Reel Retrieve Rate Calculator
Calculate how much line your reel retrieves per crank and choose the right gear ratio for your technique.
e.g. 7.3 for 7.3:1
Measure spool at widest point
48.2"
Per Crank Handle Turn4.02'
Feet Per CrankQuick line pickup. Great for reaction baits and techniques requiring fast slack-line control.
Best for: Jigs, Texas rigs, Carolina rigs, Squarebills, Topwater frogs
Retrieve Speed by Crank Rate
| Cranks/sec | In/sec | Ft/sec | MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 24.1" | 2.01' | 1.37 mph |
| 1 | 48.2" | 4.02' | 2.74 mph |
| 1.5 | 72.3" | 6.03' | 4.11 mph |
| 2 | 96.4" | 8.03' | 5.48 mph |
| 2.5 | 120.5" | 10.04' | 6.85 mph |
| 3 | 144.6" | 12.05' | 8.22 mph |
Gear Ratio Comparison (2.1" spool)
| Ratio | In/Crank | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 5.2:1 | 34.3" | Slow — Power Ratio |
| 6.2:1 | 40.9" | Medium — Versatile |
| 7.1:1 | 46.8" | Fast — High Speed |
| 7.5:1 | 49.5" | Fast — High Speed |
| 8.1:1 | 53.4" | Extra Fast |
| 9.1:1 | 60" | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no single best ratio — it depends on the technique. Slow cranking (5.1–5.4:1) for deep diving crankbaits. Medium (6.1–6.4:1) for jerkbaits and versatile applications. Fast (7.1:1+) for jigs, Texas rigs, and topwater. Many experienced anglers own multiple reels with different ratios for different techniques.
A 7.1:1 reel with a 2.1" spool diameter retrieves approximately 46–47 inches (nearly 4 feet) per crank handle revolution. Multiply gear ratio × π × spool diameter to calculate your specific reel's retrieve rate.
Yes — a higher gear ratio means the spool rotates more times per handle crank, resulting in more line retrieved per crank. However, spool diameter also matters: a 5.4:1 reel with a large diameter spool can retrieve more line per crank than a 7.1:1 reel with a very small spool.
For hand-cranked retrieves, most anglers crank at 1.0–1.5 cranks per second (60–90 per minute) for a natural-looking retrieve. Walleye are typically caught at moderate retrieve speeds — test different rates until you find what triggers strikes on a given day.