Ice fishing level wind reel?

[N.E.T.O.]

Right after that last post I remembered what I was really going to post about...

I'm looking for a level wind ice fishing reel that isn't too big. I own 2 really nice levelwinds, but are HUGE when attached to an ice fishing pole. I also have noticed that there are some ice poles with el-cheapo plastic level winds on them. In the reel case at Sportsmans, I haven't found one "small" enough yet for an ice fishing setup.
Does anyone out there use a level wind for ice fishing? If so, what brand, model, etc.?

Thanks!
Randy
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[wiperhunter2]

I can't help with knowledge about using a level wind reel while ice fishing but I can tell you about using a bait caster. You get the same level wind retrieve but they have a lot lower profile, it has worked for me for a number of years. I can't use those bait caster for casting but I sure like them for jigging. I know this doesn't answer your question but it might give you another idea for a reel if your not already convinced that the level wind is the only way to go. WH2
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[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]Hey N.E.T.O,[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I have one. It's a Shimano Bantam mag (I think the model is a IOXsg - but I cant read the label anymore, it's kind of wore down) it's a sweet little thing and about as smooth as any baitcaster I've used.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Top view.[/size][/black]

[inline Mag1.JPG]


[black][size 3]Side view - maybe you can read it.[/size][/black]

[inline Mag2.JPG]

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[black][size 3]On my 24" ice rod.[/size][/black]

[inline Mag3.JPG]


[black][size 3]Next to a Penn 209LH for size comparison.[/size][/black]

[inline "Mag and Penn209LH.JPG"]

[black][size 3]I don't know if they still make them - I've had this one for a lot of years.[/size][/black]
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[N.E.T.O.]

WH2, which brand and model baitcaster do you use? I couldn't find one small enough at Sportsmans (I thought...)
Randy
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[N.E.T.O.]

Thanks Fishhound!
Thats exactly what I'm looking for and it looks like it fits good on an ice rod!
Randy
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[BearLakeMack]

[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]One thing that I would recommend is that you make sure the hole that the line goes thru on the levelwinder is easily accessible and very large. They have a tendency to freeze up and you'll need to clear it occasionally (or a lot if it's really cold). Don't get one that is hard to reach with your finger or a gloved hand.[/size][/black][/font]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 3]Depending on what weight line you'll want to fish, a lot of bait casters will work. I use bait casters almost exclusively on the ice. The smaller Calcuttas or those type spinoffs (round reel body) are great on the ice. I use a Bass Pro round reel that looks and feel almost identical to a calcutta for a 1/3 of the price.[/size][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3][/size][/black][/font]
[font "Comic Sans MS"][black][size 3]The wire bail type levelwind on the Abu Garcia Ambaseurs is great in cold weather but they are a little finicky with, say 4 lb test. They really like a little heavier line. I use them with 8 lb test and larger.[/size][/black][/font]
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[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]That's a good point BLM,[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I've tried to use my Shimano Curado and Quatum Accurist baitcasters and they have the issue of freeze up and it can be difficult to clear them out. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]On my Shimano however the line guide hole is well exposed and out and above the main reel assembly and cowling and it is easy to reach to get the ice off when it builds up. If I neglect it for too long, a small tooth pick works just fine for that. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]As far as line size goes, the smallest I've had on my Shimano is 4 pound and that works with no problems.[/size][/black]
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[wiperhunter2]

I use a Pulse by Quantum, PL400CX. It is the smaller one in the picture, I think I paid $40.00 for it. The other one is a Bass rod and reel combo that I bought from a guy on the site, there is not a model number on it. The Pulse is the one I have used for years but I'm going to try the bass combo this winter to see how it does.
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[N.E.T.O.]

Thanks for all the replies. Exactly the info I was looking for !
Randy
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