Fly Fishing Style Ice Reel

[coolhand_luke]

Wondering if anybody has any experience or opinions on the use of the fly fishing styled ice reels for ice fishing?  They seem logical to me and comfortable for jigging, as well as a back to the basics of the old style spools we used to use.  I tend to hand line my fish up anyways after they are hooked, so I don't get a lot of benefit from the spinning reels commonly used now.  There are a few different types and manufactures out there, such as Genz and Frabill among others. 

[captain54]

I'm going to get the Genz reel,it's only $25 bucks. I plan on using it in shallow water(weed beds) sight fishing. I have about 12 or more little Ul quality spinning reel,that work OK,but I'm trying to get away from line memory and spinning jigs. I always loosen the drag and hand pull my line out and straiten the line but it still spins the jig. After sight fishing you learn a lot about what giant bulls and really big crappies like and spinning jigs is a big NO-NO they just back off and sulk into the weeds.

[lyonboy]

I bought the Frabill Straight Line 241 a couple days ago.  I like the feel of it and the crank.  It is a little pricier but it is geared so that is nice for when the fish pull back on the line.  I put 4 lbs mono on as backing and then used about a 6 ft floro leader.  Ran me about $54 at the local bait shop in central Iowa.  It isn't all metal either so it won't get as cold in your hand if you are out hole hopping. 

I knew I wanted a fly reel this year and so I did a lot of research on them before I made the decision.  I had each one in my hand, read reviews, and looked at price points and ultimately it seemed like the Frabill 241 just fit what I was looking for the best.

Again, read all these posts, online reviews, put each one in your hand and see which one works for you.

[BaitBucket]

Picked up 5 of these beauties for $15ea.

Push button free spool.
Free Spool tension screw
Star drag
On/Off bait clicker switch.

[Pail Rider]

Okuma SLV 2/3's on sale right now at Sears.com for $47

[ZeroGravity]

I have an Orvis Battenkill 7/8 that I started using for my ice fishing reel.  I found it to be a great approach since I use it on one of my fly rods the other nine months of the year....

It is easy to use, even when the line freezes.

Have an awesome day!

  - ZG -

[Michigan Mafia]

I bought a cheap fly reel last year and thought it was going to be a great set up until I tried to reel in a fish from 12 fow. It felt like I was fishing in 40 fow by the time I got the fish out of the hole. I'm not sure what ratio the reel is but I had to laugh at how long it took to get the fish up.

I'm thinking I might fill up the spool with some old line then attach my regular line to try to get the ratio right.

[BaitBucket]

I bought a cheap fly reel last year and thought it was going to be a great set up until I tried to reel in a fish from 12 fow. It felt like I was fishing in 40 fow by the time I got the fish out of the hole. I'm not sure what ratio the reel is but I had to laugh at how long it took to get the fish up.

I'm thinking I might fill up the spool with some old line then attach my regular line to try to get the ratio right.

lol yah. Definitely gotta use some kind of backing.

[guthook1]

Just received my BB 6061 and loaded it with 20# Power Pro/6# Trilene.  This sucker is smoooooth. Can't wait to see if it impresses the fish as much as it impressed me.....that is if we ever see enough ice to walk on.  40 degrees and 25 mph wind.  Might have to head north on a road trip.
bestfishes-jim

[gearheart]

Picked up 5 of these beauties for $15ea.

Push button free spool.
Free Spool tension screw
Star drag
On/Off bait clicker switch.

(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)

WHERE??? I want.

[nonamer]

redrock has a few. i am not sure what.

[AugustWest]

Okuma SLV 2/3's on sale right now at Sears.com for $47

That's all I use on Thorne Bros Rods
AW

[KevinWI]

well if the eagle claw ice reel is out there, I sure haven't been able to locate where yet.

[SeisMec]

well if the eagle claw ice reel is out there, I sure haven't been able to locate where yet.

X2

[bushyjr]

Sportsman guide had them on site other day I found the one I have at gander mtn good luck

[coolhand_luke]

I have checked them all out on line, they are all in slim supply, and that is if you even can find one.  I like the reels that offer a gear ratio retrieve other than 1 to 1, but they get pricey real fast.  I am going to try the Frabill 241, it's new but seems to have the features I want.  The composite material should be nice to hold after being out on the ice awhile.  The Black Betty's are available at BassPro, but I'm not sure if I would like them.  I really want one of the 6061's, but apparently only 300 were made this year and if you find one they are about 40 - 50 bucks over the list price.  Hopefully they will be more available and reasonable next year.  I'll let you all know what I think of the 241 if and when we ever get ICE!  Thanks for all the reply's.

[adkwiley]

Picked up 5 of these beauties for $15ea.

Push button free spool.
Free Spool tension screw
Star drag
On/Off bait clicker switch.

(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)

Just a heads up, you have those spooled backwards.  I'm a  fly fisher and you want your line coming off the bottom of the spool not the top.  Used one of my fly reels last year and thought it was neat on the ice.  Also if you have your line coming off the bottom you'll have more room for your hands on either side of the reel.  With the line on top i woudl think the line would hit your hands and have a high risk of being fouled, especially if your wearing gloves.  I may be wrong they may recommend spooling them this way but i'm not sure how does everyone else spool theirs?

[slipperybob]

I run my flyreels on ice rods with line coming off the top of the spool.  Personally for myself, it's less likely to foul up on other things, namely other rod handles in transport.  Took a while to adjust to reeling backwards but I've gotten used to it.

[bee]

On the EC reels the spool turns counter clockwise. He has it correct

[frostbittin]

Okuma SLV 2/3's on sale right now at Sears.com for $47

Sportsmans warehouse has them for $39.99, i just bought two of them.