Over the last several years, I have been converting all of my fishing tackle from Spinning reels to conventional reels. Reason: Much better line control when fighting a fish, more comfortable (less strain on wrist and arm) when jigging.
It's been really hard finding the really tiny reels we use for ice fishing. The first ones were made mainly of plastic and were really junk (no free spool, no real drag). Last year I found a really well made metal reel at the Fish307 booth at the Syracuse show for $30. This year I found another one, made by HT, also for $30. Both have a standard Star Drag, push button Free Spool, positiuve anti-reverse and ultra smooth action. Really happy with both of them.
There is only one drawback to this style reel...... if you're using an ultra small, ultra lightwieght jig, it won't be heavy enough to free spool itself off the reel (you may have to pull line off by hand).... but this is true of spinning reels also.
Try one of the new conventional reels....see if you don't agree with me!!
