7 Best Ice Fishing Reels | Review & Guide
The guide discusses 7 best ice fishing reels that are the most reliable and dedicated reels to take your ice fishing game to the next level.
Getting the right fishing reel is the key to success when it comes to fishing. Those anglers looking to go to frozen lakes and rivers should go get the reels that can tolerate extreme cold temperatures, and that can have a smooth drag system. There are lots of varieties available in the market right now, but among so many choices, how can you find the best one?
The features that you should focus on and some of the best reels that I personally have tried and analyzed are elaborated below. All of these are different in size and style from each other and have unique specifications and techniques. To ensure you can have maximum adventure while ice fishing, look at the details below so you can get the most dedicated reel to help you take your fishing game to the next level.
7 Best Ice Fishing Reels
The guide talks about the seven best ice fishing reels that are highly reliable, positively reviewed, and recommended by professional anglers who go for these reels whenever they have to go on an ice fishing adventure. Well, ice reels are pretty demanding, and because ice fishing is done in the colder months, you will notice the drop not only in the temperature but also in the fish activity.
Hence, you need to make sure that you have an ultra-sensitive reel and super smart fishing setup so you can detect these slow-moving fish underwater. Well, all of the following mentioned reels are selected while keeping that in mind, so it’s essential for you to pay attention to the details so you can get the most out of these fishing reels. Let’s reveal what these reels pack in them!
1. Clam Gravity Elite Inline Hybrid Reel
Best Features:
Clam Gravity Elite Inline Hybrid is one of the well-known hybrid reels that can reliably be used for ice-water fishing. Its versatility and smart design make it one of the top choices for professional ice water anglers. The reel is a hybrid reel, which means it is made up of the features that are present in both spinning reels and inline reels, making it one of the most versatile and highly productive reels for frozen water fishing.
The smooth retrieval and line release make sure to provide a highly responsive drag system, making the reel perfect for ice-water fishing. The hybrid construction of the reel gives the anglers flexibility to opt for their required fishing style so they can get the most fish at the end of the day. Adding to its perks, what I like the most about the reel is its ergonomic construction.
The grip of the reel has made sure you can hold the reel for longer fishing sessions. And to let you know more about the reel, it is one of the most highly positively reviewed reels available on Amazon due to its hybrid design.
Pros
- Graphite and aluminum construction
- Lightweight design
- Hybrid style
Cons
- Quite expensive
Clam Gravity Elite Inline Hybrid reel is undoubtedly the best ice fishing reel that comes with four ball bearings and is only 7 pounds of total weight. It is versatile and super innovative in its functionality, making it perfect for various anglers regardless of what fishing technique they use. Moreover, the reel comes with a highly responsive drag system and smooth line retrieval and line release, making it the perfect choice for ice-water fishing.
2. Abu Garcia Max Ice Fishing Spinning Reel
Best Features:
With 4 + 1 ball bearings and 7 to 14 pounds of maximum draw weight, we have the Abu Garcia Max Ice Fishing Spinning Reel for you that you can go with for the best experience of ice water fishing. This is one of the best spinning reels that is known not only for its performance but also for the comfort and convenience that the reel provides the users with.
High-quality construction, in combination with smooth delivery of movements and lightweight design, all contribute together to minimize your fatigue and maximize your productivity at the end of your fishing day. Moreover, the reel is constructed while keeping in mind the precision and accuracy that you need for ice-water fishing.
So, those anglers who are looking for precise reels with versatile functioning can opt for this spinning reel reliably and can get the most benefits. Moreover, the reel does not catch some specific size of fish only but it is able to assist in controlling variable fish species regardless of their size due to the presence of a responsive drag system. You can also check Best Trolling Reels.
This ultimately ends up increasing your chances of catching more fish. Those ice fishing enthusiasts who are looking for user-friendly and effortless usage ice fishing gear can go with this reel and can get the maximum benefit from it.
