I have some but can not tell you what gear ratio is.. They have been very reliable reels that were used for saltwater fishing or putting leadline on for trolling lake trout in fresh water. It is worth the money however it does look as though it is missing a part. That being the v type backet that should be attached to the bar on top. ( in the first photo) The v shape piece would travel back and forth as you reel it in, this helps keep the line level. It would probally work great on the flatheads if you use it to just drop the line down or do a slow drift..