Ice Fishing Reels Compared

3 Ice Fishing Reel Types Explained

A Buyer’s Guide for Ice Fishing Reels

Type of Fish & Environment

It's safest to ice fish in frozen lakes, ponds, and rivers when the ice is around 4 - 6 inches. Any area of ice that's below 3" or less isn't safe to walk on. In terms of depth, when you're suspending your bait, it's best to fish your bait at half the total depth of where you are fishing.

If it's 12 feet deep, suspend the bait at 6 feet. This is a great rule of thumb for all ice fishing environments. You’ll catch species like pike, crappie, sunfish, perch, and bullhead in freezing climates. Whereas pike, bass, and walleye fishing can only be found during certain times of the season.

Reel Type

Freeze Resistance/Anti-Ice Protection

Manufacturers are aware of the freezing cold conditions anglers face when they're ice fishing. So, some impressive new materials are being used in reels to decrease the lock-up during freezing temperatures. Materials are finished with freeze-resistant protective layers at the end of production to help this problem. Worst case scenario, you should always have some sort of Antifreeze Paste or spray on hand to reduce freezing on your line and rod guides even if your rod and reel have antifreeze properties.

Body Design

Bearings & Gear Ratio

Ball bearings help to ensure the reel is operating smoothly and freely despite the amount of drag. The more bearings an ice fishing reel has, the better it is on performance and for the spin speed of the reel. If you're unsure, then 5 bearings is a good medium. As for gear ratios, If you are fishing under 25  feet, a good gear ratio would be around 5.1:1. The drag on your ice fishing reel is important, too. Choose a reel that allows smaller adjustments on the drag.

Reel Components

An ice fishing reel is composed of either graphite or carbon fiber. Graphite is a great choice when looking at reel components, as it has both highly rated strength and lightweight specs for the harsh winter temperatures. Some other components are clickers, spools, cork or foam handles, and antifreeze features. You'll see some reels will have amazing clickers that work well while wearing gloves.

Line Type & Capacity

If you want maximum success when ice fishing, you'll need a line that can combat the challenges while on your trip. But, there's no need to worry, many manufacturers have made lines to withhold some of the toughest conditions. Monofilament is the most popular go-to ice fishing line because it is strong, durable, and easier to handle in cold conditions. Another trendy line is Fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon lines also sink faster than mono, which makes for a more natural fall for lightweight ice jigs.

Price & Warranty

The more you spend doesn’t always correlate to better quality when it comes to ice fishing reels. If you buy your reel with a reputable brand, you’ll often get state-of-the-art features and materials specially produced from that manufacturer, and often at a great price and with a warranty that ranges from 1-year to a lifetime.  These warranties will cover non-conformities in material and workmanship on the purchased rod.

1. KastKing Summer and Centron

We start our list with the KastKing Summer & Centron spinning reel. KastKing is a relatively new fishing gear company that has excelled in making great performing rods and reels at multiple price points. And the Summer & Centron reel proves to be the best ice fishing spinning reel.

The KastKing Summer and Centron reel has a compact graphite frame. Graphite reels are very lightweight, but the shaft on this reel feels strong and durable as it's composed of hardened metal. Each reel has 9 quality ball bearings and one instant stop, anti-reverse bearing that moves in one direction. This gives the reel an ultra-smooth performance. However, for angling, you may need to spin the reel a little longer as it’s higher than your average bearings.

Some of the other features of this high-performing reel are the CNC- Machined Aluminium Spool, which allows the reels to have a precise line-lay. The interchangeable handle which allows any left or right-handed angler to use it with just a push of a button.

And, finally, a precise pinion gear system that is easy to use and delivers incredible performance when ice fishing. The Summer & Centron reel is finished with anti-corrosion paint that protects it from probable damage, so you'll have a strong reel that's extremely durable for your ice fishing adventure.

2. Eagle Claw

If you're looking for the best inline ice fishing reel, the Eagle Claw ice fishing reel is excellent for its features and price point. Low price doesn't mean low quality in this case as this reel was built according to the high level of quality standards set by the manufacturer. It may be great value for your money, but there were no compromises made on performance.

This inline ice fishing reel is covered in nylon and provides a smooth touch. The handle is constructed of aluminum, which is one of the most raved features on the Eagle Claw reel. Anglers love its non-slip grip and find it easy to use even with gloves on. Just like our top pick, the handle can be adjusted to suit left or right-handed anglers, too, so no one will have to go without, but be prepared to disassemble and reassemble it to change the position.

