Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If you want access to members only forums on HSO, you will gain access only when you Sign-in or Sign-Up .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member. ?

Ice fishing reel problems


ctuma

Recommended Posts

I have several ice fishing reels that the drag will not work all the time. A few of them are a couple years old and 2 of them I bought last winter. When the drag is all the way tight the spool will still spin. I think the problem is when I'm done fishing I place the hook in one of the rod eyes and tighten the drag up so I don't have hooks falling off and getting caught on things. Any ideas on how to fix the problem without having to buy new reels.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

it depends on what you mainly fish for... panfish you wont need to worry about the drag (unless you get yourself into a 1 1/2 - 2 lb. crappie), but if youre chasing walleyes, trout or northerns you better hope youve got a good reel and drag. How much did you pay for them? like alot of other things in life you get what you pay for with ice fishing reels. you cant expect much from a reel that costs under $20. If you dont want to buy new reels. id try to lube up all the gears, get the dirt out, and make sure theres no rust on any of the parts. there could be a plastic ring missing from the drag shaft that isnt allowing the knob to be turned all the way.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

YES I USED TO HAVE THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH REELS. THEN I POSTED THE SAME QUESTION YOU HAD ON HERE. I THREW MY JUNK REELS. BOUGHT 2 TICA REELS I LOVE THEM I WAS HESATANT AT FIRST BECAUSE I NEVER HEARD OF THEM. MAN GLAD I TOOK A CHANCE SMOOTHEST DRAG I EVER HAD ON A REEL SO FAR ABOUT 40 BUCKS EACH BUT WELL WORTH IT. HOPE THIS HELPS.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I've settled on using Shimano AX-ULS for my panfish crappie rods, various Tica reels for Perch and lighter Walleye rods (SS500's are great in the summer on ultralight rods) and the Shimano Sedona reels for the larger walleye rods; seems to be a reasonable trade between target species, capability (i.e. drag quality), and cost. That little Shimano reel is pretty good for the price and balances well on the shorter, lighter action rods. I find the larger Tica and Shimano (Sedona ) reels tend to choke down on the first guide too much for my likeing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

They are my walleye reels. I brought them in the house this morning from the garage to see if was from being out in the cold and now the drags work fine. I paid around $40 for them as a combo. I think it might be the reel oil in the them thats guming up from being outside. I try putting some new oil in them and see if that helps. Thanks for the response.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't think you need to spend a bunch of money on a reel for it to work well! I'm not sure how much I paid for my ice reels, but they weren't too expensive. I use HT Reels, I don't have them in front of me, so I don't know the model, but they work great. They have 6 ball bearings, a nice tight feel and have good drags that haven't let me down yet! I 'm sure there are better ones out there as with anything, but these work just fine and didn't cost much. I have had the reels now for 3 years, (4 of them) and they still work like the day I got 'em.

Sure brand does matter...I'm not saying any low priced reel will work, but some do work great. Shop around and make sure you are going to like it before you buy it. I want my ice reels to have the same overall feel as my summer reels, just a bit smaller.

JMO, Good luck...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think the problem is when you tightn the drag your squishing the felt drag washer. When it's cold it might not be springing back once it's loose.

You may only need a new washer thats lighly oiled. Or it could be a cheap reel.

