steppeydog
Well-known member
The only time a high retrieve ratio is of any use (to me) is when retrieving without a fish on, so that I can get the rig re-baited and out again.
With a fish on it's a bloody nuisance and with a big fish on it's possibly the quickest and easiest way of losing said fish.
Take a look at most boat fishing multipliers and you will see them designed with a much lower retrieve ratio, specifically for pulling big fish up without ripping hooks out or snapping leaders.
4.3:1 tends to be the norm for most boat fishing multipliers dropping through 3.x:1 to 2.9:1, 2.5:1 and even 2:1 for seriously heavy or big game reels.
A high retrieve ratio is all well and good, until you get into a decent fish...
Again, this is just my opinion and not a criticism of particular reels or of those who use them - your mileage may vary, but you can put the odds more in your favour by working with your existing kit's capabilities by altering your approach while using it.
Adopting a slower retrieve is difficult, but not impossible. Just don't start cranking like crazy of you get into a good fish
yeh that was was worrying me the retrieve but am only planning on using a 20lb class rod so will have to pump fish not just wind
