FISHING REEL GEAR RATIOS EXPLAINED

Josh Stewart

If you’ve ever shopped online for a fishing reel, you’ve likely come across a product description for a specific model you’re interested in.  That description contained a reference to the model’s gear ratio.  A specification expressed using three numbers.  For example, 7.0:1, and 6.3:1, are examples of fishing reel gear ratios.  One of our goals at Live to Fish, is helping you understand anything and everything about fishing, the gear, tactics, etc.  After reading what follows, you’ll never wonder what those figures mean.  When you turn the handle on a fishing reel, you’re engaging gears inside the reel.  Those internal gears are what turn the spool.  As you know, the spool of a fishing reel refers to the part of the reel that holds your fishing line.  Understanding what those numbers mean is easy.  The number before the colon denotes the rotations the spool makes per one complete turn of the reel's handle. So, a 6.3:1 ratio means the spool revolves 6.3 times with each (1) handle turn. Larger numbers in the first section means that more line is retrieved each time you turn the reel handle because the spool is turning that much faster. See how easy that was?  That’s another thing you’ll come to know about us – we’ll always give you the advice and information you need straight up.  As you know, there are spinning reels and casting reels.  Other terms for casting reels are conventional reels and bait casting reels.   Whether you’re shopping for a spinning reel or a casting / conventional reel, the gear ratio explained above will always be expressed in the same manner and have the same meaning.

For those who would like more technical specificity in understanding fishing reel gear ratios, this next paragraph is for you.  Turning the handle on a fishing reel engages a flat, circular shaped spur gear. This spur gear is located on the internal shaft of the handle. Teeth on the spur gear are precisely machined to interact with a smaller gear that resides on the center shaft of the reel spool. In most reels this is a helical gear.  This helical gear is shaped like a small barrel. Turning the handle engages these gears which rotate together and turn your spool.  How smooth you reel feels when turning the handle is largely a result of how finely these gears match up inside your reel.  Some other factors that contribute to the smooth feel and durability are how exact the specifications and tolerances are between these gears, and what type of metal the gears are made of.  When you cast a bait casting reel, your spool is spinning freely.  The spool’s ability to spin freely is the result of the disengagement of the gears.  When casting a bait casting reel, you push down on the thumb bar; also, called the spool release button.  With the thumb bar down, the gears are disengaged and you’re able to cast.   When you turn the handle after making your cast, you hear the same click encountered when you first pushed the thumb bar down.  That audible, “click,” is the sound of the gears re-engaging.  For a spinning reel, casts are possible when you flip the bail wire over.  That allows your line to flow freely off the spool.  The spool itself doesn’t spin like it does on a bait casting reel when you cast.  For anyone who has used both kinds of reels, you know that without the spool spinning on a spinning reel during the cast, you don’t end up with the dreaded, “backlash,” “bird’s nest,” or, “professional overrun.”  The foregoing are all terms used to describe the tangle of line that ends up on your spool when a cast goes awry with a bait casting reel. 

The lower the gear ration, the more torque the reel provides.  However, the downside is less line is recovered with each turn of the handle.  The higher the gear ratio, the more line you’ll recover with turn of the handle; but the disadvantage is often a loss in power necessary to subdue large fish.  Determining the proper gear ratio is done by considering the species you’re after and the fight you expect to encounter.  Just like a golfer doesn’t take to the golf course with just one club, most experienced fisherman don’t head out to go fishing with just one rod and reel combo.  A selection of rod and reel combinations accompany fisherman serious about getting as many fish on the line as possible.  The selection contains rods capable of handling different size lures or baits and reels with varying gear ratios and line capacities.  Certain lures are better fished with a lower gear ratio.  Big crank baits that swim deep benefit from additional torque.  More torque from a lower gear ratio means that reeling this lures in requires less effort; as does fighting the fish you hook up with.  Another scenario that favors low gear ratios is when fishing in cold weather with low water temperatures.  In Florida, when the water temperature is in the 70’s; and certainly below, baits and lures need to be fished more slowly.  A slow retrieve matches the generally lethargic behavior exhibited by fish in colder conditions.  Working your lure too fast in cold water yanks the lure out of the water column that would encompass the strike zone.  The strike zone in colder water is smaller than in warmer temperatures.  Moreover, fish are less willing to travel to feed.   A slow retrieve and accompanying presentation will result in more strikes. 

