line strength?

[tjwierz2]

What lb test do you guys use for ice fishing crappies and walleyes? Im guessing about 4 lb test. When I was in gander this week though, all of it was gone and I needed to buy a spool of 2 lb test. That stuff is fragile. Curious what most of you guys use.

[Guest]

2Lbs lines is an excellent choice for crappies. Have never had a break with a crappie. If you must use the 2Lbs line on walleye, make sure you set the drag very soft and play with the fish to tire it out, just be careful when the fish is in the hole.
I use a 6Lbs line on one pole and a 3Lbs line on another.
Good fishing...

[hawgTime]

Hey tj

I use 4 lb. for panfish and 6 lb. for walleye. At certian times I think the lighter line (2 lb.) probably works better, but at other times I don't think it makes any difference. I've tried 2 lb. in the past and didn't like the amount of line stretch it had. I think I might give it another try though because I've discovered a way around the all the line stretch, while still using 2 lb. test. This year I've tried something new when stringing up my lines. What I've done is string my lines with 6 lb. test and tie on a 4 lb. leader using and improved blood knot. Its been working great and I think it would probably work just as well with a 2 lb. leader also. Here's a link that shows how to tie the improved blood knot.

http://www.blacklakeny.com/fishknots.html

mike

[Guest]

I like 2lb test for crappies and other panfish. I have used 2lb test of perch when fishing Mille Lacs but would reccomend 4lb test. As far as walleyes go, I like 6-8lb test depending on the presentation I am using. If jigging a spoon, swimming lure, or jighead, I like 6lb test. If using a deadstick and minnow I like 8lb test because you sometimes find your way into a few pike.
Good Fishing, Matt.

[GullGuide]

Although a little light for most people, 2lb test will work fine for almost any fish(not pike ) if the drag is set properly.
The 22" bass on the main page of this site was caught on 1lb test for example.
Another key factor is the rod itself. You want a rod with some give to absorb the shock of a fish making a run.
Good luck

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>"////=<
Gull Guide Service
fishingminnesota.com/gullguide
Brainerd-Mille Lacs-Willmar
Bemidji-Ottertail

[Guest]

As you see above the 2lb is the way to go for panfish and perch. 2lb is must for panfish because you use such small jigs. The small line slides right off the spool with the smallest jig. I've seen plenty of walleyes pulled up on 2lb but not by choice. I've also seen a lot of walleyes lost at the hole on 2lb. So stick with 6 or 8 pound for the eyes.

[IceHawk]

For sunfish and crappies I use 2lb golden stren. I like the yellow line because I fish with graphites, thorne bros sweethearts and Genz rods. The benefit of the yellow line is that you can see the slightest tap made by finicky panny's. For walleyes I have found 6lb trilene xt to be the ticket.

[IceHawk]

For sunfish and crappies I use 2lb golden stren. I like the yellow line because I fish with graphites, thorne bros sweethearts and Genz rods. The benefit of the yellow line is that you can see the slightest tap made by finicky panny's. For walleyes I have found 6lb trilene xt to be the ticket.

[Ely Lake Expert]

TJ, I actually use clear 8 Lb. trilene for crappies and walleyes. I don't notice any difference as far as the amount of fish caught. The one piece of advice I will give you is never use bright green line for walleyes in real clear water lakes. It has never worked for me and I won't even try it now.

Ely lake expert

[rap]

i use 3 lb. for perch and 6 lb. for eyes...

[Guest]

I started using a 10ft. leader of Berkely Vanish in two lb. test and the stuff is absolutely amazing. The drop and fall of the smallest jigs is great, no loops when the line is coming off, and best of all the stuff is as close as possible to being invisible to the fish. I had 3 other fisherman fishing within 15 ft. of me on the ice for finicky crappies and I caught ten while they were working on number 3 & 4. Of course I am a way superior fisherman but some of my talent comes from the line.

[Jim W]

SOmetimes, the line diameter will effect the "swim" or "bounce" of your lure. The larger the diameter the less active your spoons and jigs will be!
Go as light as you feel comfortable fishing!

Jim W