Best line for ice fishing macks??

[Don In Denver]

I'm curious what type of line and what lb. test people like for ice fishing for macks. I use 14lb. Fireline in open water but I'm wondering whether it will soak up water, freeze and get stiff at temperatures below freezing. Am I better off to just go with 8 or 10 lb. mono and fight the big fish carefully (if I'm lucky enough to hook a big one)? I would appreciate your collective wisdom on this one. Thanks.

[Guest]

I have been using 6# Trilene ice (not cold weather blue) the last three or four years and have landed 6 over 12# without any break-offs what so ever and it keeps the numbers high. I tried fireline and spiderwire both with flouro leader and they seemed sticky on the reel and guides and didn't really make any significant differance, maybe it would flow smooth if you fish inside a shack. Now in open water, i use remington fused line(cant remember the name) thats 16# test and you need that feel. I landed one at 27# on 10# test two seasons ago from the boat and that wasn't much of a line strenght issue as much as it was being smooooth and not freaking out too much. When a big one hits, you will know, its so much different feeling after a bunch of 20". All of the bigger ones i have caught thru ice are in the top quarter of the water colum, not deep, and on smaller tubes like 2" and 1/8oz

[Guest]

I have tried lots of line through the ice but I think that Berkley Vanish is the best thing going. The flexibility is fantastic and I think that the less visibility is very good too. I do not usually fill my whole reel with the stuff, and instead usually put on the last 50 feet or so. But it is pretty amazing when I come to the other line and watch how it coils and retains memory unlike the Vanish.

[Fish Hook boy]

I also use vanish,Pescador is on the money.

[mac]

I've had good luck with 10# Vanish but it has a real weak knot strength. Stren and Seaguar makes a great fluorocarbon line that we have had great luck with for big Mack's. Good Luck!

[Chewy]

I use Stren 10# clear. But it is really about setting the drag immeadiately after hook-up.
I've caught bigs macks over 30" on 6lb. line in shallow water also.