Deep Drop Time Calculation Guide: Retrieval Inches Per Turn Per Crank (RIPTC) for Jigging Reels

For saltwater anglers chasing big game with jigging reels (like the GOOFISH® MIGHTY DEEP 6ft paired with a high-performance reel), mastering how fast you retrieve line is critical for deep-water success. Today, we’re breaking down Retrieval Inches Per Turn Per Crank (RIPTC)—the metric that answers, “How much line do I pull back with each crank?”—and why it’s your secret weapon for efficient deep drops.

⚡️ Why RIPTC Matters More Than Gear Ratio for Deep Drops

You’ve heard of gear ratio (e.g., 5.1:1), but RIPTC is the real-world metric that matters for deep-water jigging. Here’s the difference:

Gear Ratio: Measures how many times the spool spins per handle turn (e.g., 5.1:1 = 5.1 spool rotations per crank).
RIPTC: Tells you actual line retrieved per crank (e.g., 30” per crank).

For deep drops (100–500ft), RIPTC directly impacts:

Time-to-surface: How long to retrieve your lure from 300ft.
Current adaptation: Adjusting for wind/tide to keep your jig vertical.
Lure action: Maintaining steady ascent to mimic prey.

🎣 Calculating RIPTC: A Step-by-Step Guide with Jigging Reel Specs

Let’s use the GOOFISH® MIGHTY DEEP 6ft (paired with a typical jigging reel) to demonstrate. First, you’ll need two specs:

Spool Circumference: Measure the distance around your reel’s spool (where line sits). For a 200mm spool, this is ~6.28” (2πr = π×200mm/25.4 ≈ 6.28”).
Gear Ratio: Found on your reel (e.g., 5.1:1).

Formula:

RIPTC (inches per crank) = Spool Circumference × Gear Ratio

Example with GOOFISH® MIGHTY DEEP 6ft setup:

Spool Circumference: 6.28” (200mm spool)
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
RIPTC = 6.28” × 5.1 ≈ 32” per crank

🌊 Real-World Application: Planning Your Deep Drop

Imagine targeting a grouper at 300ft (3,600 inches). With a RIPTC of 32” per crank:

Time to surface: 3,600” ÷ 32” = 112.5 crank turns.
At 1 crank/second: ~1.9 minutes to reach the top—critical for maintaining tension and avoiding “burned” fish.

For stronger currents, aim for a higher RIPTC (e.g., 40” per crank) to retrieve line faster. For finesse presentations (e.g., soft plastics), a lower RIPTC (25–30” per crank) keeps the lure’s action natural.

🔧 Optimizing with Your Jigging Reel & Rod

The GOOFISH® MIGHTY DEEP 6ft (1-piece, solid nano blank) and its paired jigging reel (e.g., with 7+1 guides, FUJI SIC tip) are designed to maximize RIPTC efficiency:

Solid Nano Blank: Lightweight yet strong (24kg+ deadlift) reduces arm fatigue during long retrieves.
FUJI SIC Guides: Low-friction design ensures smooth line flow, preserving RIPTC accuracy.
Glow Coating: Absorbs light to glow in dark—critical for low-light deep drops where RIPTC visibility matters.

💡 Pro Tip: Match RIPTC to Your Bait

Heavy Jigs (500g+): Use a higher RIPTC (35–40” per crank) to counteract the jig’s weight and maintain ascent speed.
Light Plastics (100–200g): Opt for a lower RIPTC (25–30” per crank) to keep the lure’s action subtle and enticing.

🌟 Final Cast: Master RIPTC, Master Deep Drops

RIPTC isn’t just a number—it’s the bridge between your gear and the big fish below. By calculating it using your jigging reel specs (like the GOOFISH® MIGHTY DEEP 6ft) and adjusting for conditions, you’ll spend less time guessing and more time reeling in monsters.

Ready to dominate deep drops? Share your RIPTC calculations below and tag a fellow angler who needs this guide. Tight lines, everyone 🎣✨