difference in fishing line?

[heineken8119]

When I was buying new fishing line last night at sportsmen's to reline the ice fishing poles I got (line was at least 12 years old on them). I saw there was line for ice fishing but they only had 2Lbs. test (they were sold out of everything else). I wanted to put heavier weight then just two pounds. So I asked a worker what is the difference between standard monofilament and ice fishing line was. All he could give me is what was stated on the box and then proceeded to say there really isn't difference, that standard monofilament has been used for years and works just fine. I am wondering is there a difference or is it gimmicky like firearm dealers have done with the word "tactical". Also, in the ice fishing line there was black nylon braided line there also is this any good? What do you guys suggest for ice fishing and do I need to change it out every year like my spinner reels?

[alaskaruss1]

I use Power Pro braided with a  florocarbon  leader. Everybody has what works for them but  this is the combination I use. Lots of choices out there today. I tried the florocarbon fishing line but did not like the memory, while other guys swear by it.

[spedray]

The black line is for tip ups. The only real difference I see in ice fishing line is the tint of the line itself. It may have a lower memory. I respool every few years. The rods are always stored in a rod bag,so I don't think the line deteriorates as bad as my summer rods. When the lines starts to feel rough it's time to change it.

[RipLipper]

I have used both the Mono and the Berkley Fireline.  The Mono has a memory and some stretch to it and the Fireline is almost like sewing thread without stretch or a memory.  The fireline is way more sensitive and is stronger than mono but with that, I am noticing it has a troublesome slack to it when fighting a bigger fish like trout.  I can see an advantage to it on pan fish.  The mono is easier for me when fighting something like a big rainbow, but at the same time the fireline can rub the edge of the ice and be ok as opposed to mono which will snap easiers against the ice.  You definitely have to match the line to the species, lure/jig, and rod gear.  The braided line you mentioned is a heavier line designed for tip ups for big fish like pike and walleye, especially when rigging overnight with a minnow like on Fort peck.  You can bring the fish up easier hand over hand.  Hope this helps a little. 

[albo]

I have tried every brand/kind of specialty ice fishing line I have found because when it is burr @$$ cold normal monofilament line maintains shape of the reel and the coils of line tangle easily. to date my favorite is the Berkley trilene micro ice. it stays flexible without memory and I have horsed up some 2' pike on 6lb test with no issues and I don't loose sensitivity for the light bights

[Houdy66]

As the others have stated, there isn't much difference between regular monofilament and ice fishing mono. Mostly just the color of the line. I personally use Power Pro braided line with a fluorocarbon leader on my jigging rods and monofilament on my dead stick rods that I set up with bait. The braid is super sensitive because of the no stretch and it is super strong for easier hook sets. The leader is just to make sure the fish don't see the braid. Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible in water, whereas the braid is very visible. I like using the yellow hi-vis line because I can see every movement in the line, especially if the fish hits the jig on the drop before it reaches the bottom of the line. One other advantage of braid is that it has a very fine diameter, so a 10 pound line is only the size of 2 pound mono. I recommend trying braid for jigging, and if you don't like it switch to monofilament. The one downside I've found to Fireline (which is technically called a "super line" and not a true braid) vs. Power Pro is that Fireline does, in fact, sometimes have a memory. The Fireline on my poles gets coils in it, especially with light jigs. Just my personal opinion, but hopefully it helps.

[bowhtr]

I switched to light line, same pound test thinner diameter, and noticed an improvement in how the line peeled off the spool.  When fishing light jigs this was a helpful advantage getting down the hole and on top of the school of fish before they moved on. In deeper water the difference is even more noticeable. I like mono as I seem to get less spool freeze up.  I stay with the line that isn't ice specific and it has always preformed great. Never used the braded ice line sure like to hear what others say about it.

[heine]

i second the micro ice! caught a 12 pound bull trout on 2 pound test and have caught multiple pike on the 4 pound test

[njoy]

 Are those of you using braid or fireline in a heated shelter? It freezes to the spool or ices up badly when I have tried it. Works great in nice weather.

[RipLipper]

The fireline does ice up pretty easy out of the shack when I have used it. 

[Houdy66]

I have noticed that Fireline does ice up pretty bad. I haven't noticed it nearly as bad with the Power Pro, although it will still ice up a little bit.

[Fillet]

I run Micro Ice on all of my rods except for a couple of Lake Trout/big fish rods where I use superlines. I have landed some big fish on Micro Ice and am a big believer. My buddy grabbed one of my walleye rods when we were lake trout fishing and ended up landing a 25 lber on 4 pound Micro Ice.

I think the biggest mistake people make when ice fishing is using too heavy of line. Small/lite jigs call for small line. The jig needs to be able to pull the line tight so that you can detect the lightest of bites. Lighter line lays better on the reel, coils off less, and catches less ice.

I have 2 lb on all of my panfish/perch rods, 3-4 pound on my walleye trout rods, and 6 lb on one rod in case it is really cold and I am looking for big lake trout and pike. Good reels and patience will land just about any fish you can tie into. Oh and no matter what line you use, take the time to do some de-icing maintenance. Don't let ice build up on your eyes, reel, and line. That's how you lose fish!

[snotsickle]

I think about everybody is on track here on this thread.  I am sold on using flourocarbon over regular mono.  Side by side with the same lure, bait etc. . . using 4lb. version of both.  The flourcarbon will out catch regular mono due to visibility.  Especially true with "line smart" trout.  More expensive, yes, but with out a doubt better.

[RipLipper]

Love your screen name snotsickle.  Clever.

[theron86]

Completely agree with The Sickel.  I use 100% fluorocarbon on all my rods.  Less memory, same strength but smaller diameter.  It is worth the extra cost.

[Eaglecrg]

If you are fishing in a shanty the braided lines may work fine, but I have discovered that if you are not in a shanty and it is cold out, the braided line holds more moisture which will freeze to your spool a bit.  I don't have that problem with mono.