Retrieval Inches Per Turn Per Crank vs. Gear Ratio: Why Every Jigging Angler Needs to Know the Difference

For saltwater jigging enthusiasts, mastering the mechanics of your jigging reel isn’t just about power—it’s about precision. Two terms often confuse anglers: Retrieval Inches Per Turn Per Crank (RIPTC) and Gear Ratio. While they sound similar, they’re fundamentally different metrics that directly impact your ability to control deep-water lures, time your hooksets, and land big fish. Let’s break down their roles, differences, and why they matter for your next offshore jigging trip.

1. Defining the Terms: Gear Ratio vs. RIPTC

Before diving into their practical applications, let’s clarify their definitions:

• Gear Ratio: A mechanical ratio that measures how many times the spool (line cup) rotates for one full turn of the handle. It’s expressed as a ratio (e.g., 5.1:1, 6.2:1).
  Example: A 5.1:1 gear ratio means the spool spins 5.1 times for every 1 turn of the handle.

• Retrieval Inches Per Turn Per Crank (RIPTC): The actual length of line retrieved (in inches) with one full turn of the handle. It answers the critical question: “How much line do I get back per crank?”
  Example: A RIPTC of 30” means each handle turn pulls 30 inches of line from the water.

2. The Science: How They’re Calculated (and Why It Matters)

Gear ratio is a fixed mechanical property determined by the reel’s design (e.g., the number of teeth on the spool vs. the handle). RIPTC, however, is a derived metric that depends on two factors:

1. Spool Circumference: The distance around the spool where the line sits (measured in inches).
2. Gear Ratio: As RIPTC = Spool Circumference × Gear Ratio.

Example:

• A jigging reel with a 200mm (7.87”) spool circumference and a 5.1:1 gear ratio:
  RIPTC = 7.87” × 5.1 ≈ 40.2” per crank.

This means every time you turn the handle once, you retrieve ~40 inches of line—critical for calculating how long it takes to lift a deep-water lure.

3. Real-World Fishing Impact: Why Anglers Obsess Over RIPTC

For deep-water jigging (e.g., targeting grouper, snapper, or amberjack at 100–500ft depths), RIPTC is the make-or-break metric for efficiency. Here’s why:

a. Time-to-Surface Calculations

When a fish strikes at 300ft (3,600 inches), knowing your RIPTC lets you estimate how many crank turns are needed to reach the surface.

• If RIPTC = 40” per crank: 3,600” ÷ 40” = 90 crank turns to surface.
• At 1 crank/second, that’s 1.5 minutes—vital for adjusting your fight strategy (e.g., keeping tension to avoid losing the fish).

b. Current & Wind Adaptation

Strong currents or winds can push your lure away, requiring faster retrieval to maintain control. A higher RIPTC (e.g., 50” per crank) lets you recover line quicker, while a lower RIPTC (e.g., 30” per crank) demands slower, more deliberate cranking.

c. Lure Action Preservation

Jigging lures (e.g., metal jigs, soft plastics) rely on precise vertical movement to mimic prey. A consistent RIPTC ensures your lure ascends at a steady rate, preserving its action and attracting strikes.

4. Gear Ratio: The “Theoretical” vs. RIPTC’s “Real-World” Value

Gear ratio is often marketed as a key selling point (e.g., “6.2:1 high-speed reel!”), but it’s only half the story. A high gear ratio theoretically retrieves line faster, but:

• It depends on spool size: A 6.2:1 reel with a small spool (e.g., 150mm circumference) may have a lower RIPTC than a 5.1:1 reel with a larger spool (e.g., 220mm circumference).
• It affects torque: Higher gear ratios require more cranking force, which can tire you out during long fights—especially with heavy lures (200–500g jigs).

RIPTC, by contrast, gives you actionable data to plan your day. For example:

• A 5.1:1 reel with a 220mm spool (circumference 8.66”) has a RIPTC of 8.66” × 5.1 ≈ 44.2” per crank—faster than a 6.2:1 reel with a 180mm spool (5.65” × 6.2 ≈ 35.0” per crank).

5. What This Means for Your Next Jigging Trip

To optimize your deep-water jigging setup:

1. Ask for RIPTC, not just gear ratio: Manufacturers rarely list RIPTC, but you can calculate it using spool circumference (measure with a string) and gear ratio (from specs).
2. Prioritize RIPTC for deep drops: Aim for 35–45” per crank to balance speed and control.
3. Test with your lures: A 200g metal jig requires more torque than a 100g soft plastic—adjust your reel choice (and RIPTC expectations) accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Gear ratio is a mechanical spec, but RIPTC is the language of the water. For jigging anglers, understanding both metrics ensures you’re not just “casting”—you’re strategically planning retrievals, adapting to conditions, and maximizing your chances of landing that offshore giant. The next time you’re holding a jigging reel, remember: RIPTC tells you how fast you can work, while gear ratio tells you how hard you’ll have to work. Choose wisely, and the fish will follow.