In-Line reels and ice fishing line
Posted: Mon Dec 28, 2020 10:33 pm
Shopping to replace a couple of my spinning reels (on ice-fishing outfits) with in-line reels. Looking for some input.
I get the impression that the in-lines are best for panfish and small walleye in shallow water...not really meant for big fish (big walleye and Lakers) in deep water...yes, no ?? Are the drags suitable and the retrieve ratios fast enough for bigger fish down deep ??
What's the difference in features and quality between say a $40 Eagle Claw in-line, and a $130 13 Fishing Black Betty Free Fall ? Anyone have any recommendations on brands/models ? I usually prefer to pay for quality and have something last, but it needs to be justified.
In open water, all my spinning outfits (and a lot of my baitcasters and trolling outfits) are loaded with braid and then a length of FluoroCarbon leader...I feel I get the best of both worlds..no stretch and sensitivity with the invisibility/stealth of FC.
What are some preferences for ice fishing line... with a rod and reel ? I find braid "ices up " quickly because it absorbs water. .. making it hard to manage, especially on a spinning reel. However, I see the major manufacturer's all produce "ICE" versions of all their types of lines...plain mono, co-polymer, FC and braid. I assume they're treated or coated to resist water and maintain their flexibilty. Personally, I'd prefer the braid to FC combo...simply for the "feel". Are any of the "ICE" braids good ? Or perhaps just keep it simple with straight FC ? Sometimes a little stretch is good. Any recommendations for what line works best for hard water jigging ?
For tip-ups, I usually use 20 or 30 lb. black Dacron (fly reel backing) to a small swivel connected to 3 to 7 ft of 8lb to 10lb FC... the Dacron is easy to see on the ice, and easy to handle when you're hand-bombing a big fish. Any other suggestions/options folk are using ?
Thanks...all comments and input are much appreciated. I've fished open water for 60 years, but not a whole lot of experience on the ice. I usually spent my winters on the ski hill...but unfortunately my knees won't let me do that much anymore...
I get the impression that the in-lines are best for panfish and small walleye in shallow water...not really meant for big fish (big walleye and Lakers) in deep water...yes, no ?? Are the drags suitable and the retrieve ratios fast enough for bigger fish down deep ??
What's the difference in features and quality between say a $40 Eagle Claw in-line, and a $130 13 Fishing Black Betty Free Fall ? Anyone have any recommendations on brands/models ? I usually prefer to pay for quality and have something last, but it needs to be justified.
In open water, all my spinning outfits (and a lot of my baitcasters and trolling outfits) are loaded with braid and then a length of FluoroCarbon leader...I feel I get the best of both worlds..no stretch and sensitivity with the invisibility/stealth of FC.
What are some preferences for ice fishing line... with a rod and reel ? I find braid "ices up " quickly because it absorbs water. .. making it hard to manage, especially on a spinning reel. However, I see the major manufacturer's all produce "ICE" versions of all their types of lines...plain mono, co-polymer, FC and braid. I assume they're treated or coated to resist water and maintain their flexibilty. Personally, I'd prefer the braid to FC combo...simply for the "feel". Are any of the "ICE" braids good ? Or perhaps just keep it simple with straight FC ? Sometimes a little stretch is good. Any recommendations for what line works best for hard water jigging ?
For tip-ups, I usually use 20 or 30 lb. black Dacron (fly reel backing) to a small swivel connected to 3 to 7 ft of 8lb to 10lb FC... the Dacron is easy to see on the ice, and easy to handle when you're hand-bombing a big fish. Any other suggestions/options folk are using ?
Thanks...all comments and input are much appreciated. I've fished open water for 60 years, but not a whole lot of experience on the ice. I usually spent my winters on the ski hill...but unfortunately my knees won't let me do that much anymore...