Ice line for shallow water fishing ?

So what line do you guys like and why ?

I’m talking fishing the back waters of the Mississippi or even your favorite lake…

Does it really matter of the color of line ?

Does it really matter what pound test ?

Is a stiffer line better then a soft limp line ?

I look forward to your responses !!

On pools 4 and 5 backwaters I use a 2 pound mono for most of my fishing. If things get real subtle I may go to the 1 pound on very light jigs

I want a straight line when I am fishing, no coiling or memory loops and most 2 pound lines will straighten with a jig sporting a size 10 or 12 hook. I want a line I can see so I have extra reel spools sporting green solar and some bright orange lines in addition to my standard Vanish. If I get a deeper water bite going I also have spare reel spools with 2 pound Crystal.

Line color I think matters only once in a while when specific natural elements come together and as yet I haven’t figured out what those are so I just go to the ice prepared.

I prefer a soft line over a stiff line. I look at stiff line in two ways: you either are using a line that is too heavy or you are using a line that is cheaply formula’d. Most stiff lines are the latter.

For my panfish rods I could not have said it any better than ct

My only problem anymore with the 1 and 2lb lines…..my mind has a hard to making my eyes see it while trying to get my fingers to manipulate a knot

If the fish are on a good feed and not line shy I try to get away with 3 and 4lb but, the lighter stuff is always along incase someone like ct is givin’ me a spankin’ on the ice or, if the flasher shows a lot of fish movin’ in for the kill then backing off.

Recently I bought some super line on a super sale and decided to use it for backing on my ice spinning reels. As long as i do not use an oily scent it should last for a few years. Now I can back to back uniknot about 40 ft of mono. This allows me to experiment with lines and to keep less twist and coiling by replacing it. I like tectan, berkely clear ice, and had good results with the heavier jigs with seguar floro ice in 4lb. I am also old an prefer to use 3lb and up if possible. I recommend for the old or clumsy using a Ty-rite Jr. to hold the hook and then it is easier to tie a improved clinch knot and you do not drop the hook in the ice and cannot find it. It is important to set your drag right, preferably loosening it when packing for home and setting it before dropping bait down hole.

luck
Frank

so do you use 2 to 3 or 4 pound for walleyes in the winter also?

thanks

I am just going to repeat most of what has been said, but I also have been using 4# fireline on my bigger rods. I like the no stretch and great feeling it provides. Pan fish rods have berkly blue ice line which makes it easier to see and it stays limper. Bret – I have taken to packing along a pair of “cheater” glasses for the small lines and hook eyes, it sure helps along with a headlight. Old man techniques all the way baby.

I like to use ASSO ice heavy flouro in 4lb. Its super strong and with it being yellow you can see it really well when tying knots. Some guys dont like flouro for knot strength but I have never had a problem. I either tie a double surgeons loop or a clinch knot. The line has a small diameter and never seem to spook fish. It goes on all my long rods and I can still pull bigger bass out of the hole. Hopefully this helps. Dan

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so do you use 2 to 3 or 4 pound for walleyes in the winter also?

thanks

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I’ll use 6 pound just because the lures/baits tend to be heavier and help keep a straight line. Remember, a straight line equates to good feel.

Another aspect of using the 6 is forgiveness due to those shorter rods. Ice rods don’t allow you near as much “cushion” as a long rod will.

I like the Vanish in 6 and will also use the 6 pound Crystal. That Cyrstal is super if you are using a jiggin rap or a sonar thru the ice since there is little give to the line and the hits come in a blinkusing these baits.

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I like to use ASSO ice heavy flouro in 4lb. Its super strong and with it being yellow you can see it really well when tying knots. Some guys dont like flouro for knot strength but I have never had a problem. I either tie a double surgeons loop or a clinch knot. The line has a small diameter and never seem to spook fish. It goes on all my long rods and I can still pull bigger bass out of the hole. Hopefully this helps. Dan

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You said ASSO

Have to get some of that line

Yeah you go ahead and get some of that line you ASSO ! I usually get 2 spools and then divide it among 4 poles. Just put a bit of backing on the spools, connect with a blood knot and your ready to rock. Combine this line with some Fiskas and you may start to catch fish like me . Dan

ASSO is also good for deep water too.