Understanding gear ratios in fishing reels can initially be confusing, but once you grasp the concept, it becomes quite straightforward. The gear ratio indicates how many times the rotor spins around the spool with one full crank of the handle. For instance, a reel with a gear ratio of 5.7:1 means the rotor will make 5.7 rotations around the spool with each complete crank. In general, lower gear ratios result in slower, deeper fishing, while higher ratios offer faster, surface fishing experiences.
Shimano reels often feature acronyms like PG, HG, or XG, which represent different gear types:
PG (Power Gearing): PG reels are designed for jigging and deepwater bait fishing. They offer ample cranking power and torque, making them suitable for handling large fish and navigating bottom structures. A lower gear ratio reduces the strength required to rotate the handle, making PG reels ideal for slow, methodical lure retrieval.
HG (High Gearing): HG reels are favoured by lure anglers as they enable quick line retrieval when needed. With a higher gear ratio, HG reels strike a balance between retrieve speed and power. They are well-suited for various fishing scenarios, including estuary, inshore, and offshore lure and bait fishing.
XG (Extra-High Gearing): XG reels provide ultra-fast retrieve speeds, catering to anglers targeting swiftly moving fish such as tuna, trevally, and mackerel using topwater lure presentations. The extra line pick-up of XG reels helps maintain constant contact with the lure, reducing slack line and facilitating immediate striking and hook setting.
Aside from the acronyms, Shimano also offers reels without specific designations. These fall under the "Standard Gearing" category and serve as versatile, all-purpose options.
Understanding gear ratios empowers anglers to select reels that align with their fishing preferences and target species. Whether you need more power, faster retrieves, or a well-rounded reel, knowing the implications of gear ratios will aid you in making informed decisions.
Hopefully this helps explain it a bit more! If you have any other questions or queries, please shoot us a DM on our Facebook or Instagram or give us a ring on 02 9533 0000!