Filler On Ice Reels

I bought three Sienna 500’s for my ice rods. Does it make sense to just put a few wraps of electrical tape on the spool before I put the line on? Will this cause issues when it’s wet?

I suppose I could get some cheap tip up line but thought the tape might be a good idea for backing.

Tape will probably work just fine. If you have any bulk/leftover 8 or 10 lb mono lying around it wouldn’t take much of that to fill up 1/4 of the spool.

I assume you are wanting to use some type of braid? That is why you want a backing. If so check to see if the spools that came with the reels are braid ready. An easy way to tell is if there are grooves machined into the spool. If not I think electric tape would work great.

Lots of guys use tape on their musky reels. I would think it would work on your Siennas provided it isn’t too wide to lay nicely in the spool.

I usually just buy a cheap bulk spool of about 4 lb test mono from Farm and Fleet or something. I figure lighter line isn’t as likely to coil the rest of the line off like heavier stuff would, but it might not matter.

I think I’ve bought like 500 yard spools for about $3 or so. Enough to fill all my ice reels and several open water combos.

I do the same with my musky reels and buy 12-20 lb test.

Definitely check the spool to see if it is grooved this will for sure help with braided line from slipping but I would recommend spooling on a bit of mono first this will assure that your braided line will not slip and it gives it a better bite than the tape would. Good luck fishing.