For its size, this reel has a fearsome rate of retrieval. The carbon frame and aluminum spool on the FreeFall XL make this a very smooth reel to operate in cold water conditions. If you havent seen it, you are missing out. You really dont need to overdo it. Remember, you arent going to cast. Once you know those things you will be able to make a good choice. Ill say it slowly. So if you are planning to use the really small micro jigs for your ice fishing, then you would be better looking at one of the other models mentioned on this page (the Black Betty FreeFall Ghost is a better option if you want to fish with really small micro jigs). The chunky dual reel handle is easy to wind even if you are wearing gloves. This is why the reel is a lower price than the aluminum models. If you prefer to put your rod down, then at the flick of a switch, the clicking bite alarm will let you know when you have a take. It is ideal for shallow to mid-depth fishing, which would be down to around 50 feet. This reel is featherlight and adaptable to most fishing situations. Just tweak the drag to a sensible setting and let gravity do its work. Your email address will not be published. Inline reels are very similar in design to a fly reel, with a larger centerpin spool and handle to make it easy to operate in extremely cold temperatures while wearing thick gloves.. A simple click on the spool release button on the side of the reel and even the lightest of micro jigs will descend rapidly down through the water columns. The jury is out on the fender. For the money, this reel will perform admirably and is super compact. If you said the reel you would be exactly right. The smooth drag system on the Black Betty 6061 is evident from the first time it is engaged, and the substantial 18-inch per turn line retrieve will quickly give you the confidence that you have control over any fish you hook onto. You do not have to have a high skill level to operate them, they are very intuitive to use. But dont worry, you can check it out here! Disclosure: At BonfireBob, we recommend products based on unbiased research, however, BonfireBob.com is reader-supported and as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases if you shop through the links on this page. We suspect you would probably outgrow it with some experience. Bite detection would be non-existent. The Stradic Ci4+ had been such a hit with anglers around the world for many years, so it was a bold move by Shimano to completely remove it from their range of spinning reels. The sealed bearing system prevents water from getting where it shouldnt, this, twinned with a zinc alloy drive gear means that the reel will stay rust-free and in good working order. With a fixed spool this can cause twisting followed by tangles. The larger spools on the FreeFall XL give you more line capacity, so they are ideal for any deep water anglers who need the extra line. If you go or intend to go ice fishing, then one of your main priorities needs to be keeping yourself warm. It should work well. What is the best inline ice fishing reel for Walleye? This reel type is ideal for fishing in any depth of water, although you need to ensure if you want to fish in deep water you have a model with a larger spool so it will give you more line capacity. If you are only going to be fishing for small fish this isnt as crucial. What is impressive about the Black Betty FreeFall XL inline reel is the excellent free-fall system that will smoothly drop even the lightest of jig heads down into the water, and the speed at which you can re-engage the connection to set the hook into a fish that takes the bait/lure on the drop. The best inline reel for Walleye is the13 Fishing Black Betty 6061. Learn how your comment data is processed. List of Bluegill Spawn Time by State. As a final bit of polish the reel features a front facing fender, stopping snow and ice from accumulating in vital areas. Not so with the little beauty. I liked all of the features. Ever heard the term slow and steady wins the race? The line also comes off the spool in a straight line which is important for this type of fishing as it reduces any twist in the line so the lures arent spinning around in an unnatural way when they are in the water. These fish give an excitingly amazing fight and are perfect for the pan! Yes, it will, although the reel body is compact, the reel foot that attaches to your handle is a good size. If you are spinning, youll want a faster retrieval rate. Your email address will not be published. Tangles are also a thing of the past. This reel will allow you to do both. We and our partners share information on your use of this website to help improve your experience. Its relatively light and comfortable to use. As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. A large trigger allows you to drop the line at the flick of a finger, one handed. Sometimes the more complex a system, the more difficult it is to operate. Why not take a look at this video on how to spool an inline reel, it will save you time! I like a level wind, but they arent for everyone, and some might feel it solves a problem that doesnt exist. The 6061 is very well made, and the CNC machined aluminum body gives the reel and very sturdy and robust feel, while still being light and easy to handle. There are two things that you need.