Gear ratio for large swimbaits (2-7oz) (56g - 200g)

[Mykke]

I'm currently looking at a few baitcasters, and gear ratio is the one factor keeping me from finalizing my setup. I'm building out a large pike setup and will primarily be throwing swimbaits in the 2–7 oz (56g-200g) range. I plan to use 80 lb braid to support the heavy lures, especially since I'll be fishing in thick weeds.

I'm currently leaning toward the Shimano Tranx series due to its superior line capacity—I'm not sure the Curado can hold enough 80 lb braid. That said, I'm torn between two gear ratios in the Tranx lineup: one seems really fast, and the other might be too slow.

Here’s what I’m comparing:

Shimano Tranx 400 – considering either the 7.6:1 (39 IPT) or 5.8:1 (29 IPT)

Shimano Curado 300K – 6.6:1 (35 IPT)

Is 7.6:1 too fast for such large swimbaits? My thinking is that I can always speed up the retrieve with the 5.8:1 Tranx without sacrificing torque, but I’m unsure if 29 IPT is too slow for the type of fishing I’ll be doing.

[giantlureguy]

Hello,

I would go with the 5.8 ratio.

IMO most pike swimbaits work best when fishing slow and linear.

Also, I find it easier to speed up with a slow ratio over slowing down with a fast raio, so if you do occasionaly need the extra speed (glidebait, jerkbait...) it wont be too much of a problem.