I was comparing ratios on some of my surf spinning reels. Most on average, are around 4.8 -1. How will it affect plugging situations if you stray either lower or higher from this number.

I was looking at the Daiwa Saltiga for instance, and they have a model that is 4.9-1 and another model which is 5.7-1. Since I believe they are made mostly for boat use what is the difference made for and also would a 5.7-1 ration be too fast for plugging from the shore?
Thanks.

I would go with the lower ratio, I was told by a repair guy that the lower the ratio the more power the reel has to reel in the fish.

Speed of the reteived lure depends on how fast you crank it!

The lower the ratio the more power. the higher the ratio the faster your max will be. I like the higher ratios for when the lures are getting swept in on you. You can always slow down your cranking but once you are cranking as fast as you can and the lure is still getting by you , you need a faster reel.

I figured the lower ratios were for more power (eg- 2 speed reels for deep sea fishing etc.)

Thanks for the helpful info.

One thing to consider when determining retrieve ratios is the spool diameter vs ratio. For example the circumference (complete wrap around spool) is equal to the diameter x pi (3.14). If the diameter of the spool is 3 inches you get a circumference of 9.42 inches, which is on revolution of the spool. If the ratio is 3.7:1, the spool turns 3.7 times per one handle turn. So with one turn of the handle its 3.7 x 9.42 which equals 34.85 inches of retrieve per handle turn. Just because the ratio is low doesnt mean there will be a slow retrieve. Spool size makes a difference as well.

So with a reel like a 706 you can expect a faster retreive than just the numbers because the spool is wide?

706---I'm pretty sure thats what I did for the quick calculation. So yea the retrieve isnt all that bad. I cant remeber off the top of my head what a vs250 retrieve rate is but the 706 isnt too far off from that. The 706 is faster than a vs300 i think....

Its been discussed here before I think but when you pull in a fish you pull with the rod and reel up the slack so the lower gear ratio doesnt make too much of a difference. I'd rather have a faster retreive rate to real up on a fish that might be coming at me with a big swell or for other reasons. For big game fishing the reels are more important to act like a winch.

Bob,
Just did some research that pertains to your question. The VS 250 has a retrieve ratio of 4.25:1 and pulls in 35.5 inches of line per turn of the crank handle. The VS 250 is similar in spool size to your 704Z Penn, but the Penn has a retrieve ratio that is slower at 3.8:1.
The VS 300 has a retrieve ratio of 3.25:1 and pulls in 30 inches of line per turn of the handle. The 706Z has the same size spool as the VS 300 in diameter but is also 3.8:1.
The Saltiga SA-Z4500 has a 4.9:1 retrive ratio and by the looks of the small spool capacity 140yds of 20# mono is either very small in diameter or very shallow.
There are two major points here: How fast will you be able to retrieve a lure, and when the need for power/torque is needed will you have enough "juice" to bring the fish in (large fish or ripping current with a medium size fish). Obviously it is a compromise. This topic comes up alot with the cape cod canal guys, due to the horrendous currents and sticky jig eating bottom they have to deal with.
I'll pass this on to you here, Jack Yee said,"give me a 704Z Penn and I'll pull any size fish out of Montauk waters". He is a conventional guy all the way (Abu Big Game 7000cl).
Save your money 700 clams is alot for a reel that just shouts my bank book just took a hit. Your Penns and Shimanos, will get it done and then some. Case in point the world record Bass 78# was caught on a Penn 710Z with 20# Mono and an 8' Rod. How does that saying go? "Like what you need, and need what you have"
Speak to you soon, good luck,
Steve:)

Bob,
Using Rizzo's formula:
Spool diameter x 3.14 Pi x retrieve ratio= line retrieved in inches the 704Z with a 2.5" spool will retrieve approximately 30 inches of line per turn of the handle, if your line capacity is at it's maximum.
Steve:)

Hi Steve,

Thanks for looking up that info. I hear you on the 704 as well. Considering there are not many huge fish around, I feel that most of my even smaller reels could handle a nice fish. I just have this sickness where I can't stop buying stuff.
So next year when I get out there and start catching more 27-29" bass I could look cool and in style. LOL

You are a bit too late on the Saltiga as UPS should be ringing the bell any day now. I just couldn't resist. Hopefully I get it in time to show it to you. :)

I have quite a few old surf fishing books and they are testament that you can catch big fish on the standard, basic stuff, stuff that was around then and is still around now. So I definitley hear you on the "need" versus "want" in tackle. I'm sure when I get the bill I will be like Homer Simpson -Doooooh!

Pete J. came over last year and said "you better stop buying more stuff". Well, he's coming over this weekend and he is going to flip out! I better start hiding some stuff now.

Talk to you soon.:D