Ice fishing reels

Winter fishing is a harsh hobby that requires endurance, a certain skill, as well as remarkable courage to go out on the ice, which is fraught with a lot of dangers, and even to be in the cold for several hours. In addition, winter completely changes the fisherman’s equipment. This applies to fishing rods, tackle, lures, and of course reels.

The winter reel has several significant differences:

• smaller size compared to the summer version;
• reduced spool, since much less fishing line is required;
• a minimum number of metal modules so that the fishing line does not freeze.

Models with appropriate characteristics include both multiplier and simple ones. In our rating, we did not divide them into categories, and simply looked at the best winter reels produced by both famous brands and little-known manufacturers. It is difficult to say unequivocally which model is better or worse, since one of the most important factors is the personal convenience of the fisherman. In this matter, everything is subjective, but as for build quality and reliability, here it is already possible to conduct a thorough analysis and identify clear leaders. We present to your attention the 10 best reels for winter fishing, selected based on quality characteristics, as well as reviews from real users.

TACKLE FOR SHEER FISHING PERCH

______________________________________________ A rod option for winter fishing is shown in Fig. 2

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Rice. 2. Rod for winter fishing. The scaffolding is reeled in

on a special protrusion on the handle and on a slightly bent ring attached to the top. In addition, the ring prevents the line from sagging if the nod jumps off during a bite.

It is also practiced to install the nod at an angle to the whip. in this case, both the whip and the nod itself are located in the same vertical plane (Fig. 3, D). In this case, the attachment point for the nod on the whip becomes somewhat more complicated. The method of installing the nod at an angle to the pole is indispensable in windy weather, when the tip of the rod has to be lowered very low, almost into the hole.

Thus, in all of the listed combinations of models and nod attachment, the greatest sensitivity of the nod is achieved, and, consequently, the maximum cutting speed.

Rice. 3. Nod and options for its location ________________________________________________ Several years ago it was very popular to install nods at right angles to the whip (Fig. 3, E), but this method did not justify itself. If the nod is clearly visible, it deprives the tackle of balance and has a bad effect on the performance of the spinner. _______________________________________________

source: “Perch. Secrets of fishing" Minsk "Harvest" 2002

In terms of reliability, the Lucky John C-Tech Perch winter fishing rod occupies, perhaps, the highest places among its peers, which naturally compensates for the level of cost. Sensitive and lightweight, it allows you to fish with balance beams and vertical spoons, dragging (sometimes) even very large fish from under the ice. Mainly due to the solid type tip, which can withstand high loads at the time of fishing and when performing hooking.

Salmo PRO TROUT (60 cm)

It would seem that such a weight characteristic does not contribute to high strength, but the words of users say otherwise. In particular, some of them managed to catch pike weighing up to 3 kilograms, without visible damage or bending of the whip. In general, from the point of view of operation, the Trout has proven itself exceptionally well, for which it was awarded a high position in the top of the best winter fishing rods.

Advantages

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• lowest weight with standard dimensions (35 grams);
• extended set (case and plastic tube);
• the presence of tight rings for fixing the reel (on the handle).

Flaws

• not detected.

Rapala 90/GL230/2-С

As for the Rapala 90/GL230/2-C whip, it is an elastic composite tube that reacts to any slightest touch of the fishing line. For experienced anglers, this nodding behavior does not pose a particular problem, but fishing beginners often mistake deviations for a full bite, which is why they unwittingly reduce fishing efficiency. However, whip control can be easily learned - just spend a few hours with this fishing rod.

Advantages

• low cost;
• high fishing efficiency;
• ease of use due to the use of simple mechanisms and elements;
• Moderately durable construction.

Flaws

• frequent misfires due to the high sensitivity of the whip.

