Line size when ice fishing.

[iwantabuggy]

Just curious what line size most people are using through the ice, if you have a preference, and why?

Just to start it off, I have been using 6 lb and have been considering moving to 4. As for brand, I haven't decided if I have a preference.
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[ceedubya]

10lb braided. No stretch. Super sensitive.
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[ChrisTheFish]

I've been using either 6 or 8lb with a fluorocarbon tippet. I have been considering moving to a braided, and still using the same tippet.

Those of you who use the braided, does it get iced up worse than regular mono?
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[Belasko]

I use 6lb usually but going to Island Park or other spot that has large fish I'll go 8 or even 10 (Henry's). On the other hand I usually use Magnathin for the thinner, more limp line. I tried using standard stren but in the cold the line memory was so bad I was fighting that half the time.
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[SteelieNut]

I started using Berkley Micro-Ice in 6lb test. It is not considered braided (I was told), it is a lot like dental floss. Supposedly it is very sensitive, hangs straight, doesn't ice-up so bad, and is stronger rubbing on the ice than mono. Reality....more sensitive, hangs coily, ices-up worse than mono, and definetly stronger. So, it has its pros and its cons. As for me, I see more cons and I'm going to have to try something else. Oh by the way, I think the knot strength and hold is much better than braided, or mono. If anyone has any suggestions for me, please give them.
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[curt69]

If you have any problems with line freezing , Braided or mono . Spray your spool with WD40 . It works for me . Curt G.
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[windriver]

On my standard rods I use 4lb spiderline mono. It hangs straight with light jigs and is very thin. For 90% of the fish I catch thin 4lb is a good size. I also set my drags fairly light so if a bigger fish hits I can play with it. I have lost a few bigger fish with it but I think the stealth of the thin line helps me get a lot of bites and out weighs the few fish that have broke me off. I do have to bigger ice poles that I use at Henry's that have 10lb on them.

For picky perch I sometimes put on a 2lb tippet on the 4lb line.

I have tried the ice lines and did not like them much. I may try fluro lines and see if I like them. Braided lines are good for setting the hook but seem to pick up more ice.

Windriver
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[iwantabuggy]

I got 3 new rod/reel setups the other day and I put 6 lb P-line flouroclear on them. I'll let you know what I think about it after I have had a chance to test it out.
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[maghunter]

Last two years I've used the Cajun red stuff in 6 lb. It works pretty good, but you have to change it out fairly often or it will start to coil up. The thing I like about it is that you can see it really well against the ice. And the red color is supposed to be the first wave length of light to disappear under water[shocked]. This year I've tried some of that Berkely ice line, and so far I like it, although you've got to be gently when setting the hook (no stretch) or all you'll pull up is the lips. Talk about ripping some lip, especially for the soft mouthed kokes.
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[ceedubya]

WD 40 works well. To clarify I use a barrel swivel and about 2 ft of (5X?) fluorocarbon tippet.
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[X2FSH]

Is there anything to use that keeps the ice off the guides and line ?
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[SteelieNut]

I've used a thin film of vaseline, and also that ski goggle defogger they call "katkrap". To be honest, I have never noticed much of a difference. When it's cold it's just cold. I guess it's one of those things we just have to deal with in this sport.
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[ceedubya]

An Ice shanty.[laugh]
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[SteelieNut]

Good one, didn't think of that.[]
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[lavaman]

I've been using the Micro-Ice 4 lb. test, and so far it seems to be pretty good. If you don't want to spend an arm and leg on line, I recommend this stuff...I think the 4 lb. works a ton better than the 6 lb.
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[MMDon]

Bump! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Good thread MH!
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[windriver]

Since last year when I posted I have switched most of my reels to P-line. P-line is just so strong and it hangs straight down with no memory in the line.

Windriver
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[sten668]

I set up all my poles and tip-ups with 20lb braided with a 6lb fluorocarbon tippet about 2ft long. Haven't had them in the bitter cold yet to see how bad the pole reels ice up.
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[poky-mon]

4 lb p-line is all I've been using for the last 3 years strong and you can be a bit forceful on some of the stronger fish
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[MMDon]

I bought 50 of these Rods and the same number of reels from Derrin at Sportsman's 5 years ago on a special deal. I keep 10 rigged for trout bait, 10 for trout jigs, 10 for pan fish and 10 for kokes. These direct drive reels never freeze up and I can use my thumb for the drag just like steelhead fishing. I'd never use a hay bailer style reel for ice fishing. For macs I use Shimano Calcutta 201B's with braid and heavier rods with wire bead indicators on the tips. No bail style reels in weather below freezing! Cheap reels have cheap drags. Losing nice fish sucks!


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