3 minute read
KNOW YOUR LINES
By: Scott Seibert
TIPS TO HELP YOU CHOOSE THE RIGHT ICE LINE EVERY TIME
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Of all the ways to improve your changes of sliding more (and larger) fish onto the ice this winter, few are as easy and inexpensive as spooling up with high-quality line that fits your style of fishing and the conditions at hand.
Much has been said and written about choosing the right fishing lines, but given the multitude of options available to anglers, many questions remain. In fact, the most frequently asked questions I get at seminars, sport shows, retailers and on the lakes focus on line.
To help you choose the right line for the presentation, species and situation, following are a few of my thoughts on which line to use, when.
Clam Frost Ice Monofilament is a favorite choice when pursuing a variety of species. Monofilament— or mono—line is easy to use. It also stretches more than superlines and more easily than fluorocarbons, so there’s built-in “forgiveness” if your drag sticks or a big fish makes a quick run or violent head-shake that could break the line or tear the hook loose.
I use clear mono most of the time, but Clam’s metered options, which feature alternating clear and colored sections, make it easy to see bites, which is critical in line-watching presentations. Note: When using metered line, tie your lure to the clear—not colored—section, to avoid spooking fish.
Break strength is a key consideration. Some anglers prefer heavy line, but today’s highperformance rods and reels do a great job of helping you fight the fish, so there’s no need to overdo it. I use as light a pound test as possible to reduce the chance of spooking line-shy fish and to improve lure action.
Three-pound-test mono is a good all-around pick for panfish. I also carry reels loaded with 1- and 2-pound test for finessing finicky ’gills and crappies, while 4-pound test excels for jumbo perch.
For most walleye situations, I favor 5- or 6-pound clear monofilament, or orange/clear and red/clear metered mono. When heading to Lake Winnipeg to chase giant greenbacks, however, I switch to 10-pound-test Clam Frost Braid mainline.
Frost Braid is abrasion resistant and has virtually no stretch, for rock-solid hooksets with trophy walleyes—even in deep water. Superbraids also help you feel light bites and work wonders with other fish species. Just keep in mind that braid tends to freeze up in colder temperatures, so it’s ideal for fishing outside in above-freezing temperatures, and inside a heated shelter.
Because braid is easy for fish to see, I tie a swivel to the end of the mainline, followed by a 2-foot leader of 8-pound Clam Frost Fluorocarbon—which is virtually invisible underwater.
Fluorocarbon offers other benefits including great hooking power and is also more sensitive and abrasion resistant than mono, so it makes a fine mainline. As a bonus, Clam’s Frost fluoros offer extremely low memory and are designed to stay supple and manageable in the cold. I plan on factoring them into more of my ice fishing adventures this winter, and recommend you do the same.
SAFE FISHING!
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