Can you use a regular fishing reel for ice fishing? Yes, you can use a regular fishing reel for ice fishing. Many anglers swap out their ‘summer’ time or year-round fishing reels and put them on ice fishing rods during the hard ice season.
What type of rod is best for ice fishing?
- St. Croix Mojo – Our Pick!
- Berkley Cherrywood HD.
- 13 Fishing Tickle Stick.
- 13 Fishing White Noise Ultra Light.
- Shakespeare Ugly Stik.
- Shakespeare Wild Series.
- Fenwick Aetos.
- Fenwick Elite Tech.
What is the best rod length for ice fishing?
A standard length is approximately 28-inches with a fast-action tip. A medium-action rod is tailor made for walleye, small trout and pike, and will work well as your second combo. Look for a rod of around 28 to 30-inches in length, with a solid backbone throughout the lower 2/3rds.
How do I choose an ice reel?
Do you need special rods for ice fishing?
Any conventional reel will work for ice fishing. It is important however, to match it to the type of fishing you plan on doing. Since you are not casting, an ultralight spinning reel is ideal for most species like walleye and panfish.
Why are ice fishing rods so small?
Ice fishing rods are so small because they are designed specifically for use in ice. For ice fishing, you need to be close to the hole, so a standard open-water pole will be too long. You also need a more sensitive rod for ice fishing, so the small size of ice fishing rods helps with feeling the fish.
What pound test should I use for ice fishing walleye?
For regular sized walleye lures and live bait, 4-6 lb is ideal. For large swimbaits, rattle baits and extra large live bait, you can go up to 8-10 lb. Choosing the right pound test line for walleye can be extremely important, especially if you’re fishing in clear waters that get a lot of fishing pressure.
How much line should I put on my ice reel?
Ice fishing line is often sold in 50 to 110 yard spools. This means a 50 yard spool can be used on two reels. That’s 25 yards each. Just start spooling with your leftover braided line you used in the summer, then finish it off (with a GOOD knot!) with 25 yards of some decent ice fishing line.
What is a quick tip ice fishing rod?
What do I need to know about ice fishing rods?
How do you rig an ice fishing rod?
How are ice fishing rods measured?
Rod Length: The “length” is defined as the measured length from the butt end of the rod – to the end of the rod tip. So if you have a 30 inch ice rod blank, even after you add a butt cap and tip top guide, which may add a bit more overall length, the rod’s action and length are still considered 30 inches.
Do you use sinkers for ice fishing?
Can you use a spinning reel for ice fishing?
Do you need weights for ice fishing?
These weights help get your baited hooks and light jigs down quickly. They can make it easier to detect a light bite, too. Soft shot weights are less likely to weaken your line. Regardless of the weights you choose, apply only enough pressure to secure them to your line.
What bait is used for ice fishing?
ICE FISHING BAIT For ice fishing live bait, try wax worms (bee moth larva), maggots, spikes (fly larvae), wigglers (mayfly larvae) or minnows. You can drop your bait and leave it alone, or you can slowly jig to attract the fish. Ice fishing jigging also works with artificial ice fishing bait.
Are ice fishing reels different?
Re: Difference between ice fishing reels and.. No real difference (pun intended). I just wouldnt use one of your nice open water reels. Most ice reels only have 1-3 bearings whereas most would not use a spinning reel with anything less than 5b’s for casting during open water.
What depth should I ice fish?
In my experience, I’ve found that most of the best ice-fishing action comes in water from 3-to-20 feet deep. I like to set up my traps so that they cover a variety of depths. Areas with rock piles, weed beds, or dramatic contours are all good spots.
How much does ice fishing gear cost?
Basic ice fishing fish locators are in the $300 to $500 range and those sonar units with GPS capability are priced slightly higher. Underwater cameras typically cost a few hundred dollars. Portable heaters can be had for about $100 or less. Budget $50 to $100 for a deep sturdy sled to carry your gear.
What all do you need to ice fish?
- Ice rods and reels.
- Auger and accessories.
- Seat/bucket.
- Rod holders.
- Pliers and forceps.
- Sled or other conveyance.
- Line.
- Terminal tackle.
What is the best lure to catch walleye?
These are some of the most historically popular lures: Crankbait, Grubs, Paddle Tails, and Ring Worms. The best walleye lure of all time, grubs on a jig, are the most popular alternative to live bait. If you want to fish fast and avoid keeping bait alive this is your primary option.
Do you use a leader when ice fishing?
In order to be able to safely land your ice pike, you either need a strong fluorocarbon leader of about 50-60lb or a titanium wire leader of about 25-30lb. Both leaders have excellent abrasion resistance and will be able to handle the ice hole’s sharp edges, even under hard pressure.
Do you need a leader for ice fishing walleye?
For walleye per se, you do not need to use a steel leader at all, as they won’t be able to bite through your mainline. However, if the water you are fishing in contains pike or muskies, you can use a 10-15lb fluorocarbon leader instead of steel, in order to prevent bite-offs.
How do you keep fish when ice fishing?
How can I make ice fishing more comfortable?
You fish in jeans and a sweatshirt and stay very comfortable. Other ice-anglers prefer to fish from a portable shelter, and again, with a small heater they stay warm even when it’s very cold outside. Then there are those who like to sit on a bucket when they’re ice-fishing.