Outdoors Angle: New-Age, In-Line Reel Systems On The Ice

Steve Carney Outdoors
Steve Carney Outdoors

The Flag Outdoors Expert Steve Carney has your weekly Outdoors Angle right here!

     The newest innovation in ice fishing is the "in-line" style of ice fishing reels. Really these are a take-off of fly fishing reels but many anglers have made the move to these over the traditional spinning reels. I have used them exclusively the past few months and there are pro's and con's. I have noticed many angler friends have already switched and I have been hesitant to change from my traditional spinning combos.

     First off, you have to hand-line the baits into the water. That means hands over fist to get the line down. If you are fishing shallow water it's no big deal but if you are deeper than 12 feet it is a pain and really much too slow. I also feel the balance of these new- age reels leaves a lot to be desired. They seem rather unbalanced and usually lean towards the side where the handle is located.

     I probably will stick with these new in-line reels for very shallow water when chasing crappies and bluegills. For deeper water and for targeting walleyes, I 'm sticking to the venerable spinning reels. One good factor about these in-line reels is the line tangles are at a minimum and this is important when fishing in cold weather. 4.lb test monofilament works the best for me and is much preferred over a braided line.

Steve Carney is The Flag WZFG Outdoors expert. He can be heard every Thursday morning at 8:05 on AM 1100 and 92.3 FM WZFG. Check out his weekly podcast on am1100theflag.com and hear his Outdoors Angle reports every Friday on AM 1100 and 92.3 FM WZFG. You can also visit stevecarneyoutdoors.com for more information.