Regular spinning reels for hard water

[herschel]

I have been reading more articles and seeing more videos where anglers are using their regular spinning reels for ice fishing.

Does anyone up here in Saskatchewan do this and what are your thoughts?

[ran7ger]

Yep just switch from long to short sticks and Bob's your uncle.  I don't change grease or lube either but some people use hot sauce for their reel lube when it's subzero.

[Mike.]

Couldn’t pay me to use one of those crapy ice reels lol

[stripernut]

Always have used the same reel, no changes, just take them off one rod and put it on another. I use quality reels in open water and want the same on the ice.

[speckspotter]

The only "ice specific" reel I own has a longer shaft between the reel body and where it attaches to the rod. I find this handy since it allows more room for a bulky glove when hole hopping outside. Other than that, I agree that a quality reel that balances well on the ice rod you are using is absolutely fine.

[speckspotter]

The only "ice specific" reel I own has a longer shaft between the reel body and where it attaches to the rod. I find this handy since it allows more room for a bulky glove when hole hopping outside. Other than that, I agree that a quality reel that balances well on the ice rod you are using is absolutely fine.

[herschel]

Do you change up the line to something specific for ice fishing?

[stripernut]

On my spinning reels, I change the spools to Floro from (mostly) braid. Baitcasting reels I leave the braid and only fish them outside when it is nice enough for the braid not to freeze solid...