In-line Type Reels for Ice Fishing

[Jawjacker]

What do you guys think of the In-Line type reels for ice fishing ?

[JohninAB]

Love them. No line twist and the freefall feature are awesome. Use them almist exclusively now on my light set ups for perch etc.

[SamSteele]

I picked up a Frabill from Cabelas on Boxing Week. I like it. The only downside is the “bail release” is a button on the side and it can be bumped if you aren’t careful.

As far as line twist, I think they definitely help prevent small jugs from spinning when hanging still.

[Evil69]

absolutely hate mine......if you look at it the wrong way the bail releases and I'm left spending precious fishing time fixing rat's nests. There is potential to this design but the release needs to be re engineered.

[SamSteele]

Originally Posted by Evil69

absolutely hate mine......if you look at it the wrong way the bail releases and I'm left spending precious fishing time fixing rat's nests. There is potential to this design but the release needs to be re engineered.

You should be able to adjust the tension on the freespool, which would help keep the rats nests down somewhat.

Which one do you have?

[Evil69]

"which one do you have? "

Frabill BRO 371.

I had 2 but the button unscrewed itself on one and fell down a hole along with the spring.....Frabill was less than helpful in replacing it so I tossed it.

I think there is potential to be a good reel but they need to fix the release and improve customer service.

[RavYak]

I have only played with them in the store, never used one, but guys either seem to either love them or hate them.

I think it has to do with the models and I would stay away from the cheap ones.

A number of guys like the Rapala Concepts which is probably what I would go with if I was going to try one.

[spyguy 0-0-7]

I like mine...It took a little practice to control the spool so that it doesn't bird nest you on the drop. Once I figured it out, and did my part, I love it.

[Hilgy]

Have a look at the "13" Black Betty. That thing is sweet. I was able to lay my hands on one at the Tackle Shack in sylvan. At $150 bucks I'm going to wait till I have some found money but will be adding one to the arsenal.

[SamSteele]

Originally Posted by Hilgy

Have a look at the "13" Black Betty. That thing is sweet. I was able to lay my hands on one at the Tackle Shack in sylvan. At $150 bucks I'm going to wait till I have some found money but will be adding one to the arsenal.

There was on in the Bargain Cave at the Edmonton South Cabelas last time I was in there. I think it was around $90?

SS

[ddddd05]

I was looking at them and found them to be kind of cheap quality. Instead I just got a small bait caster on sale. Better quality real, no line twist and you can let out line easy by freeing the spool with your thumb.

I have the black betty reel. The simple one, not the 6061. I don't like it all. Lost a few fish on it. My 5 year seems to have no problem landing fish with it though.

[RavYak]

Yeah baitcasters solve a number of these issues as well, and you can also use them in the summer.

If you set the spool drag loose they free fall nice as well. Just remember to tighten it back up before you try casting it in the summer lol.

[dwedmon]

Same with me. I usually remember to keep my thumb on the spool so it doesn't free spin but if I ever forget to do it the thing will end up a birds nest.

Originally Posted by Evil69

absolutely hate mine......if you look at it the wrong way the bail releases and I'm left spending precious fishing time fixing rat's nests. There is potential to this design but the release needs to be re engineered.

[mapleleafman3]

Tim Allard discusses straight-line ice reels with Brian Brosdahl
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsS4Xci7mR0

[SamSteele]

Originally Posted by ddddd05

My 5 year seems to have no problem landing fish with it though.

My kids too!