Best low Lb. test Braided line for ICE fishing ???

Walleyestudent Andy Cox wrote:

Actually…if you could, how about a refresher on those mini baitcast type reels you’re using for ice fishing?

I remember you posting about them some time back and was curious again.

Brands/costs…advantages?

Honestly it all went back to the Schooley rods. However the first smaller spool baitcasting reel was Shimano Chronarch 50mg. The one in my hand as my profile avatar.
I also use a few other Shimano reels all retailing at about $200. Curado 50E, Curado 70, Calcutta 50gt. The smaller spool allows for a lighter weight lure to pull line from the spool is basically what it’s all about. For ice fishing purpose, because the Shimano reels uses a physical centrifugal brake system, I can disengage all brakes and let the spool virtually be free of resistance. I only need to feather the cast control knob just a feather. Took a while to get used to the spool operation and preventing line overrun.

Tom Sawvell wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>slipperybob wrote:</div>
That thermal fused makes it more water resistant than a straight braid.

Woven or layered braids are magnets for water absorption and freezing issues when in the open air on the ice. I didn’t notice it much with the Frost when I fished on the docks a couple mornings when the temps dipped into the teens. I always like Nanofil as long as the temp was on the top side of freezing but it got miserable below freezing.

The fused lines are great for not icing but I found them stiff when the temps took a dive. I’m getting to be a puss in my old age and enjoy reading about fishing when its cold out than fishing in the cold. lol

Part of the reason I don’t use any higher #test in fused lines like Fireline. They are stiff and wiry and will retain the line memory that can be good or bad for lightweight lures.

I also prefer that cheaper graphite spool on the spinning reel over that of the metal aluminum spool. Less icing frost. That’s why I just spend more time inside the heated shack.

Will it fit through tiny ice jig eyes doubled over? I was thinking of putting it on Piscifun-Crappiestix combo for when the Eyes & Saugers get tight lipped and I want to down size. I know the rod & reel will handle 25″ Pike.

I starter using Sufix Ice Braid with Sun FC Line Sniper fluorocarbon as the leader.

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