1lb. test line users

[aquafang]

I want your input on this light line. I thought I'd try some this year. I do alot of panfishing. Is there any real advantage to it? I usually use Micro Ice 2 or 3lb. test. What should I expect out of it. What are the advantages and do you have any tips on how to use it to it's greatest effectiveness? Thank you.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I myself feel that 2 lb is light enough. and that is usually what I rig on my panfish rods. It does give the light lures better action. And I feel I am able to see light bites better by looking at the line. But that could just be a confidence issue with myself.

Just be carefull with it.

[CrappieJohn]

I'd plan on buying lots of extra replacement tackle.

Today's 2 pound lines are much more refined than when they came out to be used for ice angling. I cannot see where one pound line would have any advantage over a quality two pound product, especially the much tougher fluorocarbons available, that would have equal limpness and very favorable sensitivity.

The slightest hinderance put to the one pound and it will be history.

[Dan Thiem]

I agree with Tom and Deitz. The one pound test will be hard to see. Trying to tie it on to a jig might be tuff. Also the rough edges around the ice might be hard on it. I also think it tangles a little easier than 2 pound.

But try it for yourself and just see. You wont be out too much money. It might be worth the experience. Good luck.

[Northlander]

No nead for 1# line in my mind. As C.T. said the 2# lines out there are great. Myself I use mostly 3#.

[thordoggydog]

I usually have at least 2 poles rigged with 1 lb. I use them when I am after panfish and not around a lot of underwater obstacles. If the bite is tough and the water is clear it seems I have better luck with it. I don't tend to lose jigs with it. I have landed 5lb walleye, 3 lb bass, and 2 lb catfish on it no problem. I keep the drag set light and try not to let the fish swim circles around the hole.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Another thing not yet mentioned.. .I am only 34 years old. and I have still have a heck of a time tieing the 2 lb test.. I cant even imagine trying to tie 1 lb in low light conditions!

[CrappieJohn]

Is this a barley issue Deitz?

[Matt Johnson]

I agree, 2 pound test line is good enough in most situations for pannies. I pretty much exclusively run 2 pound test line on all my pannie rigs. A 10-inch gill can horse you around, 2 pound test will handle it though. Same with slab crappies. However, you can even get by with 3 pound test as well...

Good Fishin,

Matt Johnson

[Jeremy airjer W]

I use to think that line was line. Last year, based on a lot of info from this site, I spooled with a few different lines and experimented. Line does make a difference! Figuring out which line works on a lake is a huge asset! Remembering what I used last year will be the hard part.

I have a couple of reels spooled with 3lb ice line and a couple with 1lb diameter (I think) fireline. I always start with the ice line and on some lakes its really good on others the fish seem to prefer the fireline. Rigged with the same jigs/bait haveing a diverse assortment of lines can make a huge difference in your success.

[fishbreath]

After the gills get spooked I'll switch to 1 lb. test a very small hook and 1 single maggot and I'll pick up an extra 2 or 3 gills. The only thing I don't like is if there are small gills I'll be picking them up.When using superlines do you guys use a leader or not, It seems to me that is defeating the purpose of the superline???

[Bob Horn]

Fishbreath, I would use a leader with super braids. I don`t use super braids icefishing but I use the when I go saltwater fishing. It`s the norm in saltwater anymore.

[augernaut]

I would tend to agree with the assesment that the 2lb ice lines have advanced in the past few years, to the point where 1lb or less line is seldom needed. Quite frankly, with the advances in mobility and gear we have, why sit in fish that are THAT finicky? If I encounter fish that tight lipped, I'm more inclined to move and search out more active fish, on the same lake, or even a different lake. I'll switch locations, even species to find active fish - there is always more than one pattern going on. Modern 2lb ice lines are supple enough to allow you to impart any action you need to on virtually any jig, even as light as a #16 marmooska. Although, Gamma Technologies is coming out with a 1.5# copolymer ice line that looks interesting.......