Reelie....

[Mountain Maggot]

Hey ice chippers,

I often fish in temps below zero and now have Jawjackers outside of hut.  While I love ultralight spinning reels, even with hot sauce they seize up in the cold.  For big fish while using rods with a bit of backbone I use baitcast reels.  Ice fishing plastic versions tend to be crap.  I wish one could find good drag, microbaitcast reels...maybe such is out there.

I’ve invested in some pricy level wind reels of various manufacturers in the hope that that this is my solution.  Any recommendations?

Mountain Maggot 

[slipperybob]

Nobody has actually made a bait casting reel for ice fishing design in mind as far as I know.  13 fishing attempted...hybrid version.

As far as application for one and price point...Shimano Curado/Chronarch/Scorpion the BFS version or lightweight spool version.  These start around $200 retail.  The old models were size 50 and current models are in size 70.  There are aftermarket spools to be used but also at extra additional costs as the original intent were design to cast ultralight lures.

The quality of baitcasting reels has improved dramatically and standard low profile reels may actually work nowadays.

As for traditional round bait casting reel types, again it goes to Shimano.  An older version called the Calcutta 50 in all metal wasn't too bad - expensive.  It is about the size of that plastic micro round reel...Wally Marshall Mr. Crappie round reel (all previous plastic versions).

[Mountain Maggot]

Thanks SB.  I’ll check these out.  $200 would be out of my price range though.

 

[slipperybob]

It is hard to justify for ice fishing only...for open water finesse fishing on a baitcasting reel, it simply is just an enjoyment for myself. 

I am perfectly content using my Ugly Stik combo's when the fish are biting.  When fish, requires some effort in finding and getting them to bite.  The biggest game changer did come in my Thorne Bros. custom panfish sweetheart with my Chronarch 50Mg reel.

[hays47]

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-crappie-maxx-baitcast-reel

I got a couple of these for night fishing for crappie. How they would hold up to ice fishing But under 50 might be worth a try. Reels are like the expensive shimano 50 size.

Have used Daiwa mini millionaires for ice fishing and they are great for ice fishing. Trouble is Daiwa quit making them. Not a great reel f
by any means but perfect for ice fishing. Every now and then one shows up on Ebay.

[Mountain Maggot]

Get information....thanks 

[river_scum]

 i have been using some bait casters on ice for several years.  i find the smaller ones do just fine and feel great in the hand.  reels like the abu 2500s or the lews bantom i think my other reel is called.