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,90],'bonfirebob_com-leader-4','ezslot_11',111,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-leader-4-0')}; The first is reliability. The main benefits of inline ice fishing reels are that they have been designed specifically for vertical fishing and are ideal for ice anglers due to the one-hand operation and the ability to be able to drop even the lightest of jigs down into the water. Ive really enjoyed going through some of the best ice fishing reels in 2022 with you. Simply put there is no one reel which is perfect. If youve done even a little ice fishing, youll know that the rod isnt going to be huge. The Black Betty 6061 also has a bait clicker function, which is a popular functionality to have with many ice anglers. Provided that you care for it, the lightweight and hard-wearing aluminum body will last you a lifetime. But the Black Betty range of inline reels is just that good, and each one mentioned here offers something slightly different from the others so they are all worthy of their place. Inline reels are designed specifically for jig fishing, where you drop a bait straight down. Bob has spend most of his childhood fishing with his father and now share all his knowledge with other anglers. If you have the budget and you want something that is guaranteed to work, then this will be a good choice. 13 FISHING Black Betty Freefall Ghost Left Frabill Straight Line 371 Ice Fishing Reel in 15 Primitive Skills Every Survivalist Should Know, Great gearing which makes jigging in deep water easy, The useful gear ratio for fast jig retrieval, The free spool button for quickly dropping the jig into position, The drag wasnt as sensitive as we would have liked. The frame is constructed from strong and very lightweight graphite and the spool uses aluminum. And this one is as simple as it gets. When you hook into a fish you want it up and out of your ice hole as soon as you can. All giveaways are AS-IS. The reel features an instant anti-reverse, so you wont need to worry about overruns or tangles. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The reel features an infinite anti-reverse gear mechanism which will prevent you from winding the wrong way and twisting your line. If you choose mono at a reasonable breaking strain you should comfortably manage around 150 yards, thats more than enough for any scenario. In this article, I am going to reveal the best ultralight spinning reels currently on the market, with many of these being new releases in 2022. Now were getting into the professional stuff. It is fair to say that the best ice fishing spinning reels will tend to be fixed spool. The Black Betty FreeFall XL reel is available in both left-handed and right-handed models. If that happens, this would be great to keep as a backup. Provided you are fishing in fair to moderate weather, this reel would be perfect for bigger fish such as Walleye. Winter is coming! The large line release lever is ideally positioned to allow the line release with the thumb of the hand holding the rod and reel. Youre going to need something compact and lightweight. Can you use a baitcasting reel for ice fishing? The large trigger button is perfectly positioned so you can release the line with one hand and drop your jigs down to the exact depth where the fish are located. If you are worried about your gloves being too thick, I have suggested some lightweight solutions. The drag is also very smooth and will enable you to tackle fish of different sizes, from all panfish to Walleye. The rod would be horrendously imbalanced and you would probably get a tired arm. If you have seen my essential ice fishing gear list, youll know how important I consider a reel to be. Its that simple. Its pretty good looking as well, if youve got exactly a minute spare, you can see its beauty up close and personal in this video. This is because of the excellent drag system it has and the smooth retrieval that will allow you to play the fish effectively so you can bring it up through the ice. I would strongly advise that you only fill about two-thirds of the spool with line. This is another inline reel that will allow you to fish with a variety of styles and jigs, as long as you dont go too light.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,250],'bonfirebob_com-leader-1','ezslot_8',114,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-leader-1-0')}; Both line payout and the retrieve are silky smooth, ensured by five stainless steel ball bearings. The large star drag is easy to adjust, and the micro drag adjustments give you much better control. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Feel free to leave a comment below. What I really like about the Black Betty FreeFall Ghost is the excellent drop speed control. When a manufacturer says left handed. If you carry a lot of gear and find every pound matters then this will lighten your load. Press a button to allow the reel to free spool your bait to the desired depth. One thing I think could be improved with this reel is the handle, I find the knobs are a tiny bit too close together when compared with other reels, and I found it wasnt as easy to control with thick gloves on as on other inline reel models. We give all of our reviewed products away once the review is complete. Im not going to confuse the issue further giving any more examples. Leave a comment below, I love hearing from you guys and girls! Remember, what you want above all else is a reel that will work all of the time. Whilst this reel isnt jam-packed with features it has enough to be worthy of my list. All of the inline ice fishing reels on this page are worthy of a mention in this best of list, but for me the 13 Fishing Black Betty FreeFall XL tops my list of inline ice fishing reels. