I was going to try an HT Ice Rigger in place of a tip-up this year and see how I like it. I have a pole built for this set-up, but I just need a reel. I was thinking about going with the Okuma, but wondered about a baitcaster. Which is the way to go?
I’ll be targeting mainly pike. Also, what size line and type should I go with?
I have been running the Okuma Avenger 20 on my TUCR Dead Stick set up on the Ifsih Pro and for Pike I will use 20-25lb Suffix Elite rigged up to a leader of around 40lb test. I have had lots of action and the only issues I have had were my own self inflicted ones 
I’ll second that the older, larger Okuma Avenger ABF20-B would be a good pairing for this. I’ve never put out the cash for a proper iFish Pro so I use the HT Ice Rigger and really like it. Doesn’t cover/insulate the hole so I’d say that’s the main difference.
I would go with the okuma. Spinning reels shed water a lot better and have fewer ice up issues.
Not sure where you’re located. If you swing the way of the above advice I have two 20 series Okuna baitfeeders I’m going to sell. After the thanksgiving weekend I was going to put the pair up along with an iFishPro in the classifieds, pm if you’re interested.
For opinions, I’m with Matt Coffey on the shedding water and ice up thoughts.
Doesn’t matter which reel you use, neither will shed water better than the other. It’s all in the line and how one reels. If you crank fast and get water onto the spool, it will freeze. Water will expand, then the line will seem to expand overall onto the spool.
Spinning reel will spray more water by it’s spinning function.
As for actual user preventative, it’s far easier to pinch the line on a baitcaster reel to to prevent wet line with excessive water going onto the spool. Just something I do before putting the set up away. With good practice, it becomes a habit.
Okuma hands down. You will love it
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