The cold weather of winter doesn't mean you need to stay indoors. There are so many fun activities to do, and one of the most exciting is ice fishing. There are a lot of tips to keep in mind if you want to be successful ice fishing. I'm writing this guide to make you a pro in no time.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines are landing on top of the line when it comes to its versatility. They could also be used in ice fishing. The cold temperature will have no effect when it comes to fluorocarbon line's efficiency in having a great catch. The sensitivity and the stretch will not be affected by the icy water. What exactly is ice fishing? Basically, you get bundled up and walk out onto the ice, which you've taken proper safety precautions to thoroughly inspect, with your gear and set up for a nice day of fishing. After drilling through the ice and casting your line, you sit back with your fishing pole in hand and wait to see what the day will bring. If soaking bait while enjoying the frosty air sounds like something you may be interested in, these tips will help you get started in.
Ice Fishing Equipment
To go ice fishing, you're going to need some gear.
Rods
You've probably guessed that you'll need a fishing rod. Any old fishing rod could theoretically land you a fish, but for best results, you'll want an ice rod.
These rods are much shorter than other rods, designed to let you easily drop your line in a hole. They are also made to be especially sensitive so that you won't miss any catches despite the effect the cold temperatures could have on your line.
With a rod, you will need fishing line to put on it, naturally. Lines vary in the amount of weight they are designed to carry. In this article, I give guidelines on what pound test line you should be using for various fish species, so go read that if you are wondering what kind of line to get.
Also, you will almost certainly want a reel for your rod. Otherwise, you'll be pulling up your line by hand.
Tip-Ups
In addition to rods, which everyone has heard of, you can also use devices called tip-ups. Tip-ups are like auto-pilot for fishing. They suspend bait underwater, and when fish bite, a flag on the tip-up goes up. When you see the flag, you pull up your line, which, hopefully, has a fish hooked.
You could use a tip-up alone without a rod if you wanted, but the optimal combination is to use them together. You'll cover more ground that way.
Tip-ups aren't a requirement, though, so you don't need to buy one just yet if you don't want to.
Lures, Jigs, Bait
With any line, you'll need to dress it with things to attract fish. After all, no fish is going to bite a bare hook for fun (as far as I know).
There are many types of bait you can use. They look appetizing to fish, and if you're using live bait, they'll appeal to some fishes' sense of smell as well.
There are also plenty of types of lures you can use. As the name suggests, a lure should lure the fish towards your line. Some of the most popular and effective lures for ice fishing reflect light across the lake, and that really gets fishes' attention.
Then there are jigs. Jigs are cool because they move around to fool fish into thinking they're seeing a living creature. The movement is not automatic; you must move your rod in regular, rhythmic motions to move your jig.
There are plenty of different types of jigs. For example, some swim around in circles.
You can use a combination of lures, jigs and bait if you want. If you're looking for a specific type of fish, you'll want to look up information on what works best for it.
Augers
You are going to need to cut a hole in the ice. The easiest way to do that is with an ice auger, whether it's manual or gas-powered.
An ice auger is a drill made for ice fishers. They come in different sizes depending on how big you need your hole to be.
Manual augers are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Gas-powered augers drill holes with incredible speed and ease, which would make for an easy time if you plan to cut dozens of holes. But, you'll have to maintain that engine over time, which is a bit of a pain.
Overall, I recommend manual augers. To see my recommended pick among a list of other you can go to this post.
Rods
You've probably guessed that you'll need a fishing rod. Any old fishing rod could theoretically land you a fish, but for best results, you'll want an ice rod.
These rods are much shorter than other rods, designed to let you easily drop your line in a hole. They are also made to be especially sensitive so that you won't miss any catches despite the effect the cold temperatures could have on your line.
With a rod, you will need fishing line to put on it, naturally. Lines vary in the amount of weight they are designed to carry. In this article, I give guidelines on what pound test line you should be using for various fish species, so go read that if you are wondering what kind of line to get.
Also, you will almost certainly want a reel for your rod. Otherwise, you'll be pulling up your line by hand.
Tip-Ups
In addition to rods, which everyone has heard of, you can also use devices called tip-ups. Tip-ups are like auto-pilot for fishing. They suspend bait underwater, and when fish bite, a flag on the tip-up goes up. When you see the flag, you pull up your line, which, hopefully, has a fish hooked.
You could use a tip-up alone without a rod if you wanted, but the optimal combination is to use them together. You'll cover more ground that way.
Tip-ups aren't a requirement, though, so you don't need to buy one just yet if you don't want to.
Lures, Jigs, Bait
With any line, you'll need to dress it with things to attract fish. After all, no fish is going to bite a bare hook for fun (as far as I know).
