Ice fishing lines can be notoriously difficult to handle, whether spooled on a conventional spinning reel or a modern ice fishing reel. First, ice fishing reels are often smaller, which means the line spools are tighter: tighter spools coupled with cold temperatures cause line memory and elasticity that makes the line jumping off the reels in an uncontrolled manner. Wired2fish’s McKeon Roberts shares four simple tips for taming and taking control of your ice fishing lines, focusing on the fluorocarbon and monofilament varieties. Following his guidance will result in less downtime for new rigging, better lure action (more bites!) and better bite detection.
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Roberts’ 4 tips for improving ice fishing line handling:
Adjust the scoop tension dial (inline coils)
Modern in-line ice rollers work like a cast roller in that kickback can be a problem; it is common for the line to come off the spool faster than your bait sinks. The problem is that the line gets lodged between the spool and the gear, requiring you to remove the spoon to untangle it. Roberts combats this problem by immediately adjusting the reel tension dial to the weight of the bait. More tension slows the unwinding of the reel line and is the easiest way to reduce “rats nests”. Other than that, inline reels are a godsend of inline spin reduction based on their straight line and inline drop and recovery mechanics. Also, their larger spool diameters create larger spools of line, resulting in less line memory than their spinning reel cousins.
Delete your line (online reels)
Stripping or hand-stretching the line is another option to get the bait to the bottom without tangling. In this scenario, Roberts hooks the free spool in line while removing his hand to prevent spin. It then simultaneously pulls the line from the end of the rod while reducing pressure on the reel, effectively removing line from the reel without relying on the free spool. The stripping method also has the advantage of stretching the line as it is removed from the spool, eliminating memory and resulting in a direct, direct connection to the lure.
Pulling your line
Pulling the line removes the memory and is easily achieved by keeping the reel hooked and using the drag as resistance. Loosen the drag a little and take the line off the reel in increments, making sure there is enough drag tension to put a significant load against the line. The result is a no-memory line section that reduces bait spin and line coil, so you have a straight, direct connection between your bait and rod end.
Controlled free fall
A spinning reel is the fastest way to get the bait to the bottom; this is achieved by opening the bail and allowing the line to fly unhindered, the bait falling freely under its weight. If your line has memory, it will often fly too fast and growl on itself or around the guides and rod tip. Mitigate this by stretching your line as explained above. Second, you can place a leading hand in contact with the line in front of the reel to moderate the flow of the reel. Doing this is an easy method to prevent excess line from jumping off the spool and creating a tangle.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
Check out our Ice Fishing Essential Gear Guide for the knowledge on how to get started ice fishing!