Multi Purpose

[Scattergun2570]

I need a baitcaster that I can use for jigs,plastics,and shallow cranks.. ponds and small lakes from shore.. What gear ratio,or IPT do you think would be best? Mostly concerned about the crankbaits.. fast ratio reel and cranks,,usually not a great combo,but I don`t know if its a big deal with squarebills... I use a TD-Z,with 5.7:1,,which is great..but anyway,, your thoughts are appreciated.

[masterbass]

I prefer something in 7:1 ratio for multipurpose.

[wiel0059]

Something like a 6.6:1 or in that range is a great multi-purpose reel IMO. Is it perfect for everything, of course not. But when looking at a ratio that can do a lot of techniques really well it does a great job. Next would for multi-purpose would be a 7.3 or 7.1 as mentioned.

[BigG]

I would put a set of 6.3 gears in your TDZ. I think 6.3 is perfect for squarebills, It would be nice to have the higher speed for bottom contact, but not a necessity sense you move the bait with rod.

[Teal101]

6.3:1 is the ticket for all around in the TD-Z.

[hungry_cow]

The TD-Z is a great all purpose reel for that. 6.3 to me is perfect if you are using both bottom contact and moving baits. But 5.7 isn't bad. I would rather have 5.7 for all purpose than 7.3 or 7.1. The 7.1 or faster makes resistance moving baits harder to reel in and easy to overwork. 5.7 to me is perfect for moving baits and for bottom contact it just takes a tiny bit longer to reel in moving baits through the dead water to make your next cast.

[Patex]

6.3 for me as well.

[adam lancia]

Are you a leftie or rightie? If you're a leftie, you'll have a tough time finding 6.3 gears easily, whereas the 7.1 kit is fairly readily available. If you're a rightie, 6.3 is the fastest you can get for some reason. Realistically, if you have an original Steez, it has a 6.3 gear set but the main drive gear is aluminum and not brass. Personally, I think you'll be fine with 7.1 and shallow cranks and square bills.

[Abu Daimano]

Either a high 6 ratio, like 6.8:1, or 7:1. Any higher makes it more of an effort to slow down if needed

[Abu Daimano]

I need a baitcaster that I can use for jigs,plastics,and shallow cranks.. ponds and small lakes from shore.. What gear ratio,or IPT do you think would be best? Mostly concerned about the crankbaits.. fast ratio reel and cranks,,usually not a great combo,but I don`t know if its a big deal with squarebills... I use a TD-Z,with 5.7:1,,which is great..but anyway,, your thoughts are appreciated.

Shallow cranks and squarebills can definitely get away with 7:1, I like burning and bumping them more than slow-rolling

[Fishing4Fun]

I feel like a 6:3.1 or 6:4.1 is pretty versatile for me. I fishing mainly plastics, jigs, chatterbaits, small keel weighted swimbaits, and various hardbaits from time to time. Anything faster and I feel like I am fishing the reaction baits to quickly especially when I want to slow roll them and keep them down deeper. On the flip side If I am fishing a jig deep sometimes it is a chore to get the slack line reeled up quickly to get a hook set especially if you are fighting bellies in the line from the wind blowing.

If I could fish two casting reels it would be one with a 6:something ratio and one with a 7:something or higher. Toss in a spinning rig and I would be set.