Fishing line for new Laker Rod

I just purchased a 32″ Laker rod from Thorne Bros. Could use some help as laker fishing will be new to me. What ice fishing line do you suggest I put on it? Was going to put a Shimano 2500 size reel on it. Thanks

First of all, dont feel like you have to use a 25oo for that rod. If it balances okay great, but if not, a 1000 is plenty big, unless you are fishing 300 fow in the Apostiles or something.

As for line, I would recommend a 10/4 braid. I prefer suffix 832 as it has worked great for me. You will then want a flourocarbon leader of 2 feet or so. Connect the two using a knot, and NOT a barrel swivel as the barrel swivel will get caught up in your guides when the fish tries to run once he is at the hole.

I run braid with a floro leader for the few inland laker lakes around here. I also keep a can of Reel Magic in my arsenal for spraying the braid. It makes a huge difference in preventing the braid from absorbing water and freezing.

Of all the serious laker guys I have spoken to, they almost universally use 10-12 lb P-Line with a 15lb P-Line leader above the ball bearing swivel. I had been using 15 lb for the entire rig until last year. I was always frustrated by the stiff line piling off the reel when I flipped the bail. Went to 12 lb, and no more issues.

I had also tried some 20lb Power Pro, but when fishing in very cold, I had too many ice up issues as the braid soaks in the water.

That’s my $.02.

30 LB BRaid with 8 lb Flouro Leader ( But this is on LOTW where we tangle with 20-25 lb fish )

BWCA – I would use 14 Lb Braid with 8 lb Flouro Leader.

Make sure you bring something to coat the braid with – it absorbs water and if you are standing outside – – not fun.

Dog

The suffix 832 does really well at keeping the water off the line. I fished the apostles with it last winter and it worked great! Much better than power pro for ice fishing.