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'fishingmyway_co-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',138,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishingmyway_co-mobile-leaderboard-1-0')};Another great inline reel from 13 Fishing. Or have you got any not to be missed tips on using an inline reel? If you are deliberately targeting bigger species then you will want a reel with enough drag and size to handle it. What if you could find a reel that actually felt soft and was custom shaped to fit into your hand? Job done.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'bonfirebob_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',112,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-banner-1-0')}; You, cant. For a beginner or for a backup reel, this ice fishing reel would be pretty good. An imbalanced rod and reel is not fun to use. Things I look for are a decent retrieve rate, a chunky and easy to grip winding handle, and a quick retrieve rate. Inline reels are designed to drop your bait or lures straight down through the ice into the water, and they do this extremely efficiently. If you catch the species you want, in most conditions, without too much difficulty then you have achieved your goal.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'bonfirebob_com-netboard-1','ezslot_16',122,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-netboard-1-0')}; If I had to pick a fixed spool, the Piscifun ICX 5 wins hands down. Overall, this is a really solid offering. Constantly winding on an inline reel can get tiring. So, I can use it with any rod?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'bonfirebob_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_14',116,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-narrow-sky-1-0')}; Not quite. All of the inline reels mentioned on this page have been designed for the cold conditions and will ultimately enhance your ice fishing experience due to their excellent performance abilities. Youll fit an unbelievable amount of line onto the spool. Are inline reels best for deeper water or shallow water fishing? For an inline reel? Features are great, but if they get in the way, or are too difficult for your experience then you wont get the benefit. A little, youll get around 100ft if you use 3lb line, thats not bad, but we wouldnt recommend it for heavy work. You could at a push. No. Sometimes you will want to fish big jigs, sometimes small. The retrieve ratio is slightly slower than some of our other reels, but that isnt always a bad thing, youll know exactly how much line you have left and be in solid contact with the fish. Nice design touches such as the comfortable palm pad that provides cushioning when using a pistol grip show that every aspect of the reel has been well considered, and clearly made by people who fish and understand the little nuances of design optimizations like this. The reel is just a fraction over 3 inches long, perfect for lighter rods. And a front mounted drag allows you to get a great balance. I could write pages about how to do this, or I could just show you. It is maybe a little heavier duty than some of our other offerings, but if you are looking for reliability this may actually be what you need.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,250],'bonfirebob_com-leader-3','ezslot_10',115,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-leader-3-0')}; The line capacity on this reel is huge. The Clam Gravity inline fishing reel is very light and comfortable to use. This high-quality ice fishing reel will perform in most situations. If youve seen my review above, even the Black Betty Inline Reel (which I love) has got its weaknesses. So, it figures that the reel doesnt need to be huge either. Think about which piece of tackle is in constant use and motion. It is full of guidance on rods, reels and things that are just as essential when ice fishing, such as ice fishing boots and the best ice fishing augers. It runs very smoothly and does everything it was designed to do very well. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'fishingmyway_co-leader-2','ezslot_6',143,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishingmyway_co-leader-2-0')};These reels generally have an extended reel foot that allows you to use a pencil / pistol grip on the rod and reel, and this gives you much more control. The best ice fishing reels for walleye, or other big species will need to be bigger or at least more substantial.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,90],'bonfirebob_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',108,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; How you intend to fish should be a real deciding factor. It looks amazing, the zinc alloy body and wooden handle give it a classic look and feel. Yes, some of the components on this reel are made from plastic, such as the star drag, the spool, and the trigger. Aside from reducing weight you also eliminate something else, that is the enemy of all fishing equipment. It allows you to get it down to the depths that the fish are congregating at and stop the line the instant you need to. What is Magnet Fishing and How to Get Started? Im going to show you what you need to look for in order to ensure this. Bite detection with this reel is amazing. The FreeFall XL is an enhanced version of the already very popular Black Betty FreeFall inline reel, and they have made this reel bigger to give it more capacity to catch larger fish, while still maintaining the finesse and feel you need in these reels. Whilst we are talking about comfort lets make another suggestion. TheBlack Betty FreeFall XLis ideal for deeper water ice fishing. Youll pay a premium, but youll also get premium quality. This can get confusing so let me tell you a bit about convention. Our guide below should help you.