Best Ice Fishing Reel That Should Thrill Every Angler – Review 2018
Ice fishing is one of the more thrilling activities that comes during winter. But that thrill could all come tumbling down if one isn’t armed with the right equipment – one of which is getting the best ice fishing reel.
As it goes, a botched reel should not only cost you some of your biggest catch but should ultimately take the fun out of this endeavor. Now, all of that can be prevented if one is equipped with the right know-hows on choosing the best ice fishing reel.
This post won’t only present some of the best ice fishing reels in the market today but should also provide you the buying guide that you ever need in selecting the best one in the process. Here are the five, identified, best ice fishing reels that are earning rave reviews in the market at the moment:
Product Name | Gear Ratio | Ball Bearings | Rating | Reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2.7:1 | 4 + 1 | 96/100 | ||
5.1:1 | 4 + 1 | 95/100 | ||
2.6:1 | 4 + 1 | 94 | ||
5.2:1 | 3 + 1 | 98/100 | ||
2.7:1 | 4 + 1 | 94/100 |
Best Ice Fishing Reel
Via Amazon.com
The inline ice fishing reel from Fiblink that accommodates whether you’re a right or a left-handed should win those who prefer ease and high performance.
Our first entry comes with an extra lightweight design along with a super smooth offering that can all be traced to its soft touch EVA knob and the reliable drag system. It also is equipped with four stainless steel bearings and one roller bearing; a one-way clutch is also included.
Touted as one of the best performing reels in the market today, this ice fishing reel should delight both starters and experienced anglers or anyone who takes an interest in ice fishing. The product comes with one-year warranty.
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Via Amazon.com
Equip yourself with Eagle Claw’s best gear to-date and be satisfied on how it impresses upon you through its features. Its spool is made with a beefed up aluminum metal, so holding a large fish won’t be a problem along your way.
Meanwhile, the reel body is made of graphite which is both light and durable. It should provide you assurance knowing that it won’t break or crack while you’re using it. The body can also be moved and tilted easily due to its form and construction.
Eagle Claw Ice Spinning Reel has five ball bearings which should make any dragging much easier. The bearings are made of stainless steel and are rust-resistant.
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Via Amazon.com
Eagle Claw’s second entry’s hallmark feature comes with its formidable integrity. It is known to create less line twist than any other reel types out there.
Its patented Teflon drag is also famed for its ability to not freeze under frigid temperatures, assuring you of a smooth performance along the way. It also comes with a suave 4 + 1 ball-bearing design and a durable nylon frame construction that should add to this product’s longevity.
The “fly-style” Eagle Claw In Line Ice Reel is also very well-built and has a solid form. Both its drag and retrieve are smooth while its line release button right on the side of the crank handle is also notable for its inclusion.
Apart from being also smooth, you can adjust its tension to keep the line from “backlashing” whenever you drop the line down the hole!
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Via Amazon.com
Does your ice fishing reel keep on disappointing you with its durability? This new, extended yoke Blizzard spinning reel from Celsius won’t make you fret over it again as it is made of the highest quality materials that are specifically crafted to delight all the ice anglers out there.
Adding to its durability is its spool that is made of aluminum and is enveloped with an anti-freeze feature; the extended yoke allows more room for anglers to use their gloves.
Celsius’ easy-to-operate ice fishing reel features operating dials that are not only convenient but are also placed at a close range distance.
The product comes with anti-reverse that should delight both of its left- and right-handed users. Ultimately, the item is currently tagged with an affordable price.
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Via Amazon.com
Whenever your previous reels aren’t tough enough to withstand the coldest of conditions, the No. 8 Tackle Co Ice Fishing Reel should be a great replacement to them. The reel is perfectly crafted to perform without a bust no matter how frigid it gets.
Meanwhile, the lightweight carbon frame along with an integrated fender should provide you that nice and much-needed comfortable palming of the spool. The said frame should also be able to stand up against the cold.
A reliable drag performance is guaranteed with its star drag adjustment while its high-spin free spool can drop down even to the smallest of baits. Our last item also comes with 5-ball bearing drive with instant anti-reverse.