Tarpon fishing in Costa Rica

If using fishing reels with a high gear ratio, you can gobble up more line with each turn of the handle.  High gear ratio reels are also called, “high-speed,” reels as a reference to how many revolutions the spool makes.  For example, the Abu Garcia Revo Rocket has a gear ratio of 9.0:1.  The result is a recovery of 36.5” inches of line per turn.  Examples of a high gear ratio are those above 7.1:1.  Types of fishing best done with a hear gear ratio reel involve fishing with jigs, large jerk baits, large worms, Texas and Carolina rigs, top-water lures, and any lipless crankbaits.  In summary, you’ll benefit from a high-speed reel any time you’re fishing a lure that requires you to use your rod to achieve the desired action.  Fishing the types of lures mentioned above creates slack in your line.  Especially when working a top-water lure.  Slack line can cause problems when a fish strikes.  Without tension on the line, you either won’t notice the bite or you won’t be able to properly set the hook.  Lastly, if fishing an area exhibiting numerous means through which the fish could break free, a high-speed retrieve is beneficial.  Such areas would be docks, bridges, mangrove shorelines, and weeds or lily pads.  Getting the fish away from structure in a hurry increase your chances of landing the fish rather than losing both the fish and your lure in the process. 

When you get into fishing offshore, on reefs or other deep-water structure, the definition of high-speed changes based on the different dimensions of the reels.  Bigger, heavier, fish tend to live in deeper water.  Bigger, heavier, fishing gear is used to bring these fish up from the depths, or otherwise counter their power.  Fishing gear rated for offshore use will have the necessary combination of both speed and power.  Some offshore gamefish reels have spools that when filled to capacity with line, boast a circumference measuring approximately 8” inches.  The recovery rate when reeling in is a whopping of 4’ feet, or 1.33 yards of line with each turn of the handle.  Blue Marlin, Sailfish, Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, and Dorado are some examples of popular off-shore gamefish species.  Stories of a large Blue Marlin making a run towards the boat are not unheard of.  The ability to quickly recover line and take up slack is critical.  One of the reasons large fish are lost is due to a suddenly slack line.  The slack line means the tension on the hook is lost; causing loss of the fish. 

Our fishing tackle at Live to Fish contains conventional fishing combinations capable of use for offshore fishing.  In addition, you’ll find rods and reels suited for pursuing inshore gamefish and freshwater species.  We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.  We want you to have the right gear for whatever you’re after.  Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about the appropriate gear, or any of the items we sell. 

The Clearwater Personal Injury Law Firm: Personal Injury Settlement Mills: Loved by Insuran...

The Clearwater Personal Injury Law Firm: Personal Injury Settlement Mills: Loved by Insuran...: What is a Personal Injury Settlement Mill A personal injury settlement mill, is a high volume personal injury law practice that att...

WHAT IS THE WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE COMPANY NOT TELLING ME?

WHAT IS THE WORKERS COMPENSATION

 INSURANCE COMPANY NOT TELLING ME?

Law Office of Stewart and Stewart, P.A.

            When injured on the job, the first people you are likely to come in contact with are your employer / supervisor, the adjuster for the worker’s compensation carrier, and those employed with the hospital or medical facility you’re instructed to visit.  People occupying any of the aforementioned positions are more likely to have questions for you than any answers.  Even if you receive what you believe are answers to your questions, the source from which you received answers does not have your best interests in mind; certainly not in the same way your attorney would.  Another issue we often see is that the answers our clients received before we undertook representation were wrong.  There is no guarantee that the source of your answers is actually knowledgeable with respect to what worker’s compensation benefits you’re entitled to.  You may be inclined to think or expect that the insurance adjuster would be knowledgeable.  Unfortunately, that is not always the case.  Even if the adjuster is knowledgeable, we have seen examples wherein people were misled regarding their benefits.    You should feel comfortable contacting us and asking questions.  The feeling of comfort comes from understanding that having questions is completely normal.  Questions are expected.  Furthermore, consultations regarding your questions are free.  There is no obligation to retain us as your attorneys just because we answered your questions.  We’re happy to answer your questions whether we undertake representation or not. 

There is no reason why you would know all the ins and outs of Florida’s Worker’s Compensation laws.  So, what are some of the benefits injured workers are entitled to receive that insurance companies don’t disclose?