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'bonfirebob_com-box-3','ezslot_5',104,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-box-3-0')}; Choosing the right ice fishing reel will generally be dictated by two things. Exactly what you want when you are out on the ice! It provides a great price to performance ratio. Yes they are, ice fishing reels are generally smaller and lighter than regular reels. And with a 12lb front mounted drag system, you should have the muscle you need to fight bigger fish.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[580,400],'bonfirebob_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',105,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-medrectangle-3-0')}; Is corrosion still on your mind? If you are fishing in deep water you will want a bigger spool or greater line capacity. The reel feels solid and comfortable in the hand, without being cumbersome, you should be able to fit plenty of line onto the spool too. In this article we will review some of the best ice fishing reels of 2022, Ill also explain a few differences so you can be confident in choosing a good ice fishing reel. The spool tension button is conveniently placed on the reel for easy access and will allow you to make minute adjustments so you have complete control over the speed of descent for your bait or lure. The Pelican Sentinel 100X Angler Fishing Kayak Review. The first is what you want to catch and the second is how you intend to catch it. Not sure of the depth? Not a deal-breaker as it was only slightly noticeable, but something to consider if you have larger hands. The second is ease of use. So, for a left-handed reel, you would be holding the rod with your right hand and turning the reel handle with your left hand. Again, lets keep it simple.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[970,250],'bonfirebob_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_12',120,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0')}; When you check reel specifications, youll see a number. An inherent feature of inline reels is that they dont twist the line. How to Choose the Right Ice Fishing Reel? DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning when you click the links and make a purchase, I may receive a commission. Think again. You want to make sure you choose the right reel. Crow Survival- All Rights Reserved - Powered by Expert Outdoor Enthusiasts. Remember you lose about 2ft of line on every trip by snipping off lures, rigs and tying knots. I struggled to find anything bad to say about it. By fulfilling this one criterion you put yourself in the best position to catch a fish! Some of the operations on an inline reel are similar to those on a baitcasting reel. It may even allow you to use a slightly lighter line. Traditionally they are referring to the hand that you will turn the handle with. If its 40 feet deep, go for around 120 feet. The hand orientation you need will be the same hand that youll use to turn the handle. The retrieve on this type of reel is also very swift and will allow you to pull up a fish from deep water quickly and efficiently.. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Quebec-based Pelican Sports have been at the forefront of kayak and watercraft design and manufacture since 1968, and they have an extensive and interesting history within the industry. We are going to talk about some features that you will need to consider, before you make your choice. It is really comfortable to hold for long periods. Im going to keep it simple. The best ice fishing reels for panfish are small. From panfish to monsters and anything in between. As a general rule, the longer or heavier your rod, the heavier duty and larger (within reason) your reel needs to be. The best ice fishing reel you can get for under $50 is theEagle Claw inline reel. If you are on a budget, but want to try an inline reel then this would make a good choice. This isnt a budget reel, but for the money, its all you will ever need. If you want a long-lasting reel that can stand up to the extreme cold conditions then the 6061 from Black Betty is an excellent choice for ice fishing. Should I Choose a Left or Right-Handed Ice Fishing Reel? But they are great in shallower depths as well, and the finesse of the reel makes it ideal for targeting fish of all sizes too.. This reel looks and feels the part. What is the best ice fishing reel for under $50? Its time to put the summer fishing gear away for a few months and get yourself ready for some hardcore ice fishing. Known for Sitemap | Contact Me | About Bob Hoffmann | Affiliate Disclosure | Privacy Policy. To release the line, you simply press the spool release button on the side of the reel which is very easy to activate and will allow you to drop the line at will, even with