Reel Question/Understanding Gear Ratios

[Jman]

Looking for deep water wreck fishing reel and am getting confused by gear ratios and what would be best suited for this application:

Deep water--150-250 ft.
Heavy weight for strong current--16-24 oz.
Line--Power Pro 30-50 lb.
Target--Sea Bass

What do you think would be the better choice here, a low or high gear ratio?

Example: 6.1/1 vs. 3.6/1 ratio. I'd be happy to hear your opinions.

[Skolmann]

A lower gear ratio gives you more cranking/wenching power.

I prefer a lower gear reel for deep water fishing.  That being said, there is a definite advantage to a higher speed reel when you have to constantly reel your line back up to rebait.

[CapBob]

For that use I would go to the lower ratio, as Skolman said more power.....you go to the Higher ratio when you need retrival speed

[IrishAyes]

For deeper water I would use up to a 5:1 ration.  You want a lower ration for the cranking power but higher for a quicker retrieve.  I wouldn't go over the 5:1.

I would use the 50 pound Power Pro and not the 30.

[PeggyLee]

water depth of 150- 250 feet is deep and 16-24 oz is heavy.So I would talk to some of the local captains and mates to see what they use on a daily bases,also what holds up strong for them.Then go to a local tackle store a feel them to see what is confortable in your hands and confortable for your budget.Good Luck,AJ   

[Skolmann]

A nice deep water fishing reel is a 300 series Newell.

[gottog]

A nice deep water fishing reel is a 300 series Newell.

I have a 332S(?) that is 5.1:1 and gets used at 17 Fathoms or out in Orient Point where you need 14ozs+

Good, dependable, no nonsense American made reel

Penn's in the 3/0 series will work fine as well.  Senators maybe?

Quicker retrieves are good to reel up an empty hook from the depths, but for that range, I'd suggest not going more than 5.X:1

[Jman]

Thanks for the replies. Thinking about a Newell 332 or possibly a Tekota 500. I'll let you know what I end up with...

[gottog]

On a related note, I love my lil Abu baitcasters(4600/5500/5600) for fluking and light bottomfishing.  The X600 series ones are all the 3.8:1 retrieve as I had the 6.3:1 and HATED it.  Lose way too much power and even short fluke felt like a chore on the reels.  Found a few factory winch versions and the others I ordered the 3.8 gears for.  What a difference IMHO.