The Best Ice Fishing Line of 2017 – Top 5 in the Market
Why wait for the crisp winter to be over for the sun to shine and melt the waters when you can still fish on ice? So layer up, grab your best ice fishing line, and brave the frozen lake! For anglers like us, it doesn’t matter whether we’re fishing on ice or open-water, the only goal is to catch a fish.
You’ve got to lure them in, make sure they’ll be attracted to the bait, and finally, catch that fish. However, the gear you’ll use for ice-fishing is different from open-water fishing, especially the fishing line.
Before we go into the fishing line, I want to ask first if you’ve ever tried ice fishing or if this will be your first time? If you're a newbie, you need an overview of the entire fishing scenario first.
So the first thing to do is to layer up real nice, then proceed to the nearby lake with your sled full of ice fishing gear. Scout for the perfect fishing spot and drill a hole in it using an ice auger until you see open, flowing water.
Now, what? You grab a seat and put your ice fishing line with lure into the hole and keep a close eye on it until you catch.
It may take some time so pack yourself a thermos of hot coffee so you can warm up while waiting and enjoy the solitude of your ice-covered surroundings.
Back to the main topic, what is the significance of a specially made fishing line for ice fishing than the usual fishing line? Bear in mind that you can't use a regular fishing line when ice fishing.
Your effort will just be fruitless because it's highly unlikely to catch a fish using a normal line.
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Things To Consider Before Purchasing An Ice Fishing Line
Line visibility
Clear lines are more favorable for ice fishing
In open waters, fishes move freely. Thus, they’re quite hard to catch unlike in the winter where they stay still in their places to conserve energy.
Once a fish in open waters sees a bait, they quickly gnaw their teeth into the bait before the current takes them away, depriving them of the chance to observe if there’s a line dangling the bait into the water.
In contrast, fishes stuck under the ice restrict their movement and will likely watch the bait first before biting so if you have a very eye-catching line, the fish won’t fall into your trap.
Line strength
Ice fishing lines are more durable than the regular lines
You may think you can use your normal fishing line when ice fishing. Mate, don’t even attempt to! I did use my open-water fishing line on my first ice-fishing, and I ended up going home half-hour later without any catch.
Why? My fishing line was cut by the sharp ice edges made by the auger.Ice fishing lines are abrasion -resistant and more durable than usual fishing lines
because if you have a weak line, the sharp edges of the ice will easily cut the line unlike when fishing in open waters where there are rare instances of objects that can cut your line.
Line brittleness
The cold water will surely make the exposed fishing line brittle, resulting in line breakage. If your line is brittle, there’s zero chance of catching a fish.
Ice fishing lines are coated with water-repellent materials, thus preventing the line from getting brittle and eventual freezing.
As for fishing line materials, manufacturers use a variety of durable, abrasion-resistant, water-resistant, and deceptive-looking materials to give you the best ice fishing experience.
Now that you have an idea of what are the things you need to look for in an ice fishing line, it’s time to choose the best ice fishing line in the market.
The Best Ice Fishing Lines of 2017
#1 - Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon Ice Line
via Amazon.com
If you’re a seasoned angler, perhaps you’re well aware of dependability of the Berkley Brand. It’s a trusted brand for ice fishing lines, assuring you that this ice fishing line will work.
The Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon Ice Line is ultimately invisible, has a thin diameter, low memory line, and a low-stretch formula.
It’s made from a PVDF fluorocarbon material that’s unyielding, gives the maximum endurability, smooth and flexible enough for easy casting, and very manageable. With regards to the diameter of the line, it’s comparably thinner than most ice fishing lines, allowing for more control over the line and the lure.
Another great thing about this line is its low-stretch formula and low memory. A low-stretch formula provides excellent sensitivity, maximum sinking property, and solid hook sets. On the contrary, the line memory of this line is low, thereby lessening the tangling of the line.
See the fishing line in action below.
What We Like:
- Excellent invisibility
- Low stretch formula
- Low line memory
- Excellent manageability
- High sensitivity
- Durable
- Doesn’t freeze or become brittle
What We Didn’t Like:
- Line becomes entangled sometimes
#2 - P-Line Floroice Clear Fishing Line
via Amazon.com
Like the Berkley Trilene, the P-Line Floroice Clear Fishing Line is coated with fluorocarbon, virtually invisible and resistant to freezing and brittleness.