I've got a $13 bait caster that does that when the line is pulled out. But it also sounds like they used gravel for grease in it. shocked.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I bought a Berkley Cherrywood combo at the outlet in Spirit Lake, IA for $9.99, that reels a POS, but the Cherrywood rods nice. I also have a South Bend Crystal Ice I got at K-Mart, that was $12.99, and a very good rod and reel.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • RV camping is a popular way of enjoying the great outdoors while still having the comfort and convenience of home. It's a lifestyle that many people are choosing, from full-time RVers to weekend warriors who use their RVs for occasional getaways. In this essay, we'll explore the pros and cons of RV camping lifestyle and how it can impact your life.   Pros of RV Camping Lifestyle Flexibility: One of the biggest advantages of RV camping is the flexibility it offers. You can go wherever you want, whenever you want. There's no need to worry about booking accommodation or sticking to a schedule. You can change your plans on the fly and explore new places without any restrictions.   Cost Savings: RV camping can be more cost-effective than other forms of travel or traditional home ownership. You don't have to pay for hotels or restaurants, and you can save on rent or mortgage payments. RVs can be a great way to travel without breaking the bank, especially if you're a full-time RVer.   Outdoor Adventure: RV camping is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors. You can explore national parks, forests, and other natural wonders. RVs allow you to camp in remote areas that you wouldn't be able to access with traditional vehicles or accommodations.   Social Connections: RV camping can be a great way to meet new people and make friends. You'll find communities of like-minded people in RV parks, and many RVers are eager to share their experiences and knowledge with others.   Cons of RV Camping Lifestyle   Maintenance: RVs require regular maintenance, which can be time-consuming and expensive. You'll need to perform routine tasks like checking the tires, changing the oil, and winterizing the RV to keep it in good condition.   Limited Space: While RVs can be quite spacious, they are still limited in terms of living space compared to a traditional home. This can be challenging for full-time RVers who are used to having more space.   Driving: Driving an RV can be intimidating, especially if you're new to it. RVs are larger than traditional vehicles, and they require more space to maneuver. This can be stressful for some people, especially in crowded areas or tight spaces.   Limited Amenities: RVs may not have all the amenities of a traditional home, such as a full-sized kitchen, washer and dryer, or bathtub. This can be a drawback for some people, especially those who are used to having these amenities at home.   How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Comfort of RV Camping   RV camping is a great way to experience the great outdoors while enjoying the comforts of home. However, the cost of an RV camping trip can quickly add up, and it can be challenging to stick to a budget. In this essay, we will explore tips on how to save money on an RV camping trip without sacrificing comfort.   Plan ahead: Planning ahead is essential when RV camping on a budget. Research campsite fees, fuel costs, and any other expenses associated with your trip. Make a budget and stick to it.   Choose budget-friendly campsites: There are plenty of budget-friendly campsites available that offer basic amenities, such as water and electricity hookups. National parks and state parks are great options for affordable camping. Some private campgrounds also offer lower rates than others, so do your research and find the best deals.   Cook your meals: One of the biggest expenses on an RV camping trip is eating out. Cooking your meals in your RV can save you a lot of money. Pack a cooler with food that can be easily cooked on a stove or grill. Consider meal planning ahead of time to make grocery shopping more efficient and cost-effective.   Use free amenities: Many campsites offer free amenities such as hiking trails, beaches, and playgrounds. Take advantage of these amenities and plan activities around them. Instead of paying for activities outside the campsite, use the free amenities offered.   Pack Efficiently: Space is limited in an RV, so pack efficiently. Make a list of everything you'll need and pack only what's necessary. When camping during winter, utilizing rechargeable hand warmers is advisable. These hand warmers come in various shapes and sizes, making them easy to carry around in a pocket or bag. Ocoopa provides excellent rechargeable hand warmers that also work as portable power banks, enabling you to charge other devices. These hand warmers come with various heat settings, allowing you to control the temperature to your preference.   Save on fuel: Fuel costs can be a significant expense on an RV camping trip. To save on fuel costs, plan your route ahead of time and choose the most fuel-efficient route. Keep your RV well-maintained, ensure tires are properly inflated, and avoid speeding, as these factors can impact fuel efficiency.   Reduce energy consumption: Energy costs can add up quickly when RV camping. Consider using LED lights, which are more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs. Use natural light during the day to avoid using lights. Also, unplug electronics when they are not in use to save on energy consumption. Rent instead of owning: If you only plan to go RV camping once or twice a year, consider renting an RV instead of owning one. Renting an RV can be a more affordable option than owning, as you only pay for the time you use the RV.
    • Speaking of birds. Here is a grouse that was out along the side of the driveway this afternoon. I am getting ready to go out and look for the northern nights. I missed them last night.
    • turkeys on the left..swans to the right.........sounds like a tune i heard a bunch of times!!!!!!!!😆
    • Mostly sunny for us but yah a few to the north.   Turkeys on the right and swans on the left though.  Just starting to pour in for the night.   Too bad the phone wants to focus on the foreground too much, even after touching the screen where I wanted it focused.  Just a nice night anyway.
    • yup same here, looking cloudy now
    • Hoping we can see a bit of em tonight.  We don’t get the alerts - just the pics from the night before.  If we don’t get tipped off, we miss out.  Early to bed, early to rise types.
    • Nice!   I started getting alerts on my phone early last night. I thought about driving north but passed on it because I needed to be up early this morning. Turns out I could have taken a 10 minute drive to Bde Maka Ska to see them. They were everywhere last night.
    • 👍 dont miss or you;ll stick that mailbox!!!!!😆   monday nigth i was driving back from St CLOUD at dusk, right by Rockville there were 6-7 deer walking 2 abreast down the grant in aid snowmobile that runs in the ditch!!!!! looked pretty cool. bet there plain tired of the deep snow!!!!!!
    • Out checking lake landings for some ice fishing and found a new Bow spot for next fall!  7 of them all in a line coming down a dirt road. And 3 more eating on a bare hill side. 
    • My daughter just texted and said they were awesome up in Alexandria. Cant see anything here in Arizona.
  • Topics

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.