Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank_NK28
So far the best braid I've found for ice fishing is the about the least expensive you can buy...Fireline Crystal. It doesn't seem to absorb as much water as most braids including ice braids do. I bought three Quantum Pulse solid carbon casting ice combos last year on sale to try out. I ended up selling all my spinning outfits and ordering 5 more of the Quantums when they went on sale. The drags are ultra smooth and quiet, you don't suffer line memory like you do with spinning reels and there is no more flipping frozen bails by hand. The only part that has frozen so far is the guide on the level wind where the line passes through and it only takes a second to free it when it does. I now have 4-36"M, 1-28"M, 4-28"MH and two 42"H and all are spooled with braid. The 42's are awesome for jigging for Lakers and Pike with big baits. Oh and the reason I have so many is my wife reels right handed and has difficulty working a lefty so I ordered right handed for her and lefties for me.  |
My justification for the Vanfords is that I pull them off the ice rods and use them in the Summer as well. I do have a couple of baitcasters I use in the summer. But I can't cast for #$%^ with them and can't be bothered to learn. I do agree they are good reels with good drags, and especially well suited to heavier rods for big pike and lakers.
