What kind of line is best for ice fishing?

[BLACKJACK]

Are those new 'ice' fishing lines really that much better for ice fishing rather than just taking some of the same fishing line that you use in the summer? Is it worth the extra cost?

What size lines do people like to use for panfish and walleyes during the ice fishing season?

Time to start gearing up for that new ice!!!

[This message has been edited by BLACKJACK (edited 12-07-2001).]

[Guest]

Jack I have been trying to answer that same question for the last ten years. I think I have tried about all of the fishing lines out there. This year I will try some of the fireline. I like the micro ice, I also like silver thread. Most of my fishing is panfishing, so I usually spool with 2 lb test.The fireline is 4lb with 1lb dia. Hope this helps.

[Zimm]

For panfish I use fireline 4# and for walleyes I use fireline 8#. I have been using fireline for the last 2 seasons and love it. Take it easy on the hookset and you won't have any problems. I know some people use a mono leader, but I haven't had any problems. Maybe I have missed a couple of fish I should have had, but I will never know. I like the feel, and will stick with it. Good luck. I am going to try first ice this weekend.
Zimm

[Guest]

As far as monofilament lines go, the cold weather formulations are better in most cases than standard formulations, they tend to have less temperature influenced "memory" than standard formulations. I like the Berkley Trilene Micro Ice. The clear steel offers fairly low vis, and holds up well, It is not really that expensive either.

[Guest]

I fish for pan fish 90% of the time and have always had the best luck with 2lb test. I once tried some 4lb but noticed that if you use light panfish jigs without splitshot, it will take forever for your bait to get down to the fish. I'm not sure if it's the thicker diameter of the line or because the heavier line has more memory and don't lay out as good.

[Guest]

Panfish -
3# Berkley Cold Weather Line. I still prefer it over Micro Ice. It spools off nicer and hangs "straight", but I'd have to say that making certain your rod action is balanced to the line you use is more important than the line itself.

FLB

[slick2526]

Trilene fireline micro ice. 4lb for most of anything last year. I c&r'd a few 5-8lb pike on it also. Worked great for panfish also for me. I use 3lb cold weather on my noodle rod. Seems to do the trick. Also caught a 5lb northerm on that last year. I really wish I could get my hands on some Spiderwire Ice line tho. That stuff is spoce to be way better than fireline. Ha a really good coating on it for it wont fray or freeze.