There are many types of bait you can use. They look appetizing to fish, and if you're using live bait, they'll appeal to some fishes' sense of smell as well.
There are also plenty of types of lures you can use. As the name suggests, a lure should lure the fish towards your line. Some of the most popular and effective lures for ice fishing reflect light across the lake, and that really gets fishes' attention.
Then there are jigs. Jigs are cool because they move around to fool fish into thinking they're seeing a living creature. The movement is not automatic; you must move your rod in regular, rhythmic motions to move your jig.
There are plenty of different types of jigs. For example, some swim around in circles.
You can use a combination of lures, jigs and bait if you want. If you're looking for a specific type of fish, you'll want to look up information on what works best for it.
Augers
You are going to need to cut a hole in the ice. The easiest way to do that is with an ice auger, whether it's manual or gas-powered.
An ice auger is a drill made for ice fishers. They come in different sizes depending on how big you need your hole to be.
Manual augers are inexpensive and easy to maintain. Gas-powered augers drill holes with incredible speed and ease, which would make for an easy time if you plan to cut dozens of holes. But, you'll have to maintain that engine over time, which is a bit of a pain.
Overall, I recommend manual augers. To see my recommended pick among a list of other you can go to this post.
It is possible to cut holes in other ways, but they're not as easy. You could take an ice chisel and smash through the ice, but if the ice is especially thick, this would be unreasonable. I've heard of people using saws, also.
Electronics
This is totally optional, but if you want to make locating fish far easier, you can buy devices like fish finders and underwater cameras.
Fish finders use sonar to tell you onscreen what objects are present underwater. And an underwater camera is exactly what the name implies. These devices take a lot of the guesswork out of fishing, so if you're seriously looking to catch a lot of fish, you should get one.
Shelter
This may be considered optional or not depending on just how cold and windy it is where you're attempting to go ice fishing.
Serious ice fishers will often set up a wooden shelter on a frozen lake and leave it there all winter. They fish from within the shelter.
You don't need to do that, but you can definitely use a portable tent shelter. It accomplishes the same purpose, albeit it probably doesn't keep temperatures quite as warm.
Maybe you want to prove your toughness by facing the cold without a ton of gear, but face it, that's a good way to at best be uncomfortable or worse get seriously ill. A tent shelter is great. You get protection from the wind while still being able to fish to your heart's content.
The disadvantage of shelters is you have to face the cold if you want to cover more ground, but that's not so bad. At least they keep you warmer for a large percentage of the time you spend out there.
Overview
The amount of equipment needed for ice fishing may be slightly more than for regular fishing, but on the bright side, you don't need a boat to get to the middle of the lake, so just think of how much money you save there!
There's no need to overspend as a beginner. You don't need to have all sorts of different baits. Start with a few. You'll get more over time as you continue to enjoy the hobby.
For a slightly more detailed discussion of what gear you need you can check out any of the links provided under the specific equipment. Or you can check out my post on what you'll need to go ice fishing for the first time.
Safety Guidelines
Ice fishing is a tame sport, but it becomes dangerous if you make one mistake: doing it on thin ice.
To be on the safe side, you should make sure the ice you're walking on is four inches thick at least. Technically, four-inch ice can support the weight of an average person, but if you find ice that thin, it's likely that in some parts of the lake, it might be even thinner, and if that's the case, you'll end up in the water. I advise against walking on anything below four inches thick.
In an unfamiliar lake, you should check the thickness constantly as you explore.
If you're worried about breaking ice, wear a life preserver.
If ice breaks and you fall in the water, you need to get dry once you return to land. Being soaking wet in freezing cold weather will lead to hypothermia. That's why you will need to remove all your wet clothing. If you're preparing for this situation, leave dry clothing onshore. Maybe leave a sleeping bag there to use to warm up in.
If the ice is over eight inches thick, though, you really have nothing to worry about. And as I said, if it's just four inches and consistently four inches thick around the lake, you should be fine.
As for other safety issues, there's always the risk of getting too cold in cold weather. Hypothermia is no joke. Make sure to dress warm and try to make a high percentage of what you wear waterproof.
Speaking of warmth, if the weather is extremely cold, consider bringing a shelter. It will provide protection from the wind and insulation from the cold while still allowing you to fish. You'll be very grateful you brought one once you're out there.
If you are planning to do some nighttime ice fishing, make sure to wear reflective clothing. Snowmobilers or people in other vehicles might be out riding at high speeds, and you don't want to get hit.
Overall, it's not hard to stay safe ice fishing. Just make sure the ice is thick, and then stay warm and dry. Do all that, and you'll have a great time.