Lucky John C-Tech Perch (43cm)

In terms of reliability, the Lucky John C-Tech Perch winter fishing rod occupies, perhaps, the highest places among its peers, which naturally compensates for the level of cost. Sensitive and lightweight, it allows you to fish with balance beams and vertical spoons, dragging (sometimes) even very large fish from under the ice. Mainly due to the solid type tip, which can withstand high loads at the time of fishing and when performing hooking.

The Lucky John C-Tech Perch rod handle also has interesting features. Completely made of cork, it has two locking graphite rings on itself, designed to secure the reel. This design makes it possible to install the body kit in any convenient place, but has a vulnerability in the form of a loose fit and the possibility of the ring moving out of its place. However, this is the only constructive nuance that remains unthought through - everything else has no complaints.

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Advantages

• high degree of reliability of structural elements;
• comfortable cork handle;
• Possibility of fishing with balance beams and spoons;
• floating reel mounts.

Flaws

• the stopper may move out of its place on the handle (loosening the reel fastening).

Teho Bumerang Special

As winter fishing enthusiasts note, Teho Bumerang Special gives a special fishing experience. The dynamics of the fishing rod are so different from standard models that even experienced anglers have to adapt to new conditions. Engineering creativity worthy of a place in the ranking of the best.

Advantages

• unusual design (all plastic body);
• high resistance to bending loads;
• elasticity and immunity to plastic deformation of the base material;
• presence of an undercutting device.

Flaws

Salmo Travel (60cm)

Despite such risky games with the design, the fishing rod received excellent endurance indicators. Judging by the reviews, experienced fishermen have more than once managed to catch a fairly large predator (pike) with it in situations where a cliff seemed inevitable.

Advantages

• original performance;
• integration of the reel directly into the handle area (to reduce the size of the rod);
• moderately durable telescopic design;
• presence of a cover included;
• small transport size (29.5 centimeters).

Flaws

• not detected.

Stinger ProFire 65M

According to consumers, this winter fishing rod is classified as the best of the cheap. It makes no sense to equip it with a good kit (reel, fishing line) - the blank and whip, with a heavy hook, will not be able to resist dynamic loads and will most likely break off. However, even with a modest set it is able to show high fishing efficiency, which is its main advantage over others.

Advantages

• optimal ratio of overall parameters;
• low price in the segment;
• possibility of flashing;
• Solid neoprene handle, separated by space for the reel.

Flaws

• not detected.

DELFIN VR70E

The basis for the popularity of this fishing rod was the ratio of price and quality - catching small fish has become akin to folk pastime for fishermen, and when looking for a cheap, functional device, their choice almost always falls on this specimen.

The fisherman must also remember about the special hierarchy in the pike world. The most “prey” places are occupied by large individuals, and as soon as this place is free, it is occupied by a slightly smaller pike. After catching fish, this hole must be checked several times during the day.

Types of coils

At the moment, there are a large number of models of reels for winter fishing. Before purchasing, you need to determine what types there are and their advantages. Reels can be classified into three types, namely: multiplier, inertial and inertialess.

Inertial

These are easy to use and do not require careful maintenance. They are the simplest and fairly inexpensive. Basically, they are not equipped with a braking mechanism and to prevent a large amount of line ejection, the angler needs to hold the drum with his finger.

Only a small part of the “wheels” available on the market have an auto-braking system, thanks to which, when casting, a special lever is under the pressure of the thread and stops the spool. Such reels are equipped with a “blind” brake or a friction clutch.

The second configuration does not rigidly fix the reel and, when the fishing line is under strong tension, it rotates, thus not damaging it. Some models are equipped with a reverse brake, which is mainly used in spinning or fly fishing.

Inertialess

These are universal models that can be closed or semi-closed, as well as open. They are very popular among amateurs and professionals despite their higher cost compared to those mentioned above. They are used for fishing with a float or spinning rod.

With such reels it is easy to cast long and accurately, because the line comes off without rotating the drum, and the formation of so-called “beards” (tangles in the line) is practically eliminated, unlike the previous type.