This reel is particularly great for all types of jigs and baits as it features a free spool. Anglers can let a jig drop down the hole without having to peel the line off by hand. You can adjust the spool to light or heavy jigs and according to your preferences. The line is released once the button has been pressed, making it extremely easy to use.

The ball bearings are lower than our top pick, but the 4+1 bearings give a ton of smoothness during use. Many anglers alike love this inline reel for ice fishing for its simplicity and effectiveness, and for a reel below $30, it's hard to beat it on price. 

3. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2

If you're completely new to the ice-fishing realm, you may be on the hunt for a reel and a rod. There are tons of combos for baitcasting rods and reels, and spin casting combos are available, too. Ugly Stik has created a great combo with ice-fishing in mind. The GX2 ice fishing reel & rod combo comes in 4 models, and there’s a light pink option for the lady anglers, too. Ranging from 26" to 30", this rod and reel are an excellent option for new-comers and at a reasonable price.

Ugly Stick prides themselves for combining their heritage and tradition to make reliable, durable products, and the GX2 is no different. It comes with a 20-sized spinning reel with 1 ball bearing. Usually, you'd look for a ball bearing of 5 or higher, but the reel operates quite seamlessly with only 1 bearing.

It has a twist-lock reel seat with EVA handles, and it works on either side, making it easy to switch for left or right-handed anglers. The ported aluminum spool is great for the weather conditions you may face and won't freeze so quickly. It also makes it lighter in weight and gives it added durability.

The reel is accompanied by a genuine Ugly Stick blank with a clear tip design that looks great and goes well with the reel. The stainless steel guides are also a great feature for under zero weather conditions. Overall, the rod and reel combo works a treat and could be an ideal option for new anglers.

4. PENN Pursuit III

5. Okuma Ceymar

Fishing ice-cold water for panfish can prove to be quite tricky if you're not prepared. Your tackle and tactics need to match the lifestyle of the fish. You'll need smaller baits, a durable rod, and a tough reel to bring in each catch. The Okuma Cermar is a low cost and top quality reel that has the ability to reeling in panfish in no time.

The Ceymar spinning reel has a sleek design and smooth performance. It’s constructed on a fluid 8-bearing drive system and features Okuma precision elliptical gearing. Not only are these gear efficient, but they’re also precise and easy to use.

It also comes with a solid, machined aluminum spool that creates a foundation of strength for monofilament and braided fishing lines with great line capacity. The heavy-duty solid aluminum bail wire and oversized line roller deliver confident performance over long periods so you can spend dusk to dawn on the ice without problems.

It has a corrosion-resistant body made of graphite that is extremely tough, and a quality multi-disc drag system. The Okuma Ceymar will see you catch and handle panfish in ice water easily but also saltwater fish species like Mulloway, rays, tailor, snapper, morwong, and so much more. It's a great all-rounder for nearly any fishing trip.

6. Pflueger MONICEB Monarch

7. Piscifun ICX 5

8. Abu Garcia ICEMAX

9. 13 FISHING Black Betty Freefall Ghost

If you’re looking for the best freefall ice fishing reel, the Black Betty FreeFall Ghost inline fishing reel should be at the top of your list. It comes with the latest technology and development for ice reels. This reel sits under the rod and features a revolutionary FreeFall trigger that allows anglers to hit specific depths with instant hookups by releasing the trigger in the target zone. This reel is easy to operate one-handed and perfect for shallow to mid-depth ice fishing.

It's composed of lightweight graphite, which reduces hand fatigue so you can stay fishing all day. The improved slide drag system and instant stop-anti-reverse are features that give you even more control. And the 3+1 stainless steel ball bearings give a smooth inline movement. One of the best features on the reel is its revolutionary FreeFall trigger that allows anglers to hit specific depths with instant hookups by releasing the trigger in the target zone.

If a fish hits on the drop, then no problem. Or if you want to slow the descent of your spoon or jig, you won’t run into any trouble there either. This inline fishing reel has proven to be effective at any depth from 5' to 50' so you can have full control.

10. Piscifun Torrent

If you're looking for the best baitcasting reel for ice fishing, then the Torrent reel by Piscifun is one to consider. This is the second reel from Piscifun on our list and for good reason. The Torrent baitcasting reel is a great example of a cheap, high-quality product that performs exceptionally on the ice.

