Straight line and centerpin reels

[azn_rice_man]

Does anyone have experience with the new fad of straight line and centerpin reels for ice fishing? I had picked up the Frabil straight line 261 but was extremely disappointed with the quality - on occasion, the reel handle will spin but wouldn't retrieve line; at other times, I would press the release but it won't pop back.

I see that Clam and Rapala has come out with a few different options as well. Share your thoughts and experience with them.

[fish gunner]

Originally Posted by azn_rice_man

Does anyone have experience with the new fad of straight line and centerpin reels for ice fishing? I had picked up the Frabil straight line 261 but was extremely disappointed with the quality - on occasion, the reel handle will spin but wouldn't retrieve line; at other times, I would press the release but it won't pop back.

I see that Clam and Rapala has come out with a few different options as well. Share your thoughts and experience with them.

Pawm shop fly reel on a cheapy rod from bp . Works great , 4lb test hope to get a lake white fish on gull this year.

[fishman]

Designed to float fish on small to medium rivers ànd palm it for drag also being 1/1 drag is very tiring. Great for casting only advantage
Since spay and switch rods why would u waste your time on salmon and steelhead with that kinda drag system
I'll stick to my switch rod

[fish gunner]

Originally Posted by fishman

Designed to float fish on small to medium rivers ànd palm it for drag also being 1/1 drag is very tiring. Great for casting only advantage
Since spay and switch rods why would u waste your time on salmon and steelhead with that kinda drag system
I'll stick to my switch rod

No fly method can compare with the depth control of a float set up .

[muskokagould32]

used one all last season has its pros and cons. never a tangle, drag works nicely, but like previously posted lot of work retrieving. lost a few fish i'd of iced but couldn't catch up to them, just my two cents

great for perch and whites

[azn_rice_man]

Originally Posted by muskokagould32

used one all last season has its pros and cons. never a tangle, drag works nicely, but like previously posted lot of work retrieving. lost a few fish i'd of iced but couldn't catch up to them, just my two cents

great for perch and whites

Yea, I'm hoping to get into whites with this setup.

Picked up the Rapala R-Type centerpin reel the other day. Looks nice. Some people say to use Dacron line as backing, then add mainline. Any thoughts on that for this setup?

[BobLoblaw]

Have you checked this reel out? Straight line, but with a 2.3:1 retrieve ratio.


http://www.thefishinhole.com/index.c...oduct&se=28704

[Mackinaw]

Been using a 101 for 2 seasons now for perch with 2&4 lb tech tan line works ideal for light line light lure situations. Can back reel the line if needed.

Mack

[huntsfurfish]

Originally Posted by Mackinaw

Been using a 101 for 2 seasons now for perch with 2&4 lb tech tan line works ideal for light line light lure situations. Can back reel the line if needed.

Mack

Excellent line choice! Best mono out there.

[azn_rice_man]

Originally Posted by BobLoblaw

Have you checked this reel out? Straight line, but with a 2.3:1 retrieve ratio.


http://www.thefishinhole.com/index.c...oduct&se=28704

I haven't seen it in person but I did ask Kelly to bring in the Rapala equivalent for me. Maybe I'll compare the 2 when it comes in!

[Mackinaw]

Originally Posted by huntsfurfish

Excellent line choice! Best mono out there.

I agree was turned on to it by Garry B the perch whisperer. Only mono I use now

Mack

[vic1]

Originally Posted by fish gunner

Pawm shop fly reel on a cheapy rod from bp . Works great , 4lb test hope to get a lake white fish on gull this year.

Word of advice, when you are looking for 4 lb test line also look for their diameter. You can get one in 0.22 mm or 0.14mm . Big difference!
Vic

[azn_rice_man]

Just picked this reel up from TFH:
http://www.thefishinhole.com/index.c...oduct&se=28734

Compared to the Clam and Frabill versions, the Rapala is much superior. While it is the most expensive of the 3, it is worth it, literally, in its weight! The Rapala is all metal, giving it a great feel and balanced weight distribution. The retrieve is silk smooth. Even comes with a pouch! Can't wait to try it out!

The Clam one was decent and it fits in the hand very nicely. For $10 difference, I decided to go with the all metal one instead. Clam also has a combo option with that reel and the rod seems to be of quality. $55 for reel alone, $90 for combo.

[honker_clonker]

The only crappy thing about the all metal ones is that if you fish without gloves on and your hands get wet, they're going to stick/freeze to it. It's the one of the biggest catch 22's with ice reels I've found. I have an Eagle claw inline with the aluminum spool and I've been stuck on it a few times. That is usually only a problem if you don't fish in a heated tent...