Do I need a 5.x:1 Crankbait Reel?

[titanxt]

Do I really need a 5.x:1 reel for crankbaits?

[Bountiful Waters]

What type of cranking are you doing. The slower reel is beneficial on deep cranks.

[ss454]

That would depend on the size crankbaits you throw and how often you throw them.  If you do a lot of cranking you wouldn't be able to type this question because your arm would be worn out.    If you throw DD22s or DD14s very much it will kill your arm with a 6.xx:1 but if you're throwing smaller stuff it doesn't matter as much IMO.

[WES]

i have 3 i use one for small cranks one for big cranks and 1 for slow rolling spinnerbaits

[Pferox]

I like the lower gears, but then I fish for many different species.

You can really tell the difference when you hook onto a 30lb blue cat, or sub 100lb tarpon on light tackle for sure.

In the bass area, the resistance of those bigger lures is negligable when you go down to "grannie gear".

I also use em when I need to slow down on presentations that I usually use higher gears for, its just easier than trying to slow down my rythim.

[Warpath]

I use my crankbait fishing in three steps.  My shallow/wake baits are thrown on a 6 1/2 rod with a 6.3.1 reel.  For medium depths up to 10 foot, I use a 7 foot medium rod, with a 5:1, and I fish deep cranks on a 7 1/2 medium heavy rod with a 3.8:1 reel.  I think the 3.8 reel is too much, and I'll probably replace it, as I never use it.  I think it helps with diving the bait to its deepest point and doing it easily.  As for shallow cranks, I want that reaction strike, so I want to be able to smack it off of things with speed.

Eric

[Pferox]

I use my crankbait fishing in three steps.  My shallow/wake baits are thrown on a 6 1/2 rod with a 6.3.1 reel.  For medium depths up to 10 foot, I use a 7 foot medium rod, with a 5:1, and I fish deep cranks on a 7 1/2 medium heavy rod with a 3.8:1 reel.  I think the 3.8 reel is too much, and I'll probably replace it, as I never use it.  I think it helps with diving the bait to its deepest point and doing it easily.  As for shallow cranks, I want that reaction strike, so I want to be able to smack it off of things with speed.

Eric

Eric, when you decide to get rid of that 3.8 reel, I claim first offer on it. Just be kind I just bought a houes. 
One of Jan's truck drivers in Waco uses one of them that low for stripers, and he is having an affair with it..