Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 11/2/2009 8:31:53 PM     Points: 162    

I use 6# 100% fluorocarbon exclusively. Make sure you don't get the fluorocarbon coated line and don't waste your time with "ice line". I think it's a gimmick. 100% Fluorocarbon is the absolute best way to go if you can afford it lol. That stuff is amazing for several reasons!

 Reply by: albow      Posted: 11/2/2009 10:40:26 PM     Points: 10    

8 lb line is recommended at Antero. Breakoffs are heartbreaking. Flouro can help later in the season but the fish are generally not too line shy up there.

 Reply by: Ankrum      Posted: 11/2/2009 11:18:14 PM     Points: 313    

Something that has always worked for me is 10lb Fireline, a barrel swivel, followed by 2 ft of 8-10 lb flourocarbon as a leader. Combines for a solid hook set and have not really had a problem feeling finicky bites.

 Reply by: kevtater      Posted: 11/3/2009 1:41:23 AM     Points: 162    

I suppose it becomes a matter of personal preference because I fish with guys that do as Ankrum says and they do well. I just feel like I catch more fish with straight fluorocarbon. I don't have many break offs, if I do it was because I made a mistake. Fluorocarbon's abrasion resistance helps me worry less about the edge of the hole and I know it is essentially invisible underwater, especially with lighter line like 6#.

Here's a tip though if you fish with lighter line and don't have high-dollar ice reels, if you have the need, instead of tightening your drag for a fish you can't gain on, palm the spool with your hand when she runs. Cheap ice reels aren't machined perfectly (the $10 or $20 combos), combined with cold materials and lube, makes for tighter places as the spool rotates. This gives you a really fine control of the tension your line feels and helps avoid break offs from tight spots.

 Reply by: Ankrum      Posted: 11/3/2009 1:57:02 AM     Points: 313    

Yea kev, I agree you will have a lot more feel with straight flouro, especially when fishing for rainbows with light bites. I normally target macks though, and I guess I'm just too lazy to switch out the spools when I go after bows, hell I still even use my 36" Bernie Keefe ice rod with them haha, but I can't really say I have a problem hooking fish. The vex helps out with that though, because I know the fish are there. If you aren't using electronics, go with a medium action 24-30" rod with straight 6# flouro. As for the reel, I would definitely recommend spending the money and getting a good ice reel. I use the Pfleuger President and Tica Libra reels. $50-60 is well worth the investment!

Ok I'm getting way off-track on this thread now haha, hope it helps though!

 Reply by: fish      Posted: 11/3/2009 3:54:15 AM     Points: 1961    

6lb or 8lb fluorocarbon. fluorocarbons great stuff.

 Reply by: starika      Posted: 11/3/2009 7:25:12 AM     Points: 94    

i guess ill put my 2 cents worth in. i use ice line 8lb that i got at wal mart. it has low memory, and low visability in the water. if your like me the first time you put your line in the water it curls and twists, is very anoying to me. but this stuff as soon as it hits cold water it straightens right out. i have no opinion on floracarbon thus i have never used it. but i do think 8lb is the way to go up there. ive heard of guys catching 10lb er's up there on 4lb test but i like to have the upper hand on them fish. any way a good way to find out yourself. if you use two poles, or are like me and have 5-6 rigged with different lures and jigs put differnt lines and you pick.

 Reply by: albow      Posted: 11/3/2009 7:36:14 AM     Points: 10    

Thanks for the tips on reels. I've found 10lb test is minimum for macs so I have separate reels for those trips.

I use braid for open water fishing but I've found that it absorbs water and tends to freeze up when ice fishing outside a tent. Saw a post about a new coated braid -- that might work real well.

 Reply by: da_teacher      Posted: 11/3/2009 8:09:21 AM     Points: 13    

6lb Trilene XL...never had a break off.

 Reply by: ronnycast      Posted: 11/3/2009 9:43:41 AM     Points: 1201    

Fireline Crystal Crystal Micro Ice. I run 4 to 8 lbs test and then do what I always do and tie a 6 or 8 lbs fluorocarbon leader to that using a back to back uni knot. Seems to give me the best performance and durability for how I like to ice fish.

 Reply by: fisher man      Posted: 11/3/2009 10:11:51 AM     Points: 5    

Gentlemen,

It has been my experience that no matter what type or weight line you use, when in very cold weather, it is inevitable that your line will coil some what. This is detrimental to your fishing success. Every time I drop a line, depending on the depth I am fishing, I will pre stretch my line at that length to minimize coilage. The main reason for this is to minimize jig spin. A fish will not want to eat something that is spinning. As for myself, I have used 6# Trilene XL for the last 3 years (at antero), have caught several fish in the 5 to 7 lb range, and have yet to loose a single fish. I will say that no matter what, you need to re spool every pole for intended ice fishing use yearly. As for pan fish, you can get away with 2#, this will increase sensitivity and increase the amount of fish that you will put on the ice.

 Reply by: bluecreek      Posted: 11/3/2009 6:39:28 PM     Points: 107    

First of all, fisher man, welcome. And I agree with you and da teach on Trilene XL. Watch your drag, and the ice edge, and you will be good to go.
As far as jig spin, yes, I have watched them (trout), on the camera at both Antero and Tarryall,..and they come in and look when jig is spinning above , but when the jig hits the bottom, as all good jiggers will do, they usually will slam it.

 Reply by: jig head      Posted: 11/3/2009 7:54:58 PM     Points: 237    

I've had good luck with Shakespear cajun ice red line, it's cheap and works good. I picked up some Berkly fireline ice 8# smoke to try this year.

Should I use a leader with this line?