Reels

[VANVELZOR]

I would like to go with a small bait casting reel this year,to keep jig from spinning so much and reduce the amount of line twist involved in a spinning reel. Anybody use these reels and could suggest a good reel of good quality and yet small in size. Thanks

[Capnhook]

VANVELZOR,
I got a Shimano Calcutta 50 just this year. I haven't used it yet, but as soon as ice gets here, I'm gonna. It's small and high quality, but a bit pricey(sp). I built a 24" med. rod, made for 6-8lb. line. Capnhook

[bentrod]

How about a single action fly reel, load it up about half way with cheap fly line to increase diameter of reel for faster retreve, or, if after bigger fish, lots of heavy mono. This is a very simple mechanism that should be almost trouble free.

Jim

[Ed Stringer]

Welcome to the site bentrod. In shallow water I use Slaters nylon reels, spool it up with cheap line then finishit with the good stuff. In deep water I like Zebco's TG-11 Gold under slung hardly any twist. When using slip bobs I like a spinning reel Abu-Garcia Agulf.

[ESOX]

I'll take my softwater reels on the ice with me. Having a good drag system on a reliable reel is even more important when you cant chase the fish.

[Crooked Dave]

I have found that by tying a small swivel (actual size (#10 or 12) eludes me at this time) with a two foot leader to the bait will do this nicely. I have yet to have any problems with line twist and I have three baitcasters and two spinning reels that I use. I only use the swivels on swim baits though. Tight Lines

[WALLEYEvision]

:yeahthat: I also use a small swivel a couple of feet above my jigging raps to prevent line twist. It works great!

[Banditto]

honestly those little baitcasting ice reel that everybody has now are great. They have 3 settings. 1) reel is locked solid, 2) reel has variable drag, 3) reel has no friction and will give line freely. Then there is also a clicker when line is taken or no noise at all.

I set my reels for pike with just enough resistance to keep the bait at the depth I want--maybe slightly less. Also I use the clicker. Then when you have the slightest bite you hear click-click-click pause click-click-click long pause then whirrrrrrr.

can't beat a baitcase reel for adding to the excitement.