When to Go
What time of year should you go ice fishing? You already know the answer is winter, but to be a bit more specific, the best times are in January and February.
December is a bit riskier due to being so early in winter, but you can do it if you determine the ice to be thick enough. It takes time for lakes to freeze; it doesn't happen overnight. Luckily, it takes time for them to melt, too, so one warmer day won't turn the ice to liquid instantly.
March is possible for ice fishing, too, but if the weather has warmed a bit, it could be dangerous. Always check ice thickness.
January and February are the coldest months of the year, so if the ice is going to freeze, it will during those months if it didn't already in December.
Naturally, I am speaking from a northern hemisphere perspective, but if there is any ice fishing to be done in the southern hemisphere (I haven't heard of this being done at all), it would still be during whatever the coldest months of the year are.
As for time of day, the vast majority of fish are most active during the early morning and evening hours. So, get out to the lake early, before the sun has even fully risen. During the day, the action might slow, but you can still catch fish. And at dusk, fish will be quite hungry once again.
You can even fish after dark if you want. It won't be the optimal time, but anglers have caught many fish by doing so.
Timing is always important in fishing, and it's important for your safety, too, in ice fishing.
Types of Fish to Look For
For the most part, any fish you can catch in the summer will still be in the lake in the winter, despite the cover of ice above it.
There are many species of fish you can find all throughout North America. On the small side, there are panfish like crappie and bluegill. There are larger fish like northern pike, lake trout and perch.
A less common fish is the kokanee, but you will only find it natively in the northwestern region of the United States and north of that, including all of Western Canda. However, it has been introduced to many other freshwater locations throughout America.
You can catch bass, but they aren't too popular due to not tasting as good as other fish. Catfish are not caught in ice fishing too often because they tend to live in warm waters that don't end up freezing, but you can't rule them out completely.
There are plenty of unique species in different areas, so it's not possible to list everything you might find without becoming a full encyclopedia.
If you want to know what species you will find in a particular lake, the Internet offers great databases to help with that. For example, the state of Wisconsin, which is one of the best places for ice fishing, has an online database with information about all their lakes including what species are found there and how common each one is.
It's really useful to know what kinds of fish you can find because then you can tune all your strategies towards catching one or two particular species. And that will result in more catches and more fun.
If you are aiming to catch one type of fish then I have articles to help. Check out this article on using the right pound test line and it'll break and link to other articles to help catch specific species of fish.
How to Find Good Spots at The Lake
Once you're at the lake, you'll find that locating fish can be one of the most challenging aspects of ice fishing. In a big lake, they could be in all sorts of places, so where should you look?
If all you have is your eyesight in this game, you'll find that, to an extent, you won't be able to do much more than guess at where fish are. That's not a hopeless strategy, of course.
With eyesight alone, there are still some things you can know. Some fish prefer shallow waters, so you know where to go to find them. Some fish are bottom-feeders, so you know to put your line at the bottom of the lake.
If you want to find really productive spots outside of simple experimentation, though, you need to know what's going on underwater. How can you know the shape of land you can't see?
Well, there are electronics. Fish finders with transducers can be a gigantic aid in ice fishing. They'll give you a very detailed picture of what's going on underwater.
Learning to read a contour map can save you even more time. In fact, it's more effective than simply digging a hole randomly, checking your electronics to see how much activity is happening nearby and repeating the process if it's not a good spot.
Plus, you don't even need a fancy electronic device to find good fishing spots if you make good use of a map. Such devices still greatly help, of course, and some of them have maps for thousands of lakes included. Still, if you don't want to buy one, you should be able to find a contour map online for just about any lake.
So, how does a map help you find fish? There are certain structures underwater that tend to result in large numbers of fish congregating together. If you can spot those on a map, you'll be able to head there and increase your chances of success.
Big changes in underwater elevation often become the preferred hunting grounds of many fish. They like to corner prey against cliffs and confuse them.
Such dramatic structures can cause highly congested areas, too. Fish don't like swimming above the obstacles that appear in front of them. Instead, they swim around. When two points (a point is an underwater area higher in elevation than the surrounding area) are near each other, a large fish traffic jam can occur, which is great for hungry big fish, and even better for you.
These are things you can learn to spot quickly on a map. Using a GPS in conjunction with a contour map will make getting where you want to be a cinch.
As I said earlier, there are some fish finders that basically do everything: they have sonar, of course, but also maps and GPS. You can even mark locations on the maps. That way, you can easily return to a favorite location the next time you head out to the lake.
