The Benefits of an Inline Ice Reel

Inline Ice Reels

Inline ice reels are all the rage in ice fishing. I have been asking myself for a while now if it is worth putting one on a rod and giving it a try. The price line for these reels has come down significantly, since they first came out, making them a pretty easy buy for even someone who doesn't fish every weekend. With that being said, you still want to get the one that will most benefit you, and the one that will last. 

For me, that meant I ruled out the Frabill brand. I have plenty of Frabill logos on my gear, but any reel I have had with that name on it has not worked out well for me at all. I am sure there will be people that disagree, but that has been my experience. 

So, with a little searching, I narrowed it down between the Fiblink and the Eagle Clawl. Both seemed to have similar specs and both are very popular. The Eagle Claw edged out Fiblink in my mind. but I am sure either would be fine choices. 

In general, the reasons to get an inline reel are numerous. So, what makes these inline reels so great? Well, the first thing that you will notice, (as you significant other is pestering you to come in from the garage but you wont because you cant keep your hands off your new reel) is that the line twist is non-existent. Hands down, this is the biggest advantage. Even when running two pound line, there is no line twist. Whatever size line you have on, the last think you want, when presenting a lure, is for that lure to be spinning in circles when you don't want it to be. Having no line twist solves that issue and allows you to present the lure in the way you want it and the way it was designed to be presented. What else gives these reels an advantage?

- The star drag system is easy to learn and can be adjusted on the fly so you can change it as you fight a fish, which is great for fighting those large walleye or lake trout. 

- The free spool release works like a charm. You can control the speed of the drop. It is the smoothest spool release I have experienced.

- The smooth drag is also something that will make the fight go your way.

- 15.75" line retrieve per crank. Enough said!

When it comes down to it, this reel adds a few of the small things that could increase your success rate by a small amount. It wont catch the fish for you, but it might do a few of those minor things that may or may not help you in this endeavor. Either way, its a nice reel and well worth the simplicity and ease and enjoyment. Its a nice reel. 

The price is right for either the Fiblink or the Eagle Claw. I suggest checking them out! Well worth it.