The fluorocarbon coating repels the ice, preventing the line from freezing up. Combined with a high-quality monofilament, the Floroice Fishing Line is durable, limp even at freezing temperatures, resistant to freezing, has a slowly sinking water profile, and a small diameter.
The small diameter of the line makes it easier to control the line. It’s also advantageous for hardcore anglers because the line’s easy to manipulate and has superior knot retention.
I’m impressed with the durability of this fishing line when one time, I consecutively caught three big fishes weighing about 8-9 pounds each. When I checked the line before driving home, there are no traces of abrasion and tearing. Great job P-Line!
What We Like:
- Excellent invisibility
- Low line memory
- Excellent manageability
- Durable
- Doesn’t freeze or become brittle
What We Didn’t Like:
- Low stretch formula
- Medium sensitivity
#3 - Berkley Trilene Cold Weather Ice Fishing Line
via Amazon.com
Fishing in cold weather may freeze, entangle, and make your line brittle. With the Berkley Trilene Cold Weather Ice Fishing Line, it feels no different fishing on 32 degrees as it is in 70 degrees because it’s formulated to be ultra-flexible even in sub-zero conditions. This fishing line displays a blue color too.
The thin fishing line has a very low memory which translates to few tangles and coils. It’s also fairly easy to manage and is very flexible and durable.
Yes, this line is durable, but not for long. I used it to fish some big perches weighing about 14 pounds each which I did for a whole afternoon. I got several perches, but the line broke after.
What We Like:
- Low line memory
- Excellent manageability
- Durable
- Doesn’t freeze or become brittle
What We Didn’t Like:
- Very visible (spooks the fish)
- Low stretch formula
- Medium sensitivity
#4 - Sufix 832 Ice Braid Fishing Line
via Amazon.com
The braided design of the Sufix 832 Fishing Line is abrasion-resistant and tough in supporting even a 15-pound fish. It won’t snap even if you catch several 15-pound fishes consecutively. That’s because the line’s made from 8 Dyneema fibers braided together to produce a tough line.
The individual Dyneema fibers have small diameters but when combined, they appear to be a little thick. Though it’s quite thick, it’s still manageable and highly sensitive. The fibers are also resistant to freezing and abrasion. Just be sure to choose the “ghost” color (they also have neon green) when ice fishing.
See how tough the line is with the video below.
What We Like:
- Low line memory
- Excellent invisibility
- Excellent manageability
- Durable
- High sensitivity
- Doesn’t freeze or become brittle
What We Didn’t Like:
- The line frays easily
- Not too stretchable
#5 - Sufix 832 Ice Braid Fishing Line
via Amazon.com
The Berkley Fireline Micro Ice Fishing Line is the thinnest fishing line I’ve ever seen. It’s also invisible too so fish will bite that bait quickly. In fact, it’s thinner than microfilament lines.
The line may be thin, but you’ll be surprised by its capacity to haul in big fishes. Also, the line has low memory, meaning no more tangles and coils.
Moreover, it’s easy to cast, very manageable, and is highly sensitive. This line also has a low stretch formula for an excellent sinking property.
What We Like:
- Low line memory
- Excellent invisibility
- Excellent manageability
- Durable
- High sensitivity
- Doesn’t freeze or become brittle
- Low stretch formula
What We Didn’t Like:
- Too thin – snaps after a few uses
The Verdict
Personally, all five ice fishing lines in the list are the top-rated ones and most picked by anglers. Have you noticed that they all have overlapping features?
It all boils down to the minute differences that makes each ice fishing line unique from the other. That’s why it’s hard to choose just one. But in reality, one object will really stand out from the rest.
Our pick would be the Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon Ice Line because of its outstanding features, especially the PVDF fluorocarbon material that coats the thin line. That line will last you long, whether you’re fishing on ice or open water.
An invisible and durable fishing line is the secret to catching a fish
An ice fishing line is truly an indispensable tool in an angler’s arsenal. You won’t catch a fish with your regular fishing line.
You need a specially designed line that’s invisible, abrasion-resistant, won’t get brittle and freeze, has a low memory and lastly, highly sensitive. Those are the things you should look for before buying.
Hey there angler! DId this article answer your questions about fishing lines? Did you find a product that suits you best? Comment your thoughts below!
What about we help other amateur ice fishers out there by sharing this article? Cheers!