How to Cut a Hole
You probably realized this long ago, but ice fishing is not the process of pickaxing ice and finding fish frozen solid there. Fish are smart enough to not get frozen. They're having a good time swimming below the thick ice layer you see on top.
The way to get to these fish, of course, is to drill a hole.
This isn't hard at all if you have the right tools. For a quick how-to guide check out my post focusing on cutting a hole in the ice for ice fishing.
As I stated earlier, the best tool is an ice auger. There are manual augers and power augers.
Using a manual auger is simple: put the drill on the ice, hold one hand on top, and use your other hand to turn the handle, which will rotate the drill. With a bit of pressure, you will begin drilling through the ice. You'll know when to stop. It will be when water appears.
A power auger removes the 'manual labor' aspect of this. The only difficult part becomes dealing with the engine. If you have experience with small engines such as what lawnmowers have, using a gas-powered auger will probably immediately make sense to you.
Engines vary. Generally, there is a choke you must put in place and a cord you pull to start the engine. Some engines make it easier. Whatever you're using, read the instructions to know the proper methods.
Once the engine is started, to drill a hole, you place the drill on the ice, press on the throttle and gently push downward. Some of these augers are very strong, so you won't have to put much effort into it at all, and your hole will be cut in seconds.
So, yes, using a power auger is easy. But is it worth the extra cost plus all the maintenance you'll need to do to keep the engine in good condition? Is it worth having to carry around such a weighty device? That's your decision.
Consider how many holes you will drill. Some anglers like to drill a dozen or more and really stay mobile. This is a useful tactic for pursuing certain fish who swim in schools in open water. Those people will benefit from a power auger.
You'd really get a workout drilling that many holes manually. You might end up too tired to move around much after all.
Trilene 100 Fluorocarbon Ice Fishing Line
If it is your plan to drill a large number of holes in a single day, then certainly you should get a power auger.
There are alternate strategies to cut a hole in the ice if you can't buy one. Do you have an ice chisel? You know, a big metal rod with a sharp bottom? You could smash your way through the ice with one of those. It's not easy or efficient, though, especially with rather thick ice.
Or, you could use a chainsaw, though I certainly never have done this. This is probably the best way if you're going to create a huge hole that isn't even circular (in fact the only real reason for a circular hole is because that's how drills are shaped and drills are easy to use). You could set up a dark shelter, make a giant hole and then spearfish!
But that's not exactly the type of thing you'd do as a beginner. Regardless, be careful if you do this.
With all that said, I still recommend the reliable old manual auger. It's the easiest method.
How to Get Fish to Bite
Finding fish in ice fishing is a big challenge, but even if you've found them, they won't bite if you don't give them a reason to. Presentation is another big challenge in catching fish.
What makes it tricky is that different fish have different tastes. You could just throw some random bait on your line and see who bites, but if you want to be more effective, you should design your presentation to target a specific fish.
We have tips for a lot of fish species right here on our blog. Just follow these links:
These articles will give you advice on both finding and luring in each species of fish.
Now to speak generally, how do you get fish to bite?
First, you want to lure them in close enough so that they can see your jig and/or bait. It's ideal to drop your line right where the fish are, but you won't always manage to do this. So, having a few lures onhand is really useful.
There are lures that attract fish by being super shiny. There are other lures that use sound to get their attention. It's a good idea to experiment and see which ones get results.
Once you get fish to come close to your line, an even greater test begins. Will your presentation entice fish to bite? Or will they pass it up?
Jigging, the technique of maneuvering a little object with your rod called a jig to paint the illusion of a living creature that fish will want to bite, is a highly effective strategy in most cases.
One key to jigging well is to be rhythmic. Sometimes, people jig erratically. This can really throw off fish. You don't want to make them work too hard to catch your jig, so make your movements predictable.
Also, it's generally not wise to be incredibly intense in your jigging. You might scare a lot of fish away because they'll think your jig is something very aggressive. It's good to be somewhat subtle. However, some aggressive jigging might be a good luring tactic if no fish are nearby. You may get the attention of faraway fish. But be calmer after that.
There are many varieties of jigs available. There's no one answer to which one is the very best. The size is important, of course. Jigs also move in different patterns. They may look like fish or insects. There are many to choose from.
Ultimately, you'll want to decide on a specific fish species to target and then choose a jig based on what that fish likes.
If you're going to use bait, there's live bait and artificial, and both can be effective. Live bait is restricted in many places, so make sure you research your local fishing laws before going.
The big advantage of live bait is the strong smell it gives off, but plenty of fish don't rely all that much on smell anyway.
When choosing bait, make sure it fits with the size of fish you are targeting. Small fish don't usually like eating small fish. Bigger fish absolutely do.