Inertia-free ones require especially careful care and careful use because they are more complex in structure and require lubrication (one or two per season). One of the important parts of such a reel is the clutch - an adjustable brake that allows you to determine the tension during which the spool should lower the cord or line with the line guide closed.

It is located either in front or behind. When properly configured, it dampens the jerks of large fish and prevents line breakage, despite the fact that the weight of the catch may exceed the test weight.

Multiplier

This is a symbiosis of the previous two types. These are more reliable and last longer, but are inferior to reels with a spinning mechanism in casting and reeling speed. They perform well when using light-weight lures, but it is better to use them with heavier lures.

Do it yourself

Often, homemade coils show results that are not much different from those that can be purchased for money. But it’s more pleasant to realize the fact that the catch was caught on the gear you made yourself.

They are not expensive to manufacture, assembly does not require much time, not to mention the fact that the materials for them are almost always at hand for every fisherman.

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To make a simple coil you will need:

• hard foam, because it is waterproof, lightweight, cuts without much difficulty and effort and has high strength
• Drill bit (for socket boxes)
• knife
• regular file + diamond
• small diameter drill or knitting needle
• Super glue
• plastic glove or bag

Preparation method

The winter version of “Nelma” was first presented at one of the Moscow exhibitions several years ago. I can’t say that the same success awaited her as the big “Nelma”, but in general, “zetka” also had many fans. The point here, most likely, is that fishermen are used to making do with cheaper plastic reels or using Finnish-type fishing rods (with an integrated reel), so they simply did not need the rather expensive Nelma-Z.

The selection of reels for winter trolling in our stores is more than modest. And this is amazing. Of course, you can use small inertia-free reels or multis designed for vertical fishing, but in the cold you will suffer with them: the line guide quickly becomes clogged with ice, and you can’t just throw a fishing rod on the ice - there is always a chance of breaking the relatively fragile reel. Therefore, a reliable and convenient inertia for winter is simply necessary. It’s gratifying that such models have begun to appear, and I’ll tell you about two of them.

NELMA-Z

The price is about 1700 rubles. This is the “younger sister” of the famous “Nelma”, which, according to many experienced fishermen, is the best domestic inertial reel for spinning and retrieving fishing. Many of my acquaintances, who were initially skeptical about “Nelma,” became its fans after becoming more familiar with it.

The winter version of “Nelma” was first presented at one of the Moscow exhibitions several years ago. I can’t say that the same success awaited her as the big “Nelma”, but in general, “zetka” also had many fans. The point here, most likely, is that fishermen are used to making do with cheaper plastic reels or using Finnish-type fishing rods (with an integrated reel), so they simply did not need the rather expensive Nelma-Z.

The reel size, in my opinion, is optimal for ice fishing. External diameter 79 mm, drum diameter 53 mm, weight 137 grams.

“Nelma-Z” is suitable primarily for fairly powerful pike and zander gear. This is where its reliability will be most in demand. How to install the reel - with the lever forward or backward - depends on personal preference. A hundred meters of fishing line with a diameter of 0.25 mm can easily fit onto the reel, and there is still some reserve left, so if necessary, you can use thicker monofilaments.

STINGER ARCTIC CHAR

The reel looks very neat, but at the same time it gives the impression of some kind of “toy”, especially in comparison with the same “Nelma-Z”. However, this is understandable: Arctic Char has all its parts made of plastic (German frost-resistant polycarbonate, as the manufacturer claims).

The outer diameter of the reel is 60 mm, the diameter of the drum is 37 mm, weight is 48 grams. Small dimensions and weight make this model a good choice for those who like to catch small fish. A lot of thick fishing line won’t fit on the reel, and in this case it’s not necessary.

The whip plays an important role in fixing the bite and animating the bait. An excessively hard one will not allow you to make smooth movements, while a soft one will lubricate the hook, which will allow the fish to come off the hook. Choose a fishing rod with a medium-hard whip. It is suitable for luring passive perch and hooking pike perch.