Pros
- Durable construction
- Smooth functioning
- Comes with a responsive drag system
Cons
- Not for left-handed people
Abu Garcia Max Ice Fishing Spinning Reel is another of the best spinning reels that you can go with for ice water fishing. It is light in weight and makes sure to provide you a stress-free fishing experience. The reel is designed while keeping in mind convenience, comfortability, precision, and accuracy that make sure you can use it reliably for ice water fishing.
3. 13 FISHING Wicked Long Stem Spinning Reel
Best Features:
13 FISHING Wicked Long Stem Spinning Reel is another best spinning reel that is made for anglers who are looking for reels to use on gloves. Of course, while going for an outdoor adventure in winter, you wear gloves to protect your hands from the cold.
When it comes to fishing, you have to hold the reel with your hands, so you must make sure that the reel you are getting for ice water fishing is the one that you can hold after wearing gloves. It should have extra room so you can hold the reel comfortably and easily, even after wearing gloves.
This 1313 FISHING Wicked Long Stem Spinning Reel is a reel with a spacious structure so you can use it after wearing gloves. Moreover, it is lightweight and comes with only 5.15 ounces of weight, making it the perfect choice for anglers going out for ice water fishing.
Furthermore, with the ambidextrous design, you can hold the reel in both of your hands regardless of what your dominant hand is. It is made for both right-handed and left-handed people.
Moreover, the reel can catch multiple types of fish, including Panfish, Walleyes, and much more on the go. The smooth action in the presence of a fast gear ratio makes sure the anglers enjoy fishing in cold weather with this reel and can get tons of their favorite fish at the end of their fishing adventure.
Pros
- Lightweight in design
- Comes with a fast gear ratio
- Ideal for anglers who wear gloves
Cons
- Cannot be used without gloves
13 FISHING Wicked Long Stem Spinning Reel is a reel that is made for anglers who prefer to go out fishing in ice water with gloves. The reel is designed for anglers who wear gloves as it has extra room so you can hold the reel comfortably. Moreover, it is only 5.15 ounces of weight and comes with 5 + 1 reverse ball bearings, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted operations.
4. 13 FISHING – FreeFall XL – Inline Ice Fishing Reels
Best Features:
13 FISHING – FreeFall XL – Inline Ice Fishing Reel is the next best fishing reel that somehow is heavier in weight as compared to the previous products but is better in functionality and is known for its high-quality manufacturing. This ice water fishing reel comes with durable construction that makes sure you can use the reel for as long as you want.
It is one of those reels that is made up of the latest intelligent features, and one of them is the Free Fall Trigger System. This Free Fall Trigger System promises you that it will catch the fish without any delays every time you are out for ice water fishing.
Just like the Free Fall Trigger System, it also has a Core Balanced Magnetic Drop Speed System that makes sure you can easily and precisely drop your bait inside the water. This also is one of the unique features that you will only find in this reel and not in any other in the list.
What I like about the reel is the presence of a free spool. This free spool feature allows the line to be released quickly without any interruptions or resistance. This free spool feature, in combination with the reverse, makes sure that there is no backward movement while you are reeling, and this is what I personally loved in the reel when I was using it.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Comes with an instant anti-reverse feature
- Precise line release
Cons
- Heavy
13 FISHING – FreeFall XL – Inline Ice Fishing Reels is the next best ice water fishing reel that is made for right-handed people. It comes in black and white color and is also stylish in addition to being superb in its functioning and efficient in its performance. The reel has a 9.9 lbs carbon drag system and makes sure you can easily release the line in water without any interruptions or resistance.
5. Eagle Claw Inline Ice Fishing Reel
Best Features:
Eagle Claw Inline Ice Fishing Reel comes equipped with features that make it one of the smoothest to use fishing reels for ice water fishing. Unlike other reels on the list, this Eagle Claw Inline Fishing Reel is stylish and sleek in its design.