Firstly, the large foam handles and star drag ergonomics are well designed for comfort, even with gloves on.  The free-spool button is ideal, and the speedy gearing makes it a great choice for fishing much deeper.

The silent but speedy 7.1:1 Gear Ratio is perfect for getting fish quickly out of cover and faster fishing tactics. And its unique side-plate oil port for prolonged maintenance maximizes your baitcasting reels’ life and performance Lastly, the Torrent features a magnetic braking system and an aluminum spool. This provides fishers with pinpoint accuracy and controls typically seen only in professional reels. 

This unit also comes with a spool tension knob that significantly reduces the likelihood of a bird's nest, which is quite common in baitcasting reels. Overall, this is a superbly designed fishing tool that delivers high caliber control, allows accurate lure placements, and accords the power to pull the hard fighting fish with incredible precision.

Understanding Drag System for Ice Fishing

Ice Fishing Reel Sizing Guide

When you’re ice fishing, you can only fish directly below you into the hole you’ve cut. Therefore, it is more important to be as close to your hole as possible, so long fishing rods aren't a necessity. Most ice rods range from 18 to 48 inches in length, whereas open water rods are stouter and longer for casting reasons. 

These reels are smaller in size as the rods are shorter in length. A big bulky reel may work reasonably well with your rod, but it will feel heavy, and your hands will feel fatigued in no time. And in freezing conditions, you'll want to keep as much energy as possible.

A good rule of thumb is to look for a reel that's small, compact, lightweight, but with good-sized handles for when you’re wearing gloves. This will suit both short and long ice fishing rods so you can have the most luck when you’re out on the ice.

Ice Fishing Tips & Techniques for Beginners

Ice fishing is a simple concept; you grab your gear, find thick ice, cut a hole, and wait for a bite. But there are a ton of tips and tricks that experienced anglers would've loved to know before they hit the ice. Here are just a few ice fishing tips and techniques for beginners.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I use a regular reel for ice fishing?

You can use many reel types when you're ice fishing, but be aware, not all reels will have antifreeze properties. They may be heavier in weight, too, which is not ideal when you're on the ice all day. If you're want to have a versatile reel, it's better to get a reel that has many features that's suitable for ice fishing and check to see if it's freshwater and saltwater friendly as well. The Okuma Ceymar ice fishing reel is a great example of this.

Can I combine ice fishing reels with a regular rod?

You can combine a high performing ice fishing reel on any rod, but bear in mind; ice fishing rods tend to be shorter in size and for a good reason. A smaller rod tends to be lower in weight and is extremely sensitive. You'll also want to be sitting quite close to the hole you've cut, so the shorter often tends to be better. If you have got a rod that's 28 to 30-inches in length with a solid backbone, then you can easily save money on buying a new rod for your ice fishing reel.

How do I go about spooling an ice fishing reel?

This depends on the type of reel you've chosen for ice fishing. Baitcasting, spinning, and inline reels will have different methods for spooling your line onto the reel. One thing they all have in common, however, is that less line in needed than casting in salt or freshwater. 60-80 feet of line is usually good if you’re planning on fishing in ice water of 20 feet. Once you have the length ready to go, read through your manufacturers’ handbook to spool it on correctly.

Is there any other necessary equipment I need for ice fishing?

It might seem like ice fishing requires a lot of specialized gear, but in truth, some key necessities are an auger, a sled, an ice scoop, a quality ice rod, reel, and a handful of jigs. Some other needs would be extra layers of clothing specifically for fishing, a blanket, and a hot drink in a travel mug to keep you toasty and warm. If you have a high budget for new equipment, then good ice cleats help anglers tackle through the snow and come in extremely handy.

Where can I buy these ice fishing reels?

Thanks to the internet, it's really easy to pick up any of our reviewed reels on Amazon. You can usually get a good deal fairly regularly, and there's nothing simpler than getting the reel delivered straight to your door. Otherwise, you can check in with your local fish tackling shop to see what they have to offer.

Conclusion

From tip to techniques and everything in between, you know have all the information needed to choose the best ice fishing reel for you. The KastKing Summer and Centron spinning reel has proven its worth and reliability to make your ice fishing trip a little bit easier. You'll have a superb reel that is perfectly matched for freezing fishing environments, so you'll be catching perch, panfish, and lake trout in no time