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The Best Ice Fishing Reel: Quick Buying Guide
Your ice fishing reel’s reliability and suitability are all dependent on a number of factors. These considerations have to be looked into when you’re finally selecting your ice fishing reels. Here they are:
1. Body Design
In terms of the reel’s durability, one is never mistaken when they go for materials like strong graphite and aluminum. These materials are robust enough and should never break when high pressure is placed on it. Moreover, the said materials are known to be corrosion-resistant.
2. Spool
When it comes to choosing the reel’s spool, ensure that it is strong enough to drag larger and aggressive fish variants. On the other hand, the spool should feature an antifreeze lubrication so it could work under an exceedingly low-temperature condition.
For you to manage its weight and the number it holds, make certain that you’re well aware of the spool’s size and material. If you’re not sure about these, you may also always refer this information to the seller or retailer.
3. Handle
The reel’s handle plays a crucial role in its overall operation. As such, going for a strong a comfortable handle is the best route to take especially if you want to gain full control of your reel. For a more efficient gripping, go for a handle that features a rubber padding.
4. The Bearing Number
Ball bearings determine whether there is minute or no friction is placed right on the equipment. A gadget that has friction on it may result to damage on your device that is all caused by the regular wear and tear it experiences.
A reel that features a good number of ball bearing is always preferred as it predicates smooth cast and effective retrieval.
5. Drag Capacity
Your reel should also come with that dragging capacity that allows you to retrieve the catch effectively from its habitat. A reel that enables its line to flow out with a slight resistance is recommended in this regard.
Meanwhile, if you want some range on fishing varying species depending on their size, an adjustable reel is the way to go.
6. Weight
Weight is also deemed as a significant factor when choosing the best ice fishing reel out there. Notably, a lightweight fishing reel allows its users to carry it easily right when they go out for a fishing trip. A reel, sans the unnecessary weight, is also much easier to hold when you’re waiting for a catch.
Remember that when you’re fishing, you’d be standing ninety percent of the time. Hence, a heavy reel here might cause you to tire out easily, resulting to a loss of stamina.
In contrast, a lightweight reel will allow you to minimize energy consumption which is proven to be beneficial especially when you’re trying to catch is already testing your patience.
7. Reel Types
Determining the type of reel you’re going to be dealing with your ice fishing reel will allow you to not only gauge its capacity and benefits but should also let you manage and take advantage of its perks.
There are three main types of ice fishing reels in the market now: the spinning reels, the baitcasting reels, and the inline reels. Each of which represents varying offerings that you might want to know first before buying one:
This type of reel is suitable when you’re gunning after small to medium-sized fish. It is also popular due to its noted versatility relative to its usage when casting numerous types of tackle. It is also very useful for a bait and light tackle.
On the other hand, a spinning reel is not ideal when you’re dealing with heavy tackles. It also doesn’t possess the accuracy baitcasting reels usually have. If you’re up for versatility and comfortable use, a spinning reel is your ticket
Perhaps the most winning feature of a baitcasting reel is that it offers better control and accuracy. This type of reel allows the spool to rotate as you cast and enables you to recover faster when there are bad casts.
The only disadvantage one may be experiencing when using this type of reel is that one has to master how to cast correctly first; and in this particular case, that takes time.
If you want a line that performs better than a spinning reel, the inline ice fishing reel won’t disappoint. Ironically, its major advantage comes with its lack of a line twist. When the line gets twisted, it affects its integrity. This is evident when using spinning reels as they cause the line to twist right when you’re doing a retrieve.
The Verdict
Durability, high-performance, and longevity – three of the most crucial considerations your ice fishing reel should possess if one has to choose the best among the multitude of alternatives out there.
All of these are featured in Celsius Blizzard Spinning Ice Fishing Reel: it is made of the highest quality materials which directly contribute to its ability to withstand the wear and tear of its use.
It’s also equipped with some of the most unique features – its extended yoke, the aluminum spool, and the infinite anti-reverse. Ultimately, the Celsius offering won’t break your wallet. A perk that can be enjoyed by those who are just starting or simply planning to update their arsenal.
Did you like this post? Do you think Celsius deserves the top spot? If you have anything to share, add, or ask, please feel free to sound them off in the comment section below. Until then, have a blast with your new ice fishing reel!
