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Quick poll of the group as to your advice on lb test of line to use for Ice fishing. I have setups for smaller species (panfish ) that are 4# line...all set there...4# Micro Ice works great for me.
My question is what lb test to set up for larger species? Mostly concerned with Strawberry reservoir trout, etc. I would normally not ask and just spool up with 6#.....but I did have a number of breakoffs last year....Would I be crazy to go to 8# or even 10#? I normally would err on the light side....
I always rig up with a small snap swivel on the end of the main line with a flouro leader and always size down on the leader # test...
Any thoughts or advice appreciated.
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I use 6# everywhere I go. I fish strawberry mostly and have never broke a fish off
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I fish 4 and 6 pound through the ice.
Fish up to 10 pounds if I don't screw up on my end.
Most of my break offs are due to poor knots. Took me awhile to figure out that I have to pull my knots up tight slower in the winter than in warmer weather. This is true even with line moistened.
I do check my line for nicks a lot and tug on my lures after any substantial fish or fight.
Most of baits that I fish are small and light. With a light line I can get down faster and have a better feel.
I do not experience coils in my lines like some of the people I fish with.
It has been my experience that 50% or more of the hits are missed with coils in the line.
I do have one spool of nano fil that I use every time I go out. Thin and no stretch at all. Fishing deep this is a great boon. Feel bait and hits a lot better.
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I use 4-6 lb trilene XL. I spoiled up one reel yesterday with 2 lb micro ice to try on the perch later this season. Never used the stuff before. Also found I need to replace reels. Had to throw one away last night. Broken spool.
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In the past I have used Cajun red ice line and Berkeley micro ice both in the 4 lb variety. They did OK especially for small jigs and spoons. The problem I ran in to was abrasion from the ice. TubeDude introduced me to Silver Thread Excalibur. This is all I use for soft and hard water fishing. I use both 4 and 6 pound for ice fishing. I use the 4 pound for perch, gills, and crappie. Trout and larger species will typically get the 6 lb treatment. Take the time to set the drag on the rod and reel you will be using. It makes a difference.
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[quote bobisfishin]I use 6# everywhere I go. I fish strawberry mostly and have never broke a fish off[/quote]
Exactly what he said
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I would go 6# braided if you are focusing on the 'berry..
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A quality reel, with a good drag goes a long way in not breaking off (assuming line and knots are good). You don't have to worry about lb test nearly as much if you have a good reel and a bit of patience. 4lb is fine for almost all of UT aside from big macs. 6 if patience is in shorter supply, or you are using the reel on a standard combo ice rod.
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