Bring a few different options for bait with you because if the fish aren't biting, sometimes changing up your bait will make a difference.
One other aspect of presentation is your fishing line. You want it to be as thin as possible. Not every species of fish will care if they notice a weird line in front of them, but many will. You want your line to be invisible for those fish.
The line still needs to be strong enough to support their weight, at the same time. Knowing which pound test line to get as a beginner can be daunting. But refer to the link back in the 'Equipment' and 'Rods' sections for help with this.
Additionally, I recommend using a leader, which is just an extra bit of line you attach to your main line. Leaders are harder to see than regular line, and they also prevent your line from breaking when sharp-toothed fish bite.
You certainly won't be bringing up any fish if your line breaks. And many won't bite if they see a line. So leaders are very important.
Sometimes it's hard to know why fish aren't biting. Changing different aspects of your presentation is wise, in those cases, to find the source of the problem.
It's also extremely helpful to see what the fish are thinking via an underwater camera. Maybe the fish don't like your jigging, for example. Or maybe the fish aren't even coming close to your line and you need to move to a different spot. Technology really comes in handy for solving problems.
Conclusion
This guide should have everything you need to know to get started ice fishing. Of course, there are tons of other articles on our site with more information to help you get better and catch more fish.
Always be open to learning and improving, and once you're an experienced fisher, be willing to help others, too. Before you reach that point, though, hopefully, you'll first see just how fun ice fishing can be.
When it comes to fishing, it is important to arm yourself with the best fishing tools. Securing the best ice fishing line ensures you do not give up your fishing interests during winter. Having excellent ice fishing line not only makes fishing fun, but also ensures you are successful in your fishing endeavors. Thankfully, manufacturers are constantly producing ice fishing line that not only gets the job done, but also improves your fishing skills on ice.
Choosing the perfect ice fishing line is not as easy as most perceive, more so due to the several options available in the market today. To help make the right decision, we will give you a systematic guide on how to choose the most appropriate ice fishing line while considering key features. Below are some important details on how to secure the best fishing line to enhance your fishing experience.
How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Line
Most fishing enthusiasts find it hard to distinguish between ice fishing line and regular line. Due to this, we find it necessary to shed more light on the key differences between the two. First, ice fishing line is designed to address line memory. Unlike regular fishing line, ice fishing line is treated with anti-freezing compounds which helps prevent fishing line memory. The anti-freezing components also prevent your line and rod from freezing.
Another significant difference between both fishing lines is the dropping and reeling process. Unlike regular fishing line, ice fishing lines are made from fluorocarbon ends which makes them stronger and more abrasion resistant. The fluorocarbon material makes it easy to drop and reel the fishing line in ice without much resistance. When using an ice fishing line on an ice hole drilled by hand, the line will brush against the broken ice. This prevents the rough edges from damaging your line. The fluorocarbon material on ice fishing line not only enables the line to sink faster, but also reduces its visibility to the fish in range.
Key Features of Ice Fishing lines
Type of Fishing Line
Monofilament Line
When it comes to ice fishing line, the greatest challenge is identifying the most appropriate line to use. The three types of fishing line include monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon lines. Monofilament line has a larger diameter. This line also has major stretchability that makes it easy to present wacky worms to fish, more so due to their much slower fall compared to other line.
Fluorocarbon Line
Unlike monofilament line, fluorocarbon line has impressive invisibility qualities which come to action when placed in water. Regarding strength, fluorocarbon material is much stronger in comparison to a monofilament line. The strength of a fluorocarbon line results in higher abrasion resistance. Consequently, this makes the line useful when fishing around sharp hole edges or heavy structures. Due to its built-in strength, fluorocarbon line is non-permeable to water, unlike the monofilament line which absorb water over time. A fluorocarbon line is also resistant to weather changes such as extreme temperatures, rain, U.V rays, and humidity. Weather changes cause the monofilament line to lose its strength and gradually break down over time.
Braided Line
Braided line or superline, has a thin diameter. The narrow diameter enables braided line to run deep and cut through water columns. If your objective is to catch big fish, braided line will not disappoint. However, during the winter season, using a braided line can be challenging due to its no-stretch characteristic. It also has a relatively low memory allowing it not to twist and curl when
Type of Fishing Line Size
Another key feature that to consider when choosing fishing line is size, in terms of diameter and pound test. The type of lure you choose will determine the ice fishing line to use. Initially, lure designs were light, unlike nowadays where heavier designs have become prominent. Lures are made from tungsten, which helps straighten out fishing line. Thus, when choosing an ice fishing line, ensure it is heavy as this makes the line durable.