With a jet black finish and attractive design, the reel is highly recommended for anglers who are looking for reels with efficient performance and stylish look. Additionally, with the presence of 4+1 ball bearings, a 2.6:1 gear ratio, and an adjustment-free spool release button, the reel is another reel in our list with all the necessary features that you need to catch ice-water fish.
Those anglers who are looking for reels for beginners can reliably opt for Eagle Claw Inline Ice Fishing Reel as it is easy to use and very effortless to control. You do not have to put extra effort into managing the reel while using it. This means if you are a beginner or are in your learning phase, you can go with this reel without any worries.
Pros
- Ideal for beginners
- Jet black look
- Easy to control
Cons
- Not high in quality
Eagle Claw Inline Ice Fishing Reel is another of the best ice water fishing reels that not only is super stylish in its look but also comes with features that make it efficient for ice water fishing. The reel has a sleek look with a jet black finish and also features 4+1 ball bearings that, when combined together with a 2.6:1 gear ratio, make sure that you can experience smooth and efficient reeling operation.
6. Frabill Straight Line 371 Ice Fishing Reel
Best Features:
Introducing you to one of my favorite ice water fishing reels that is made specifically for ice water fishing to ensure a super smooth and best possible fishing experience. The reel is made up of composite construction material and is light in weight, ensuring you can hold the reel for longer without tiring.
In the presence of a 3.7:1 gear ratio, this Frabill Straight Line reel promises to deliver super smooth drag that, when combined with instant anti-reverse, makes sure you can release the line in water uninterruptedly. Furthermore, it comes with dual stem positions, long stem and short stem. Long stem position is ideal for those anglers who wear gloves.
Alternatively, a short stem is perfect for those looking for compact-sized reels. This means whether you are interested in the reels that you can use with gloves or the ones that you can easily hold due to their compact size, you can reliably purchase this and enjoy your fishing.
Pros
- Comfortable to use
- Comes with dual stem sizes
- Lightweight
Cons
- Gear slipping
Frabill Straight Line 371 Ice Fishing Reel is another of the best ice fishing reels that comes with a dual size of stems. You can go with a long stem if you are going to use the reel with gloves, and you can go with a compact stem if you want to use the reel in a small size. Plus, in the presence of comfortable usage, lightweight, and composite construction, this is another reel that most anglers prefer to go with for ice-water fishing.
7. HT Enterprise RR-10 Rattle Reel
Best Features:
HT Enterprise RR-10 Rattle Reel is my other favorite and last best reel in our list of best ice water fishing reels; that is known for being the best and a must-have reel for ice fishermen. It is designed while keeping in mind the need for ice-water fishing. It can tolerate extreme climatic conditions, and since you are going to use it for ice water fishing, it is ideal when it comes to facing a cold weather environment.
The reel is a simple basic reel which is designed in a way that makes it ideal for beginners because it is not only easy to use but also helps in leveling up your fishing game. It is perfect for all types of anglers regardless of what their experience level is.
Moreover, with durable and high-quality construction, you can use the reel for as long as you want, and unless you willingly want to change your reel, I can assure you you will not need to. This is the reel that I personally used when I was learning ice water fishing, so I can say the reel can also help you develop skills and learn ice water fishing quickly.
Pros
- Ideal for beginners
- Durable
- Extremely strengthened
Cons
- Lack advance features
HT Enterprise RR-10 Rattle Reel is another best reel for ice-water fishing that is designed to tolerate cold climate conditions. It is durable, high quality in construction, and easy to use, making it perfect for all fisherman, regardless of their experience level.
Guide to Pick The Best Ice Fishing Reels
Weight
Weight is one of the most important factors when considering the best ice fishing reel. The lighter the reel is, the better its functioning would be.
Ice fishing reel with lightweight construction is not only easy to carry but also makes sure you do not get any fatigue even if you hold it for hours. Make sure to focus on weight first before finalizing the fishing reel and opt for the one that is light in weight.