thick gloves on. As an aside dont go too low. The only thing limiting the size of your catch will be the size of your ice hole as this reel has over 17.5lbs of stopping power. If you want tried and tested, then you have come to the right place. The best drag system will let line out just before the critical point. This will prevent any potential overspill that can cause all kinds of tangle problems. Simply put, if you intend to jig, go for an inline ice fishing reel. We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post. Ill be honest. Here is the list: I have also listed some of the benefits of using inline ice fishing reels at the bottom of the article, so if you have not used one before you can see why they are worth your while. One thing to note is the spool on theClam Gravity inline reelis smaller than on most other inline style fishing reels, it does lose some of the ability to free fall the smaller ultra-light micro jigs, so you need to strip the line manually. I absolutely love it. When do Bluegill Spawn? This reel also has a total of 5 stainless steel ball bearings that enables smooth operation, and the quality materials used throughout make this a very good reel for ice fishing as it will stand up to the harsh weather conditions. This reel is small and gives a decent performance. It has an excellent adjustable drag system that is easy to adjust with the star drag lever. With this reel you will get both. Tip: Make sure you get an inline reel with a fender guard, it will save you so much time (and headaches) with tangles, as the overspill of line on reels that dont have a fender is a regular pain in the butt!. If you want to see one in action, handling some really impressive walleye, check this out! All that said, with 8 ball bearings and an above average retrieve rate, this reel performs rather smoothly. This is an outstanding feature that adds a lot to the performance of this reel. A great general rule is to spool enough line to cover 3-4 times the depth of your usual spot.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'bonfirebob_com-netboard-2','ezslot_17',123,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-netboard-2-0')}; So, if its 10 feet deep, put on 30-40 feet of line. In this article I have compiled some of the best inline ice fishing reels currently available, so you can continue your fishing as soon as the thick ice comes. This also covers you for bigger fish taking line. But 13 Fishing makes excellent inline reels, and this FreeFall Ghost is no exception. Pick a reel that is easy to use. 13 Fishing has clearly thought through the design of this reel and made it extremely easy to operate one-handed, even with a thick pair of gloves on. This will start by having the right boots to keep your feet, To say that the Shimano Vanford has big boots to fill is an understatement. Using theBlack Betty 6021is very simple as the functional buttons and dials are very easy to access and operate. Well look no further as you have found it. Also the spool tension control, which allows you to micro-adjust so you dont get any backlash in your line when you are dropping baits straight down.. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'fishingmyway_co-leader-3','ezslot_7',144,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fishingmyway_co-leader-3-0')};The big spools on inline reels mean you get very little line memory as you would often see in conventional spinning reels. Frabill Straight Line 371 Ice Fishing Reel. List of Bluegill Spawn Time by State, link to The Pelican Sentinel 100X Angler Fishing Kayak Review. But it would be hard work. The Black Betty FreeFall Ghost has some upgraded features from previous models that enhance its usage even more. Overall the Black Betty 6061 is a quality reel that is both sturdy and durable and provides good value for money. The user-friendly design allows for very efficient usage, with the large handle knob that makes it easy to wind in, even when you have thick gloves on. For an average sized monofilament line, youll be looking to load around 150 feet comfortably. It depends on how your reel performs on an average day. I havent tried it, nor would I want to. We are a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. The Bluegill is undoubtedly an amazing fish to target as a beginner angler as well as an expert angler. Let me explainif(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'bonfirebob_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',140,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-bonfirebob_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')}; Youll need something with sufficient drag to play the fish, without breaking the line. The retrieve rate is amongst the highest of our inline reels too! For more information, see disclosure here. Without getting too technical what this means is that the reel is a joy to use. I love the Black Betty. The extra-large spool design on the FreeFall XL means that you get a very efficient retrieval speed, with each turn of the handle gaining back a huge 24 inches of line (compared to the 18 inches per turn on the Black Betty 6061 for example). The author of this post is Bob Hoffmann. Inline reels are super easy to use. You can find some really great ice fishing gloves here. It can easily be operated with one hand, the composite graphite frame construction making it very light and manageable.
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