JR Reels...

[huckleberry]

I've heard a lot of good things about the JR ice reels out there. Does anyone know how much the 8 and 10 bb reels go for? I saw their 4 bb reels on their HSOforum but can't seem to find info about their next step up reels. And are they only available at their store?

[BDR]

I would give them a call for prices and ordering questions. JR's The ultra 8 is a very nice reel, as is the four. They also have a whole line up of ice rods, 24 ul, 26 ml and med,28m and the new 28 ml is going to be a big hit. I just saw the ultra 10 for the first time today, pretty nice. It would be great for jigging northers or Lake Trout. I will have that one on an open water rod also.

[Matt Johnson]

I would have to agree with Brian. I've already had a chance to use the Ultra 8 out on the ice this year and it's a very nice reel. A great reel for panfish all the way to walleye.

Ultra 8...

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[CrappieJohn]

I just picked a couple different models of these reels on Weds. and got them hung on the rods....filled w/ 2 pound vanish. Something to look at when dealing with ice equipment designed for panfish is the retrieve ratio. You are generally not fishing any great depth where a faster retrieve helps at all and with the lighter lines commonly used, wwill all but eliminate the chances of a break-off due to cranking too fast.

The ultra-04 is a four bearing model, 4.4:1 speed on it, while the ultra 08 sports 8 bearings and a speed of 3.9:1. Both of these reels will fish well hung on a long rods too, but the shallower spool depth may decrease casting distance a bit. I am heading out for some shore fishing this morning and can tell you exactly how well thes little guys perform when I return as they are going to be my first line to try.

On another note, Brian has mentioned the rods. They too are fine pieces of equipment. They may be less "dressy", but are serious pieces of tackle.

The pricing I'm not certain of, but can tell you that this store, either from on-line sources or the actual business place, is a wealth of deals. And the glow jigs are hot. The ones I picked up were hit with light on Weds evening for a 1/2 hour. The lights went out about 8:30 and at 5 the next morning the glow blue eyes ona few of these were still lit up and the chartreuse still looked too hot to handle! The glow red, being a tough one to keep charged, was not glowing though. The place is a candy store for fishing fools....and I was right at home there. You'll not be sorry about trying the rods or the reels, but certainly try the jigs.

[Surface Tension]

huckleberry, I picked up the Ultra 8 at the Ice Show. Great little reel with a good drag. I think they were around $20 at JR's booth.

[Northlander]

I have several of these JR's reels. My favorite is the 8. The drag is smooth and I really like the quick folding handle for when Im trying to get 8 rod/reel combos in Revolution bag. I also have a 11 ball bearing and its nice but probably better off on bigger ice rods or open water rods. I have it on a 32" med action and its a good fit. I have to try out that new 28" med/light now.

[huckleberry]

Went out to JR's shop today to browse over the goods! As I walked into a hallway of odds and ends, rods everywhere...I wondered what I had gotten myself into. Well needless to say, 45 minutes later, I walked out of that store wondering why I had never supported this store before! What a great shop! The products I have yet to test but the owner was a dynamite guy who was great to deal with. Finally a place that has great customer service and is more concerned about the customer rather than making money! A great example of how it's done right! Hats off to JR's!

[CrappieJohn]

Huck....Did you pick up any of the "glow red" jigs? The ones I got a week ago fire up like wild. And the reels you will love if you bought any!

[huckleberry]

I did pick up some of the red ice minnows. The owner even turned off all the lights in the store just to show me how they glow. They almost look yellow but when they are charged up, they are bright red. Very impressive. Just got done putting 2 of the 4bb reels on my poles. Heading up north this weekend to give the equipment a go!

[Northlander]

Huckleberry Duane and Joel do a great job dont they? The ice fishing tackle is incredable. Their glow lure selection cant be beat. Did you get any Flasher spoons? If not go back and get some. If your fishing walleye you have to get some. The smaller ones work good on Red Lake Crappie.