Reel Construction
There are several construction materials that are used in the manufacturing of fishing reels. When looking for an ice fishing reel, make sure you are getting high-quality construction material with lightweight and high strength so that it can tolerate extreme cold weather. And for that purpose, graphite would be the best choice that you can make.
Anti-Ice System
Some of the companies are nowadays manufacturing the reels with the latest technology. Those reels that are specifically made for ice fishing come with a construction material that minimizes the lock-up when components freeze. It would be better for you to go with those reels that come with an anti-ice system to use for ice-water fishing.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings make sure to make the reel smooth and uninterrupted while reeling and casting. So, when selecting the fishing reel for ice water fishing, you need to make sure that the reel you are purchasing comes with more ball bearings. This is because more ball bearings increase the smoothness of the flow while reeling or casting.
Keep this in mind, and make sure to purchase the reel that comes with more ball bearings in it. Moreover, look for a fishing reel that has ball bearings made up of stainless steel material.
This is because those ball bearings that are made up of stainless steel construction material not only provide you with smooth functioning and operations but also make them high quality and corrosion resistant. So, always focus on the fishing reels that come with more ball bearings in them.
FAQs
What is the best versatile ice water fishing reel available?
Clam Gravity Elite Inline Hybrid reel is one of the best hybrid reels that is available for ice water fishing and comes with smooth line release and smooth retrieval. It has a higher responsive drag system and is adaptable according to the environment. The reel is designed in a way that it features the specifications of both inline reels and spinning reels, making it ideal for ice water anglers so they can choose and fish according to their fishing technique.
What Abu Garcia reel is reliable for ice-water fishing?
Abu Garcia Max Ice Fishing Spinning Reel comes with a lightweight design, versatile functioning, high comfortability, and smooth operations. The reel is durable and made up of high-quality construction material, making it one of the best choices for anglers looking for reels to serve them for longer.
Why use an inline reel for ice fishing?
Going with an inline reel is one of the positive steps that you can take, as it ensures the line feeds in a straight line without any coiling. It ensures that your line stays as straight as possible and detects even the slightest bite underwater, ultimately increasing your productivity.
Which type of line is better for ice fishing?
Fluorocarbon lines and monofilament lines are both less susceptible to forming ice as compared to the braided types of lines. This ultimately makes them a better choice for fishermen looking for the best fishing line for ice fishing. Moreover, keep in mind each line is different and has different visibility underwater.
What features are essential to focus on when purchasing the best ice fishing reel?
Some of the important features that you should definitely pay attention to include the weight of the reel and its construction. Going with lightweight reels and opting for graphite construction material would be one of the best choices that you can make. Similarly, you also have to focus on the number of ball bearings and anti-ice features, as more ball bearings make the functioning of these reels more smooth and finer.
Final Thoughts
Ice water fishing is quite demanding, and you have to focus on specific essential points when looking for ice water reels. Undoubtedly, getting the best compatible ice-water fishing reel can make your fishing experience more enjoyable, adventurous, and productive. To help you with the selection of the best ice water fishing reels, I have come up with seven best choices written above.
All of the products that are chosen above are the ones that we personally have analyzed and used. Make sure to read the details with all of your attention so you can make the final choice more easily and quickly. Ensure not to miss anything, including advantages, disadvantages, and features, so in the end, you can select the best ice water fishing reel in a breeze.
As a reviewer, I will recommend you to go with,
- Clam Gravity Elite Inline Hybrid Reel is known to be one of the most versatile, high-quality, lightweight, and smooth fishing reels you can go with if you want something innovative and efficient.
- Abu Garcia Max Ice Fishing Spinning Reel comes with versatile functioning, lightweight design, and smooth operations, ensuring you can get the most productive results of fishing at the end of the day.
- 13 FISHING Wicked Longstem Spinning Reel comes with a lightweight design and is ideal for anglers who wear gloves. This reel has a fast gear ratio and delivers smooth function, making it the perfect choice for most ice-water anglers.