1.       Reimbursement for medical mileage or providing transportation to and from medical appointments.  If you sustain an injury while in the course and scope of employment and do not have transportation to attend medical appointments, physical therapy, or to obtain prescriptions from your pharmacy, the worker’s compensation insurance carrier has an obligation to provide transportation for you.  The obligation to provide transportation comes about if you do not own a vehicle, cannot drive, or have an otherwise valid reason why you are unable to travel to and from medical appointments.  If you drive yourself for such reasons, or have a friend of family member drive you, then the carrier is obligated to reimburse you for the distance traveled.  The amount is calculated based on the miles traveled.  Medical transportation can be in the form of a cab service the insurance company uses to pick up you up from your residence and return you home.  The generally accepted rate of reimbursement is .445 cents per mile.  While this amount may not seem significant, if can add up if you continue treatment for an extended period of time.  Keeping track of your miles is easier with access to Google Maps, or some other navigation service.  If the carrier has not provided you with the medical mileage reimbursement sheets, you should request them.  We generally provide our clients with a form to use in keeping track of their mileage.  Most clients find that driving themselves to their appointments or being driven by a friend or family member is preferable over receiving transportation provided by the carrier.  The reason is that the transportation services can vary in how reliable or on time they tend to be.  If you have any questions about this issue, please contact us. 

2.      The right to change physicians.  You have a right to a one time change in authorized physicians provided by the worker’s compensation carrier.  Such a request can only occur as the name suggests – one time.  That mean once during the life of your claim.  We prefer to discuss utilizing the one time change option with our clients before they make such a request to help ensure doing so is in their best interest.  One time change requests generally occur as a result of an employee not agreeing with the opinion of their treating physician, or not feeling as though they are making adequate progress with the physician they have been treating with.  There is no guarantee that the doctor you end up seeing in place of the one you changed from will have a different opinion, or that you will get along any better with a different doctor.  However, you do have the right to change physicians.  Upon written request, the carrier has an obligation to provide you with alternate physician within a specific period of time.  The change in physicians occurs within the same specialty.   Meaning, if you are requesting a change from an orthopedic specialist, you would be see an alternate orthopedic specialist.  If you are requesting a change from a neurosurgeon, you would be authorized to see an alternate neurosurgeon / spine specialist. 

3.      Payment if Impairment Benefits.  Impairment benefits are a monetary benefit paid once you reach a point of Maximum Medical Improvement.  Some work related / on the job injuries are successfully treated within a matter of months.  Other work injuries require a number of years in treatment.  Regardless of the duration spent undergoing treatment, you will reach what is known as Maximum Medical Improvement.  This is most commonly referred to with the acronym, “MMI.”  Even if no physician has determined that your curative treatment is complete, you will reach what is called statutory MMI two years from your date of accident.   It doesn’t mean that your treatment stops.  Unless you are permanently and totally disabled, wage loss benefits will stop upon reaching MMI.  Reaching MMI simply means that everything that can be done in the way of providing curative treatment has been provided.  Depending on the nature of your injury or injuries, you may not experience any residual limitations.  Again, depending on the nature of your injury or injuries, you may indeed have limitations upon reaching MMI.  MMI can be explained as reaching a plateau in a medical sense.  Described another way, MMI means you are as good as you are going to get.  Once you reach MMI, an opinion will be provided by your authorized treating physician concerning the degree of your permanent impairment.  For example, an injury to your right arm may have caused you to lose 20% or more of your range of motion, weight bearing ability, etc., in your right arm.  However, that does not mean your impairment rating is 20%.  For worker’s compensation purposes, the impairment rating is determined by considering your body as a whole.  Even though your right arm may be considered 20% impaired, your final impairment rating may be expressed as 2%, 5%, 8% - it depends upon where you fall when your injuries are considered against the guidelines in use for determining impairment ratings.   If you have questions about the guidelines or your impairment rating, please contact us.  Once a percentage is determined, we can address how much money you are entitled to receive in the form of impairment benefits.  There is a specific formula used for calculating your impairment benefits and a specific number of weeks considered based on the percentage given.  The amount of money paid in the form of impairment benefits will vary widely depending upon the final percentage.  We make sure our clients receive all monetary benefits they’re entitled to, whether such benefits are lost wages, impairment benefits, medical mileage, or reimbursement for certain covered expenses.   If you have any questions about being injured on the job, please contact our office at 727-847-1115, or visit us online at www.stewartattorneys,com