In line reel?

[CaveClown]

Looking for some info on inline reels for ice fishing. I seen the radioactive pickle and thought damn I like the feel and to be honest the look as well, but the price I did not like in the lease, the combo was way up there and just the reel online was to much for this cheepo and to consider I don't have any experience with inlines just puts it as a not at this time.

So I looked online at some cheaper ones (30 - 60 bucks) but the more I look the more I find and then it dawned on me I got no idea what I would want in features, or what would be best for my type of fishing. I watched some vids to try and help but now I got more questions so I figured I would ask you all.

Could you give me your thoughts on them, are they any good if you get a larger pike, or laker on one or are they pretty much just for smaller fish? What are some things to keep an eye on when looking at them, do you want one that helps control the free fall, or does it matter? any input on what brands are better, or is it all just preference? and all the other questions like size, and spool types or does it matter outside of line compacity?

I know I am asking for a lot, but I thought if I could get some in depth input and or opinions that would be great. Oh and is is worth looking to try and buy used? Not like I see them for sale used but just incase. Thanks in advance.

[Jims83cj5]

Originally Posted by CaveClown

Looking for some info on inline reels for ice fishing. I seen the radioactive pickle and thought damn I like the feel and to be honest the look as well, but the price I did not like in the lease, the combo was way up there and just the reel online was to much for this cheepo and to consider I don't have any experience with inlines just puts it as a not at this time.

So I looked online at some cheaper ones (30 - 60 bucks) but the more I look the more I find and then it dawned on me I got no idea what I would want in features, or what would be best for my type of fishing. I watched some vids to try and help but now I got more questions so I figured I would ask you all.

Could you give me your thoughts on them, are they any good if you get a larger pike, or laker on one or are they pretty much just for smaller fish? What are some things to keep an eye on when looking at them, do you want one that helps control the free fall, or does it matter? any input on what brands are better, or is it all just preference? and all the other questions like size, and spool types or does it matter outside of line compacity?

I know I am asking for a lot, but I thought if I could get some in depth input and or opinions that would be great. Oh and is is worth looking to try and buy used? Not like I see them for sale used but just incase. Thanks in advance.

I often looked at those and came up with the idea that they would be ok for trout, perch type stuff so I passed, most of them don’t hold much line either. I’m usually in a tent or shack but run and gun when it’s warm enough to do so. I took apart a few bait casters, cleaned em up and re lubed with hot sauce, that’s what I use. For the small stuff I use a 500 series pfluger with 6 lb braid and a 6 lb fl. leader. It gets the same hot sauce treatment

[WayneChristie]

Ive used a fly reel with success, lots cheaper too. find one with a good drag and it can handle any fish.

[AlbertanGP]

I run a Black Betty FreeFall Trick Shop on my TUCR Fusion, and alternate between it and a Stradic CI4+ on my TUCR Precision at this time of year for trout. Both are probably comparable in terms of being top of the line for their type. My thoughts on the matter, and the conversation will be short, is that the inline reels are a fad and nowhere near as good as an equally priced spinning reel. There is no way I would trust the drag on a FreeFall with a big pike or laker. Why I bought it (aside from curiosity which is why most people buy one) is for it's anti-line twist properties. Seems to me to make sense for fishing for perch. But even with a 3lb rainbow, the drag is completely meh. The Stradic puts it to shame, albeit for double/triple the price of a FreeFall. Having said that, I also have a FreeFall Carbon on order for another light action rod I picked up this fall.

The only feature I really notice that I think I'd want is the free fall trigger. I'm not sure how those with out one work. But I think they are the ones more prone to tangling the line in the reel.

TLDR; They're a gimmick. Spend your money on a good spinning reel and use an inline swivel. If you have to get one, don't spend too much because they have a habit of finding their way onto a shelf in the garage back home in short order. HTH.

Still confused? Ask the pros.

[Zip-in-Z]

I still use 2 Black Betty in-lines for Whites, they're the old version, needed to modify them because of line tangle problems. The new version have been upgraded to solve the problem I was having. Don't know anyone who has the new style so can't comment. I imagine if you Google it you may get a few hits. I really like the drag system on them otherwise I would of chucked them in the dumpster. Now with my modified line guide, I still like them.

Check out the old thread I started. Link .... http://www.outdoorsmenforum.ca/showt...ht=black+betty


Cheers

D.









MY Garage engineered Mod that works Great.





They Produce ....





.

[AlbertanGP]

Mine has a line guide like what you made for yours. I've never had it wound up in the spool like that, but I'm always careful so as not to get overruns.

If you really want to try an inline reel for cheap, you can also kick it old school and try a Schooley reel. I used them back in the 80's and 90's and they are still used by competitive ice fishermen for panfish.

[jegermiester]

I bought one of these units a couple of years back and it's been issue free, free fall is really smooth and the 7 + 1 ball bearings are why, I think.
IMHO, for the price and quality (aluminium components vs. composite plastic) and your choice of left or right handed crank in gold or red accents, I feel these in line reels are hard to beat!
The Jegermiester

[AmateurHr]

I’ve been using one of the updated black Betty ghost since last year. Wasn't sure if it would be good on anything but pan fish but worked fine for some burbot and decent pike last year. Moved it onto my medium jigging rod and no complaints. I want to pick up the better carbon model now and use this cheaper one on my light rod. I’d still use my spinning reel for any time I’m actively going after larger fish or lake trout

[sns2]

Z, you’d produce fish using a stick.

[SamSteele]

Originally Posted by AlbertanGP

I run a Black Betty FreeFall Trick Shop on my TUCR Fusion, and alternate between it and a Stradic CI4+ on my TUCR Precision at this time of year for trout. Both are probably comparable in terms of being top of the line for their type. My thoughts on the matter, and the conversation will be short, is that the inline reels are a fad and nowhere near as good as an equally priced spinning reel. There is no way I would trust the drag on a FreeFall with a big pike or laker. Why I bought it (aside from curiosity which is why most people buy one) is for it's anti-line twist properties. Seems to me to make sense for fishing for perch. But even with a 3lb rainbow, the drag is completely meh. The Stradic puts it to shame, albeit for double/triple the price of a FreeFall. Having said that, I also have a FreeFall Carbon on order for another light action rod I picked up this fall.

The only feature I really notice that I think I'd want is the free fall trigger. I'm not sure how those with out one work. But I think they are the ones more prone to tangling the line in the reel.

TLDR; They're a gimmick. Spend your money on a good spinning reel and use an inline swivel. If you have to get one, don't spend too much because they have a habit of finding their way onto a shelf in the garage back home in short order. HTH.

Still confused? Ask the pros.

13Fishing came out with a Black Betty Freefall XL specifically for larger fish applications. I haven't had a chance to handle one yet, but they also pair it with the Omen ice rod, which is a good rod. I tend to agree on using good spinning or baitcasting reels instead as well, unless you are into panfish.

SS