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New Ice Reel
#1
I was in Scheel's the other day and spied an intriguing new reel by Eagle Claw. It's an inline (like a fly reel) but has a 2.6/1 retrieve ratio. It brings in 16" of line per handle turn. Pushbutton freespool lets line flow out like butter. Ought to be great for ice fishing and the best part is that it was only $25.

http://www.eagleclaw.com/product/reel/inline-reel


I spooled it up with 4# Trilene Ice Line and put it on an ice rod I made from an old 9-weight fly rod 4-ft tip section and spinning rod handle. It'll be my deadstick rig this year now that we can fish two rods.
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#2
That reel looks very interesting, a hybrid of a casting reel and fly reel. I was wondering whether it was left hand or right hand retrieve, and a google came up with a YouTube for it that says it's switchable, right or left. I'll probably pick one up.
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#3
Bought one last year. It is a nice reel, but I would like to know how to switch it to right hand retrieve? I couldn't figure it out? Any help out there?
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#4
I bought one last year and it worked pretty good. Had to exchange the first one I got because of a bad drag but the replacement has worked fine. Really liked the reduced line coil and reduced lure spin.

[quote mjlevie]I would like to know how to switch it to right hand retrieve? I couldn't figure it out? Any help out there?[/quote]

It has a one way bearing and I believe all you have to do is remove the spool and flip the bearing over. I will check my manual and reply later to confirm that. If you still have the manual you can check it out.
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#5
Rocky, you will love that style of reel.
I have the same style and fish with just a tungsten jig on 4 lb. test.
Before you use it you might want to consider taking it back and upgrading to the next level with the better drag.
Your style of finesse fishing will benefit from this style of reel.
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#6
Thanks. I'll fish with it this year and if I really like it, I'll upgrade all my ice rods with the better grade.
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#7
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000]Rocky,[/#800000][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][#800000] I bought 2 of them last year and like them. They may stop working due to some loose internal parts. Being an engineer in a previous life, I tore them apart and determined how to fix the problem. No problems since then.[/#800000][/font]
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Bob Hicks, from Utah
I'm 83 years young and going as hard as I can for as long as I can.
"Free men do not ask permission to bear arms."
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#8
Mine broke last year-sent it back to Eagle Claw and they fixed it _no charge.
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#9
Is that the Wright & McGill you're referring to as the upgrade?
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#10
On the Eagle Claw website, they list two: the ECILIR and the ECILIRAS. The latter is the Premium model, but there aren't even details about it to tell what's better.
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#11
I am goose hunting right now and can't check but I think Rocky is correct.
I believe it has extra bearings and a better drag system.
The 29 dollar reel is still good, the next one up is just a little more refined.
I love how the line comes straight off with minmal coils. I hate fishing with any more weight than needed and coils cost you fish when you are using only a tiny ice fly without an attractor above it
I believe that is how Rocky and Dubob fish also?
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#12
I usually use a two-lure rig with either a thin spoon or jig on the bottom and a smaller lure like an ice fly above it tied in drop-shot style. I pre-tie all these on 18-24" lines ending with a small swivel. On the end of my main line is a duo-loc snap. That lets me change terminal rigs quickly, and also lets me carry my rods without hooks tangling with everything.
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#13
This style reel has been popular for years with Crappie fisherman who tightline and dip. You can find different models from different manufactures on sites like B&M, Crappie World, etc.. HT Enterprises, a big operator in the ice fishing world also has several models.
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#14
I assume the one you're talking about is the Tony Roach model, Wright & McGill, which is also made by Eagle Claw:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/i...Mgod2RgA4Q

On the BassPro website Q&A, the method of changing from right to left retrieve is explained:

You need to remove the spool from the frame,carefully remove the hex clip,be sure to hold
your hand over it while pulling it out, as they tend to fly out if not gripped or blocked. Remove bearing, turn over and reinsert, metal side up for right hand, down for left hand, reinsert clip and replace spool to frame.
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#15
I got the eagle claw last season and hated it, couldn't get the hang of it and always seem to have problems. Had problems with the button and didn't drop the way I wanted it. The year before, I got the Clam inline and like it better than the eagle claw.

This year I'm looking into the Black Betty 6061 from wicked...Looks like the real deal, but $100 on the tag.

I would say pass on the eagle claw and get the cheaper version of the black Betty.
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#16
Here's the Black Betty for $49
http://www.overtons.com/modperl/product/...7AodYiEAlg
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#17
I found the premium on line at Dicks for 20% off and free shipping, ordered one to try. I wasn't able to tell is there a line release button?
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#18
That's a better price - anyone have this? I've been looking for an inline ice reel and the eagle claw wasn't it.
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