A simple rule to remember is to always opt for tungsten lures with heavy ice fishing line. The diameter of the line is also important, more so when selecting a suitable fishing line based on size. The diameter affects the line's stretch, castability, visibility, and the running depth of your lure. A fishing line with a small diameter is less visible to fish and helps impart a lifelike action to bait like crankbait and grubs which is vital in attracting fish.
Type of Fishing Line Color
When acquiring ice fishing line, it is important to consider the color. The color of your line determines whether or not you will successfully catch fish in freshwater. Fish immediately get scared if they see a fishing line and react by swimming away. To avoid the disappointment of zero catches, be sure to select a fish line color based on the lighting conditions of your immediate fresh water surrounding. For instance, when fishing in low light conditions, at night, or early morning, you can opt for a high visibility fish line. Its high visibility will make it easier for you to see the fishing line.
The visibility of your ice fishing line is important as it allows you to notice movement before feeling any bites. So when choosing a fishing line based on color, ensure you consider the environmental conditions and the goals you want to achieve.
Durability and Sensitivity of Fishing Line
When fishing during the winter, the major concerns held by fishing enthusiasts is the durability and sensitivity of the fishing line. Fishing during the winter more often than not damages fishing line due to constant rubbing and friction against ice. If the line is not durable, it will easily break. This implies why durability is an important factor when buying ice fishing line.
A durable fishing line makes it easy to angle when fishing during the winter. As a result, when choosing fishing line, always strive to balance between sensitivity and durability. Remember, a sensitive fishing line is not durable in the long term. Ensuring you strike a balance between the durability and sensitivity of your fishing line is the safest way to enhance your fishing experience. As much as it might be tempting to opt for a sensitive line, ensure you do not compromise on durability to prevent future disappointments.
Fishing Line memory
Line memory is arguably the most essential aspect of ice fishing line. Line memory determines how fast you can deploy the fishing line without having to do it repeatedly. On top of saving time and effort, line memory also allows you to control the bait, and reel in fish with ease. Most fishing enthusiasts prefer a fishing line with a good memory. However, when fishing during the winter, a good memory is not an excellent trait for ice fishing line. Ice fishing line with an extremely good memory is likely to form springs and curl when cast.
Ice fishing line with a low memory straightens out and makes the fishing line sensitive. Low memory also makes it easy to control the bait and reel in fish. Therefore, when considering the best ice fishing line for the winter, ensure you choose one with a low memory. It should also have a proper balance with sensitivity and durability to make it more effective. Once you consider the above features, you will have no problem enjoying fishing during the winter season.
Choosing a suitable line for your rod can be a difficult task. There are many considerations such as color, strength, durability and memory. Ice fishing requires a slightly different configuration of line compared to standard fishing. You work in freezing conditions and have to contend with thick sheets of ice covering the water. Your equipment must be strong to cope with the cold conditions and jagged ice edges. To help make your choice easier, we have listed the 10 best lines for ice fishing such as suffix ice line and other models:
E-100 Ice Fishing
Sufix Performance Ice Fuse Fishing Line 8 – pound – best ice fishing line in 2019
Sufix has a wide range of products and produce some of the highest quality spools in the industry. The Sufix Performance Ice Fuse Fishing Line is certainly the best line for ice fishing we have found in 2018. Everything about the product speaks of magnificent quality. First, the material is a combination of thermally fused line, together with a compound of HMPE Dyneema. What does this mean? It means the line is resistant to freezing. Moreover, it has practically 0% stretch and is highly resistant to abrasions and UV damage.
The color is 'smoke blue' which is suitable for icy waters – it blends in perfectly with the icy underwater background and fish will struggle to pick it out in the water. This particular Sufix Ice Line has an 8 pound test rating and is available in a 50 yard (or 68 meter) package. In terms of value and suitability, the Performance Fuse line is an absolute beast!
Power Pro Ice-Tec 50-yard Ice Line – best power pro ice fishing line
Power Pro is another fantastic developer of quality angling accessories and gear. Their Power Pro Ice-Tec 50-yard 8 pound spool is certainly their best choice. It is designed specifically for icy conditions and as a result you can expect extreme durability and resistance. The material used is 100% Spectra Fiber which is a patented material by Power Pro which offers superb abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the material means that this spool has minimal water retention and will retain its integrity.
The PTFE-coated line has minimal memory retention and allows for knots to easily be tied. Due to the composite, knots will maintain their shape and rarely come loose. Available in an 8 pound test rating and a spool length of 50 yards, the Power Pro Ice-Tec is a brilliant choice.
