In Line Reels — Line twist or No?

Any feedback on if these style of reels are worth it.

I have one but did not really enjoy it I reel with right hand and there weren’t many options that I found.

I know they are supposed to help with line twist so I gave it a try. I fish mainly about 25 feet or less.

If you have models that are worth trying let me know.

Lastly the one I had you had to reel the bait down into the water so quick drops to hammer schools was not ideal.

I have an eagle claw inline reel that has the free spool option, and it does help with the line twist. And its a cheaper option.

Inline reels definitely dont twist line. The bait your are dropping often spins though during the drop or rise. I find that adjusting the knot position on many baits prevents the spinning on the drop.

I’ve used a few, and enjoy the 13 fishing black betty the most, and secondly the eagle claw (But it’s cheap and breaks fast).

I’ll probably get another black betty this year and also the ice fender to go with it.

13 fishing makes the 6061 which is the push button multipler free-spool reel. They make the teardrop also a push button free-spool multiplier! 8 fishing is a sister company who also makes a push button multiplier, nice for the price $32. The black Betty is a shallow wTer reel for straighlining more than deep water!
Eagle claw makes there own, and a Tony roach model inline multiplier with free spool push button. They are quite functional for the price and far out perform a spinning reel.
I was not impressed with frabill model last winter, and have not look at there 14 lineup! I refuse to use clam equipment or ht, I find it to be primarily garbage!
All the 13, 8, and eagle claw models come in right or left hand retrieve!

There was a bunch of discussion on this last year, after reading it all… I bought a Eagle Claw pretty cheep on line, and really like it. Just less fuss for pan fishing than a spinning reel. I don’t do a ton of ice fishing, and don’t need the best, but still like the feel of something that works well… and the Eagle Claw is just fine. I would not hesitate to get another.

The new No 8 reel is available in LH or RH models. For a price point of near 35.00 they look like a real nice reel. I’m going to give one of those a try this season. My buddy has a few Eagle Claw reels and is really happy with them as well.

lrott2003 wrote:

Any feedback on if these style of reels are worth it.

I have one but did not really enjoy it I reel with right hand and there weren’t many options that I found.

I know they are supposed to help with line twist so I gave it a try. I fish mainly about 25 feet or less.

If you have models that are worth trying let me know.

Lastly the one I had you had to reel the bait down into the water so quick drops to hammer schools was not ideal.

If you have an Eagle Claw the direction of can be switched to either hand. The others may also be able to be switched.

thanks guys I am going to be at ice show in st paul first of december this item is on the list to look at I want to re commit to one this year possibly I think it is worth another try.

Are they making one now with a better retrieve ratio?

That is the only draw back for me but then I have been using old fly reels for several years.

Maybe I will get re-interested again someday and jump back on the band wagon but I gave up trying to add these to my arsenal because I have absolutely no issues with all my spinning reels and that’s all I ever want to use. I’m tossing the Eagle Claw.

These things were way overhyped. I tried one last year and wasn’t able to figure out why they are so special. Just felt awkward and clumsy.

suzuki wrote:

Maybe I will get re-interested again someday and jump back on the band wagon but I gave up trying to add these to my arsenal because I have absolutely no issues with all my spinning reels and that’s all I ever want to use. I’m tossing the Eagle Claw.

Toss it my way ……..I’ve got two of them and love ’em

Frabill has a new inline with a 3.7:1 gear ratio, I purchased two this year after using the Eagle Claw last year. I liked the concept of the eagle claw, but wanted a better drag, better ratio, and a fender guard for the spool so I could grip the rod in different ways. With the new Frabill, it pretty much nailed all of my complaints, plus, it has two reel stem mounting options which is a very much appreciated idea. The one handle is short and the other is longer which is awesome when wearing gloves. Take a look at the new Frabill if you’re in the market otherwise, if you feel confident with a spinning reel, fish a spinning reel. One other thing, a good quality barrel swivel and lighter line like 2 or 3 lb test can help you out with the line twist on spinning reels. This is just one mans thoughts, good luck this year.

targaman wrote:

These things were way overhyped. I tried one last year and wasn’t able to figure out why they are so special. Just felt awkward and clumsy.

I agree with them being a bit awkward to hold. I have the 6061. I like it when fishing inside. The smallest jig flies down the hole. It’s cool to watch how well the line peels off the spool. It’s not for everyone.

Okay so the 13 ice reel was on sale so I got one. I guess that I just can’t see spending over 35 for an ice reel. this reel does not free spool so I need to wind down to the hole. I guess I will use it mainly in shallower water. But I still feel it serves a purpose.

So you bought the black Betty!! The 13 6061 reel does free spool! Do you guys just walk in a plunk down money at a store? I just shake my head when I read some of these comments! Do so freaking research before you spend your money and complain! I can’t even ponder going into a store and buying products I know nothing about! I guess I must be unique in not wanting to buy something I know nothing about! Lol

you tell them bronzback, take no prisoners.

I guess the prospect of being unhappy with my purchases drives me to research before I buy. Most things I can also determine by a simple once over of the product before I walk out the store! Add in the fact unless it’s a new released item this site will have dozens of reviews! So for somebody to be surprised by a purchase and what the product can do is foreign to me!

I have bought an Eagle Claw and a Black Betty. I sold the Eagle to a friend. It wasn’t comfortable the way I hold the rod. The Black Betty I use for shallow water/site fishing.

Last year I bought a HWI Tight Line Extreme Reel and matched it to a TUCR Precision Noodle Ice Rod with EVA handle. The line comes off the top of the reel not the bottom so you stay in contact with both line and rod which lets you feel the jig at the same time you watch the noodle tip for fast negative bites. I also think the free spool thing is mostly BS because you should not bomb the fish. I am a firm believer in controlled descent, I bomb the lure half way down, slow down or stop for a second and then do a control descent into the fish zone watching for the gulpers to rise up and let me know on my electronics what the fish want not what I think they want. I am also a believer in if you only use a reel’s drag and not your finger to feather or stop a fish you have not learned how to stay in control. Palming the reel and rod let you do that. It is all about, FEEL, CONTROL and fishing a setup light and responsive enough to get every ounce of pleasure out of your fishing experience. Think so much of this new setup I have ordered two more reels and will be matching them to two new rods with different weight tips for different weight jigs. Everyone has different tastes and fishing styles but when considering inline setups this one will help you catch more fish. Remember selective release, let those big bulls go so they can protect their redds from predators and pass on those superior genes.