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So I've never really targeted trout through the ice. I was wondering if I had a size 6 hook on with say 20lb line if that would be too heavy. The trout I'm targeting are 12+ in and they are brown and rainbows. I was also wondering if I should use fat heads or shiners
Rainbows are strong fighters. A 12" plus bow can easily break a 6+ line.
True. However, we have caught many rainbows up to 7 lbs. and as long as 27" all on 6 lb. test. And my buddy does the same on 4 lb. That is what the drag adjustment on your reel is for, and why I use open face spinning reels with reliable drag. I also like 53" spinning rods, enough rod that the rod action, friction at the guides, and drag all help me keep in contact with the fish, with a tight line, but allowing no slack. "Fighting" large trout is a finesse game. Monofilament line should be kept free of abrasions and replaced routinely. The reel should release line long before it gets tight enough to break. And don't you dare try to lift a large one out of the water with the line. Snap!Line strength selection is a balance between spooking the fish and breaking them off. The balance works because of the reel drag and good technique.Sorry. Preaching.IMO. YMMV, but not much. (Image removed from quote.)I guess it depends on whether or not you intend to release it. If so, by the time you have played it out on a 4 # test it will be too exhausted to swim away. As so much else in life, different strokes for different folks!!And never mind what the OP said! Why ruin a good argument in the slow season!!!?? A recent catch on 6#:(Image removed from quote.)This is the 4 lb. aficionado with a couple of five pounders:(Image removed from quote.)
yeah, but what you guys aren't taking into account is that the OP is talking about tip up line, not jigging rods. He was attaching his hook directly to the tip up line which is fine for pike but not so good for line shy fish like the 12" trout the OP was talking about.
Steve, how are you posting pictures? Usually I can't see pictures but I can see those? Just wondering.
Most... or actually all of my jigging this year was done with 3# bionic ice line. I don't know how it would do with the beauties you guys are catching but it works fine with the nasty 12-16" stockers I get stuck with.