Piscifun Braided Fishing Line 6lb-150lb – best braided line in 2019
As far as braided products go, Piscifun has it locked down. Their Piscifun Braided Fishing Superline is exceptional. For those who love angling, this is a brilliant choice. The line is made from epoxy coated material which offers fantastic resistance to abrasion. It also makes the coating durable and resistance to wear and damage.
You can purchase this item in either a 4 braid or an 8 braid configuration. The 4 braid configuration offers a pound test rating of between 6 – 50lbs. If you ramp up to the 8 braid configuration, you can enjoy a rating of 65 – 150lbs, no catch will escape! Aside from its great strength, the Piscifun product also offers minimal stretch and will cut through icy waters with ease.
Sufix Performance 50-yard ice braid line – top rated ice fishing line with low memory
We have already featured one Sufix product in our top 10 list, but we could not forget to include the Sufix Performance 50-yard Tip-Up Ice Braid Line. The material of the Sufix's line means you can expect unparalleled abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the line is unbelievably durable and gives one of the best diameter-to-strength ratios available. You may not believe how much strength such a thin line provides!
Hummingbird Wide 100 Ice Fishing
What does all the above mean? It means you can use the Sufix Performance Ice Braid Line in icy conditions without any fear of damage or snaps. It handles magnificently in cold weather conditions but still allows you to bag the catch you want. As standard, you can purchase the product with a 20 pound test rating and an overall reach of 50 yards.
Berkley Trilene Micro Ice fishing line – top rated monofilament line
Berkley offers a no-nonsense set of products perfect for a myriad of conditions and rod types. Their Berkley Trilene Micro Monofilament product is one of the best lines for ice fishing available. This item is created from a premium monofilament and offers excellent strength per diameter compared to other models.
If you want to quickly hook up and start angling beneath the water, this accessory is perfectly suited – you can knot and attach the Trilene Micro spool in a matter of seconds with practice. Furthermore, due to the monofilament material and strength, you are given more control over your jig. For those who love serious angling in harsh conditions and rough terrain, the Berkley ice fishing line is our top-rated choice. It holds up well in adverse conditions and gives you no grief at all.
Berkley Trilene Cold Ice fishing line – best ice fishing line with low memory
Low memory is a vital aspect of an ice fishing line. If your line does not have low memory, it reduces the overall reach you can use. The Berkley Trilene Cold Weather Ice Line removes this problem and is classed as a low memory fishing line. It is widely known as a product with little to no memory at all – as you spool the material, it will retain its fluidity and give you maximum length possible.
Berkely promotes this product as having the same flexibility at 32 degrees Fahrenheit as you would expect at 70 degrees – this is fantastic for cold water and icy conditions. Some models lose their flexibility as temperatures drop. Furthermore, the design of the line means that it has a brilliant low memory which is a bonus for deep cold water. Finally, the color is a striking bright blue – this blends in against surface ice and the watercolor so fish will struggle to see it. This is why this item is the best Berkley ice fishing line.
Sufix Ice braid fishing line – the strongest and most durable ice braid
As our third and final Sufix brand item on the list, this product offers the strongest and most durable braided fishing line available. For those who want a big catch in the icy water, the Sufix 832 Ice Braid is available in a 30 pound test rating! Due to the braiding, this product is highly durable despite its relative small diameter. The braiding is made from 8 fibers using a patented Dyneema Plus 1 GORE material.
The superior technology offers excellent strength for cost ratio. Furthermore, the Sufix 832 ice fishing line is available in 6 different strengths. The lowest pound rating is 4lbs and other ratings include, 6lbs, 8lbs, 10lbs, 20lbs and 30lbs. Due to its varying strengths and durable material, this is an excellent ice fishing line.
P-Line Floroice Clear Fishing Line 100 YD Spool – best fluorocarbon fishing line
If you want an excellent quality fluorocarbon line then the P-Line Floroice Clear Fishing Line is a marvelous choice. As the product is fluorocarbon coated, the material is practically invisible – fish within icy waters will not be able to see it at all. Furthermore, the coating means you can benefit from superior knot strength and durability. In addition to this, you don't have to worry about it freezing or becoming brittle as the water temperature drops.
The P-Line spool is available in a range of different pound test ratings. The lowest rating is 2lbs and you can purchase ratings of 3lbs, 4lbs, 5lbs, 6lbs and 8lbs. The standard spool length is a generous 100 yards. What makes this a great ice fishing line choice? The combo fluorocarbon and copolymer materials make it durable and resistant to cold weather. It is certainly a great fluorocarbon line for fishing in ice.
