears out to the Curados 5.0 gears.
BassThumb reply :
Quoterubba bubba and Goose52 - thanks for the info. I crank quite a bit with high speed reels, but never deep diving so I never thought about that.Sorry if I started a tangent.
SuskyDude, that was a good question with useful answers. You know what they say, "There are no stupid questions..." I personally choose to do what you suggested, as I feel the advantages of a high speed reel outweigh the torque issues.
To the thread starter Onion Man, BASSclary mentioned a good point about taking pics as you take apart a reel if you're unfamiliar with cleaning them. If you replace any gears, I would strongly recommend at least a half dozen close-up pics with a digital camera, and taking the reel apart in front of the computer.
jdw174 reply :
I received an older green Curado, brand new, in partial trade on a prop I was selling. Turned out to have a ratio of 3.8:1! I had no use for that at all, so sent it away and had it converted to the standard 6.3:1. Cost, including tuneup, came to around $35-40. Don't see why it can't be done the other way around...
onion man reply :
QuoteI received an older green Curado, brand new, in partial trade on a prop I was selling. Turned out to have a ratio of 3.8:1! I had no use for that at all, so sent it away and had it converted to the standard 6.3:1. Cost, including tuneup, came to around $35-40. Don't see why it can't be done the other way around...
Wow, how did you send it in? Where did you send it in? Maybe I can send in the newer Curado 201E7 and get them (whoever they are) to change the gears.... The reason I would get the newer Curado over the older on is that it has more bearings, no plastic, and it can cast lighter lures farther.... How can I send it in?
21farms reply :
QuoteThe better explanation is that it is mentally more difficult to reel slower than to reel faster. It takes more mental focus and concentration to reel slower (easier to forget and start reeling at the faster speeds you are used to turning the crank at), and by buying a lower geared reel it helps eliminate that.
yup, i agree completely. i always start out saying that i'll simply turn the handle slower but i keep forgetting. a low-speed reel allows me to crank at a pace i don't have to think about.
21farms reply :
QuoteJust buy a used lefty Citica off this site or ebay and change the gears out to the Curados 5.0 gears.
sorry but shimano doesn't make lefty 5:1 gears that fit the E-series
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