Need help with new setup

[Giant607]

I'm looking into a baitcasting reel and probably a rod, for fishing rocky rivers and the occasional lake. Mostly to use square bills, shallow running and medium cranks. What speed reel should I be looking for?

[oubassman]

Probably a slower speed, say 5. something to 6. something. If you want to grind the bottom at any times, don't need the really high speed reel. I've got a KVD 5. somethign on my cranking rod and it works great for all the cranks I throw

[Hanover_Yakker]

A 5.0:1 works great for crankbaits, you could even get away with a 6:1 if you reeled slower than normal. Pair that up with a St. Croix Avid, Legend or Fenwick Elite and you would have one sick combo. We can't all afford the NRX and other G Loomis sticks, so get what you can in the price range that is affordable to you.

[BigSlick]

I'd have to disagree with the recommendations for a slower reel for cranking rivers with shallow divers and square bills.

Reels with 5:1 gear ratios are handy when throwing deep divers. The slower speed allows those baits time to get down to their rated depth - something you don't need to worry about when cranking shallow.

I personally use a 7:1 gear ratio when fishing rivers. Allows me to keep up with the current when retrieving downstream. Can't do that with a 5:1. And sometimes it's absolutely necessary to get bit. I have always caught more fish retrieving with the current.

After all, how many baitfish do you see swimming upstream?

Like Hanover said, all you have to do if your gear ratio is higher than what you need is to slow down your cranking speed. Not as easy to speed up a slow reel.

As far as rods go, M to MH power rating with a moderate to fast tip is what I prefer for river fishing. 6'8" to 6'10" seems to be a good length for me.

Wanna talk about line too?

Good Fishin'!

[ecu daniel 14]

I also agree that slow reels are only really good for slow rolling big baits or deep cranks. I like a reel with roughly 22-26 IPT for squarebills. Find a nice 6.3:1 and you will have what you want. (potential to burn, but slow enough for cranks)

For a crankin setup you are gonna want to spend more on the reel then the rod. My reason is you will be using the reel much more then the rod if that makes sence. You dont need a TON of sensitivity in the rod, but you do need a lightweight, smooth reel for casting/retrieving all day.

I highly recommend you look at last year's Abu Revo Premier (gen 2) found on sale now. If you can afford it anyways... with medium IPT (inches per turn)

As far as the rod goes, I prefer a Medium powered Moderate to Moderate-fast action rod. The longer the rod the further the cast but less leverage you have on the fish.

I cant really give you any reccomendations, because you havent provided us with enough information as far as your price point.

[Giant607]

I cant really give you any reccomendations, because you havent provided us with enough information as far as your price point.

I don't really have a price point set. I have a Revo Winch (5.4:1) on a St. Croix LT Big Cranker and REALLY like it. Was mostly wondering if I could get another Revo Winch and use it for smaller cranks.
Based on Doug and Chuck's recommendations, maybe I'll get the rod and try it before I buy another reel. Thanks for the help.

[jslager]

I do not have much to add except it would be hard to beat the prices on the Revos they are blowing out to make room for the new ones.

[Giant607]

I do not have much to add except it would be hard to beat the prices on the Revos they are blowing out to make room for the new ones.

Those prices are what have got me thinking about putting together another setup.