Ice Fishing Reels

[Cool Cat]

OK guys n gals, here's a question for you.  I'm thinking of investing in one of the new type of ice fishing reels.  I've seen online the Genz reel, the Frabil reel, the Black Betty, etc etc.  You guys n gals have had the opportunity to try them out and test them.  So let's see what you think.  And what rod would you pair it up with?  Now I don't use a bobber anymore and strictly tightline for my all my fish unless I'm using a minnow.  So tell us your opinions.  And if you don't like one, tell us. 

[wax_worm]

I have 9 of the eagle claw inlines.  I like them because of the no line twist and ease of use.  They also have a star drag on them and a tension knob that controls how much 'free spool' you have when you let line out.  The one drawback is if using real light line (1 lb or 2), when you set the drag correctly for that line it is the lower end of the drag and it is hard to get it set right.  Seems to be either too tight or too loose.  I add another washer under the star drag and that fixes the issue.  It is no big deal to me as I had to switch them so I can reel with my right hand, so I just add the washer in that process of reversing the bearing so I can reel with my right hand.  I caught a mid 30's pike on 2 lb line last year using one while fishing for gills and the drag worked flawlessly during that fight.

[Stinkybaits]

Black Betty is nice. Drag is pretty nice on it. There were some sales going on where they were almost half off. Genz isn't bad doesn't weigh as much as the others and costs less. It's more of a manual drag but easy enough once you get used to it. Frabil I have never used. Eagle Claws and CGI are a couple of other options just don't get any of them in the slop on a cold day could end up freezing bad lol. Schooleys is still an option haven't has one of those freeze up yet.

[wax_worm]

Black Betty is nice. Drag is pretty nice on it. There were some sales going on where they were almost half off. Genz isn't bad doesn't weigh as much as the others and costs less. It's more of a manual drag but easy enough once you get used to it. Frabil I have never used. Eagle Claws and CGI are a couple of other options just don't get any of them in the slop on a cold day could end up freezing bad lol. Schooleys is still an option haven't has one of those freeze up yet.

Good point about the freeze up on the EC, if laid in the slop, or slush and the air temp is super cold.  I had that happen last year when I dropped the rod taking a fish off and had to retire that rod for another that day.  I did take the reels all the way apart and add my own grease and oils and that seemed to help with any future freeze ups, but I have had the same happen to spinning reels if dropped or laid in the slop.  Just something to be aware of and you should not have an issue if you take care of them.

[Cool Cat]

Keep them coming guys.  And thanks.  I'm sure others will appreciate what you all have to say.

[Jigmup]

I use a lot of different micro open face reels. Haven't tried the inline reels yet, mostly because it looks like I would have to alter how I hold the rod in my hand. I tend to hold it like using a pencil and I rest my middle finger on the bail because some of the micro's I use don't have instant anti-reverse and I hate that tiny amount of back play.

I guess I need to do some upgrading...LOL!

[wax_worm]

I use a lot of different micro open face reels. Haven't tried the inline reels yet, mostly because it looks like I would have to alter how I hold the rod in my hand. I tend to hold it like using a pencil and I rest my middle finger on the bail because some of the micro's I use don't have instant anti-reverse and I hate that tiny amount of back play.

I guess I need to do some upgrading...LOL!

UGH...I hate that.  Reels with back play or slop in them on the anti reverse...I can't fish with them, they drive me nuts! 

[crappie66]

A lot of people are going with the inline reels lately.  I don't feel a need as I don't have line twist issues, and also as others have said it would alter how you hold the rod.

The best reels in my opinion are the Gander Mountain brand, there is absolutely no wiggle in the anti reverse and the drag is great - relatively cheap too - $20-$30 depending upon how many bearings you want.

I have other reels that came with combos but the anti reverse is usually junk - most noticeably on the Frabil reels, and/or the reels seem to big and bulky.

[Jigmup]

Yeah I hate the backplay but for some reason I fell in love with the shimano TX1000 years ago....It just feels right!

[High Tide]

A lot of people are going with the inline reels lately.  I don't feel a need as I don't have line twist issues, and also as others have said it would alter how you hold the rod.

The best reels in my opinion are the Gander Mountain brand, there is absolutely no wiggle in the anti reverse and the drag is great - relatively cheap too - $20-$30 depending upon how many bearings you want.

I have other reels that came with combos but the anti reverse is usually junk - most noticeably on the Frabil reels, and/or the reels seem to big and bulky.

I have 6 gander tournament series reels (1000) and you're right... Awesome reel for the cash! However, it's hard to get as silky smooth as Shimano CI4 (1000) And the FML spool is perfect for people who love to change the line often!

[Stinkybaits]

I have 6 gander tournament series reels (1000) and you're right... Awesome reel for the cash! However, it's hard to get as silky smooth as Shimano CI4 (1000) And the FML spool is perfect for people who love to change the line often!

Love those Shimano CI4s! Wish they would come out with a micro 500 style I would forever have a permanent  iceon!

[Fishslayer81]

Love those Shimano CI4s! Wish they would come out with a micro 500 style I would forever have a permanent  iceon!

You and the CI reels do not play nice together.  They tend to end up in the lake 20ft deep. 

[Stinkybaits]

You just had to go there.... lol.

[Fishking83]

You and the CI reels do not play nice together.  They tend to end up in the lake 20ft deep. 

Ah-Oh.  Best ice fishing reel on the market is actually an open water crappie reel.  Slaters for me.  Only about $3 each and I have one on 90% of my ice rods.

[bb400guy]

I don't like in-lines, they looked cool up until I went to hold a display model in the store - as stated above, I couldn't get used to the different way you have to hold the rod.  As for the reels I like, Shimano Sienna and Abu Garcia Cardinals are nice cheaper reels that you don't have to go broke on.

[Stinkybaits]

Ah-Oh.  Best ice fishing reel on the market is actually an open water crappie reel.  Slaters for me.  Only about $3 each and I have one on 90% of my ice rods.

Shouldn't you be outside smoking steelhead?! Speaking of which its time to pull out the last package!

[tater140]

It took me a while to get used to them for sure.  I can still use a pencil grip to jig.  Where it gets harder for me is when i hook up with a fish and i have to switch my grip around to reel in the fish. 

[Fishking83]

Shouldn't you be outside smoking steelhead?! Speaking of which its time to pull out the last package!

I don't have anything to smoke.  If I ever get a day off of work again I'll go fishing again.  Probably work until 1am on Thanksgiving morning setting up for the Black Friday sale.  I may try and smoke a small turkey once I get home for the mega feast.

[lcshtsm]

Fishing,
Where do you find those slater reels?

[wax_worm]

Fishing,
Where do you find those slater reels?

Here:

http://www.slatersjigs.com/crappie-reels/2-1-4-inch-pole-reel.html

[h2.0shaver]

I got the frabill (inline) and like it . Probably paid too much for it just like everything else ive bought for Ice fishing.

[custom r]

  Eagle claw in-line reels here .
And a couple guide series spinning reels .

[bgriffis17]

well its all about the fish / bite to what type reel I like, 80% of the time Iam perch fishing its dead stick w/live bait I prefer the black Betty 6061 in-line this reel was made for this. now if it small gill jigs and up to jigging raps or spoons ill have shimano Sedona 500's this way all the mod's I have to do is change to cold weather lubricant. and yes I have spent much more than needed but this is the one sport above all the others Ill be doing till the day I die so the kids can fight over my toys and not my money (LOL)   GRIFF.