Black Betty

[MuskieFever]

Does anyone have experience with the Black Betty reel by 13 fishing? I really like the concept but I feel like stripping drag could be strange? Any info would be great.

[Jim Uran]

I do, I picked one up from Gander mountain a few weeks back, I got a good deal on it because it was just the reel taken off of a broken combo. it is definitely different using the drag in that way... It's odd, but I tell you what you'll get used to it.

I spooled mine up with 3lb suffix Ice Magic and really enjoyed fishing with it. I like how it's built out of aluminum and it seems like its built to last. I caught some crappies, and bluegills on it before the lakes capped over with ice. Also put it to the test on a 5lb walleye.

In my honest opinion, it's a solid reel. We will just see how it holds up over the winter.

[bigblue]

Bought the Black Betty Combo last week nice product should be a solid performer 24" ultra light spooled it with 3 lb Suffix .

[MuskieFever]

I realize that it is geared toward panfish, but do you think it would do well consistently fishing for walleyes?

[bigblue]

It would not be my personal choice we grow some very large walleye up here in southern Ontario it can be done but my choice would a good spin or baitcaster and a med to med heavy rod. But as to the quality of the Black Betty it's all metal and I am sure it could stand up for large fish with the right rod.

[MuskieFever]

I was thinking the same as you. I feel as though it would be very nice for panfish, but the drag has me thinking when it comes to pulling line fighting a decent size walleye.

[Charlie Mason]

anytime you deal with a larger predator type fish, a spinning or small baitcaster type reel would be preferred in my book. as for the panfish go, its the rod that counts the most, or the spring you put at the end of it.

[MuskieFever]

its the rod that counts the most, or the spring you put at the end of it.

I would agree completely. The wire style spring bobbers have made the greatest difference in my ice fishing success. The sensitivity is simply unmatched. I've just been curious about the new round reels and if the drag is reliable.

[troutman]

This truly may be a stupid question but,here goes.There's no anti-reverse on these reels!How do you set the hook???

[bigblue]

There is no such thing as a stupid question only stupid answers . The reel has a cork drag just like knuckle buster salmon reels . Most finger or palm the spool you get use to it not my favourite set-up .

[troutman]

That would take some getting used to.Obviously,reel manufacturers have gone to lengths to redesign a fly reel for ice fishing.Was it not possible to incorporate a more traditional drag system into the redesign or,is there an advantage to the way the drag works that I just don't get?

[Esox_Magnum]

Set the hook a couple times with a fly reel and your used to it, if you use the pencil grip the palm of your hand is against the reel....I prefer a fly type reel over spinning for most applications....

[MinDak Hunter]

How well do these work reeling up fish from deep water, I have a crappie hole that is 40+ feet?

[bigblue]

No trouble reeling them up getting down takes time lots of stripping .

[drcarplove]

I like to backreel with spinning reels to save line twist from drag. Still remember to set drag every time you are ready to drop a bait. When I am regularly encountering bass or catfish while crappie or bluegill fishing oftentimes I just leave the antireverse off and set the hook with my index finger pressing on the line spool. PLay with it something will work.

Frank

[Jim Uran]

After a few trips under my belt Im having a hard time with my BB freezing or getting to stiff to work properly outside.

My Clam Ice Spooler has honestly not failed me yet

[Charlie Mason]

Jim, from what I saw while working the last few weekends at some of the ice shows I have noticed this, there is no true drag for the BB reels. When you tighten it down, you actually tighten down the whole reel, making it just as hard to take in line, as it is for the line to go out on what would be a drag. The Ice Spoolers has an indepent spool from the reel, so you actually get the true drag feel when fishing.