Although the nearest ice may be at the poles at this time of the year, ice jigs are still a great way to present live bait to hungry ‘gills and crappies during summer.
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What size reel is best for ice fishing?
A typical ice fishing spinning reel will be an ultralight size with a model smaller than or equal to 2500 (25). These smaller sizes are necessary to properly balance with the smaller ice fishing rods which are between 16 โ 24 inches long.
What is the smallest size fishing reel?
Ultralight spinning reels are not a type of reel itself but are the smallest model/size of a spinning reel. Typically, ultralight reels are within the sizing of 1000, 1500, 2000 & 2500 (or 10 โ 25). These numbers are common model numbers that are given to represent the size of the spinning reel.
Can you use ice fishing reel in the summer?
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 is the difference between a 3000 and 4000 reel?
Typically when people think of a 4000 size reel, they think of a bigger, heavier, “do everything” reel. But there is not much difference between the sizing of the 3000 versus the 4000. The body frames appear to be the exact same size and there is only a fraction of an ounce difference in weight.
How do I choose an ice reel?

Can you use an ice fishing reel on a normal rod?
The simple answer is yes. There is no reason a regular sized fishing pole won’t work for ice fishing. You would not be the first person to catch fish while ice fishing with a regular pole. However, a rod and reel designed for ice fishing has important advantages that will definitely up your game.
What does 6000 mean on a fishing reel?
Choosing a fishing rod to go with this size reel: 6000 or 60 is where we where we start to move into larger size fishing reels and as such this size fishing reel will usually suit 5-8ft boat fishing rods, 8-9ft general purpose spinning rods or 10 foot rock/surf fishing rods with a line rating of anywhere between 6-15Kg …
What does 3000 mean on a fishing reel?
One Manufacturers 3000 Is Another Manufacturers 4000 This creates a situation where the 3000 from one manufacturer looks more or less the same as a 2500 or a 4000 from another manufacturer. You might find a 10,000 size in one reel series looks very much like a 14,000 size in another.
What is a 6000 reel good for?
Large sized spinning reels (6000 โ 30000) These are heavy sized spinning reels ideal for heavy rods used for offshore boat fishing, surf casting, or rock fishing. They are great for targeting large species up to about 150+ pounds (such as tarpon), and work best with 12-60lb monofilament, or 24-100lb braid.
How do you attach a reel to an ice rod?

Can you use ice fishing lures in the summer?
It’s the middle of summer. Walleye anglers are catching walleyes on live-bait rigs, spinner rigs, crankbaits, jigs, and slip-bobber set-ups. And a few anglers are using ice-fishing baits to catch walleyes. Here’s an idea you might want to try next time your chasing walleyes when the weather is warm.
What are 2500 reels good for?
Reel size 2500 is also on the smaller end, and like the size 1000, it is best suited for light lure fishing tactics like drop shotting, spinning, or jagging. An increased number means that the spool and line capacity are slightly larger than the size 1000 spinning reel.
How do I know what size reel to buy?
Choosing the correct reel size is as easy as determining the size fishing line you intend to use most often. The lighter the line you intend to use, the smaller the reel you should purchase. Ten-pound test line should be the highest strength and diameter used on a spinning reel.
How much line can a 3000 reel hold?
For most 2500 or 3000 size reels with similar diameters (1-3/4 inch), a 1/4 inch gap is what is best for the backing. This is the perfect amount of gap to be able to use all 150 yards of your new line.
Are inline reels better for ice fishing?
Versatility: If you are looking for a reel that can be used in most situations, then spinning reels are for you. They can be used in just about any situation while ice fishing. While the inline reel does present baits better, the spinning reel will work for any ice fishing techniques.
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 a medium light ice fishing rod good for?
Light rods are good for perch, and light to medium rods are good for walleye, whitefish and most trout. Heavy rods are best for pike or lake trout.
Why are ice fishing poles 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 does FB mean on a fishing reel?
Alot of Shimanos finish with FA, FB etc. The “F” stands for front drag and the letter after stands for the model of that range. If a reel has an “S” at the end (like 2500S) , it means it is a “shallow spool” model. “HG” at the end, meaning “High Gear” “PG” at the end, meaning “Power Gear”
What is a 4500 reel good for?
Spinning Reel Size: (45/450/4500) Common Applications (Guide only): Medium fishing reel mostly suited to lakes, rivers, bays, harbours, light offshore boat fishing etc. Popular for fish type (most common species): Snapper, Morwong, Tailor, Mangrove Jack, Cod, Bone Fish, Barramundi, Mulloway, Drummer.
What is the difference between a 2000 and 3000 reel?
The 2000 is 40g lighter and the 3000 has more line capacity (at 0.25 diameter line 150 meters vs 220), although I’m probably will be using 0.10-0.16 braid and some mono for backing so it wouldn’t really make a difference.
What does HG and XG mean on Shimano reels?
These acronyms โ common on many Shimano reels โ represent the following: PG = Power Gearing. HG = High Gearing. XG = Extra-High Gearing.
What is a 1000 size reel good for?
The 1000 or 10 size reel is ideal for fishing with 2-to 4-pound test monofilament line. I pair this reel with an ultralight rod measuring either 4 1/2- to 5 1/2- feet long. This is a great combination for trout fishing and small panfish such as bluegill and yellow perch.
How much braid can a 4000 reel hold?
With the fighting capacity of a high-end, mid-priced 4000 pretty significant these days, a capacity of 300 meters of PE2 (20-kilo braid) allows you to tackle fish well above the test weight or line class.