Berkley Trilene best low stretch fluorocarbon ice fishing line
When you purchase this fluorocarbon line you gain exceptional quality. You can purchase multiple packs of this product and save money through a bulk buy discount which is a nice addition. The material is a specially formulated of 100% fluorocarbon designed with ice fishing in mind. It has a fine diameter and gives greater control over your lure and rig. Aside from this, the thinness of the line means it is barely visible in the water – perfect for bagging those larger catches.
A final point of note is the low memory. You will not experience annoying line coiling or unwanted memory when unwinding the spool. As far as Berkley Ice Lines go, this is right up there at the top.
Celsius Tip Up Line, 15-Pounds, 50-Yards – best tip up ice fishing line
Celsius comes into our top 10 list with a tip-up product that offers up to 15lb pound test. The braided material is made from black nylon, meaning it won't kink and the memory is extremely low. Due to these factors, the Celsius is the best tip up line in our list with amazing quality. You can purchase the line in either 15lb or 20lb test which allows you extra flexibility in what you catch. If you want a quality ice fishing tip-up line, this is definitely the wisest choice.
Frequently Asked Questions about fishing line
Now that you have a firm grasp of the different lines available, you need to know the basics about ice fishing. This sport can be complex and requires great knowledge and dedication. Have a clear understanding of the processes involved to get the most out of your experience. We have provided a list of commonly asked questions with the best answers:
When to use fluorocarbon fishing line?
Fluorocarbon is a good general use line. Its construction and material means it is suitable for a variety of situations. Fluorocarbon is strong and resilient to both wear and UV damage. This makes it particularly suitable for ice fishing in cold conditions. Due to its makeup, Fluorocarbon is better suited in deeper waters – it sinks much faster than monofilament lines. Due to its fast-sinking nature, Fluorocarbon is not best suited to shallow water where you are surface fishing.
What is the difference between fluorocarbon and monofilament fishing line?
The main difference between these lines is the material used. Furthermore, the two lines have differing qualities as a result. Generally fluorocarbon is stronger and more resilient to wear and tear. Moreover, fluorocarbon is resilient to water absorption whereas over time, monofilament can degrade and discolor. Both lines are available in a myriad of colors, but Fluorocarbon has a clear variant that is nearly invisible to fish.
How much weight can fishing line hold?
This depends on many different factors, different lines may have varying weight capacities. The common measure of weight is pound test – this denotes the strength/weight it takes for a line to break. Pound test ratings can vary between 2 to 400. How much weight your equipment can hold correlates directly to the pound test rating. For example, a rating of 8-12lbs means you can catch fish up to a max 12lbs – anything over this could result in the line breaking.
How to tie fishing line to a reel?
A line must be attached to your reel using a knot. The knot must be as compact as possible to avoid disturbing the flow of the line as it spools from the reel. We recommend using an arbor knot as it is one of the most reliable. This has a double knot which provides a double safety measure in the event the first knot comes loose.
What is the best fishing line?
What is the best monofilament line?
We rate the Berkley Trilene Micro Ice Fishing Line as the best ice fishing line from the monofilament lineup. As a premium product, you can easily fix the line to your reel and get set up in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, it features a superb low stretch design suitable for a solid hook-up. In doing so, it gives you greater control over your rig. With a 2 pound test rating, it is suitable for small to medium sized catches and the total length is 100m. For icy conditions this is certainly one of the best choices available.
What is the best fluorocarbon line?
With a name like Flororice who wouldn't want to use this excellent Fluorocarbon gear. The P-Line Floroice Clear Fishing Line is a fantastic choice for cold water conditions and ice. Due to the fluorocarbon material, this line is practically invisible in the water – this gives you a greater chance of landing a catch.
Moreover, the material gives superior knot strength and ensures the length doesn't become frozen or brittle. It is made of copolymer with a silicon and fluorocarbon coating – this helps in freezing conditions. Fluorice Clear Fishing Line has a pound test rating between 2lbs to 8lbs and comes as standard in a 100 yard spool. For price and quality, Fluorice is undoubtedly one of the top fluorocarbon choices for ice fishing.
What is the best-braided line?
Piscifun has a reputation for making outstanding quality braided line. If you are looking for the best braided line, we recommend the Piscifun Braided Fishing Line 6lb-150lb Superline. The material is a combination of an epoxy coating together with high strength fiber. This results in exceptional strength and resistance – perfect for ice fishing.
Furthermore, the configuration of the braids and material mean the line travels smoothly in the water – you will meet little resistance. There are two categories of pound testing – the lower category is between 6lbs to 50lbs using 4 braids. Alternatively, there is an 8 braid version that offers a pound test rating between 65lbs to a staggering 150lbs. This is a heavy duty line and easily the best braided line available. line is available in either 150, 300 or 547 yard lengths.