Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

Any tackle consists of the main elements, which include a rod, reel and, of course, fishing line. Today’s fishing line is made from strong nylon and has a higher breaking load than what was produced 30-40 years ago. Fishing trends lead to the fact that lovers of recreation on the waters use ever thinner diameters. This is due to an attempt to increase the bite by making the tackle more delicate.

About ice fishing line

The first fishing line or its likeness was used by the inhabitants of ancient cities. Having made a hook from the bone of an animal, it was necessary to obtain a connecting element between it and a rod from a stick. The first fishing line was created from the veins of animals. Today the fishing line has not lost its functions. With its help, all elements of fishing equipment are mounted.

Since ancient times, the same line was used for fishing at different times of the year, but later separate categories of monofilament appeared. For the manufacture of the connecting link between the coil and the hook, a dense polymer is used, which is not subject to dissolution by liquids, has a strong structure and a more or less even diameter. Even

Differences between winter fishing line and summer version:

  • soft structure;
  • higher stretch;
  • resistance to abrasive surface;
  • preservation of properties at low temperature;
  • lack of memory.

Low temperatures affect the structure and integrity of nylon. A coarse monofilament is more susceptible to brittleness and the appearance of microcracks in the fibers during glaciation. That is why the best soft fishing line is used for ice fishing. Abrasion resistance is an important aspect that a fishing line must have. When playing a predator or any white fish, the nylon rubs against the sharp edges of the hole. A strong wind spreads it over the ice, the fishing line clings to individual ice floes, frays.

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

The winter version of the monofilament is traditionally sold in small reels, since the distance from the hook to the rod is minimal. Experienced anglers wind up to 15 m of fishing line on a reel. In the case of several breaks, the monofilament is completely changed. This approach allows the use of fresh material, not exposed to low temperatures, on a permanent basis.

They pull trophies out from under the ice with the help of fingers. Tactile contact makes it possible to feel any movement of the prey: jerking the head, going to the side or to the depth. At this point, the extensibility of the material plays a special role. A line with a low stretch value cracks near the hole when the trophy needs to be brought into the hole. The thin diameter does not allow the angler to move too much. One wrong or hasty move and the fish will cut off the mormyshka.

If the purchased fishing line is taken in rings that cannot be straightened to its original position with the help of fingers, it means that poor quality material has fallen into the hands.

It is usually enough to pull the nylon out with both hands. In other cases, the fishing line is slightly heated, passing it between the fingers, then straightened. When fishing in a plumb line, the material should not spin in order to qualitatively transmit the slightest bites of a cautious fish.

What to look for when choosing a fishing line

Every detail of the equipment should correspond to the fishing season. Thus, unusual rods are used in winter spinning, which have wide rings. The same approach applies when evaluating and purchasing ice fishing line. To understand which fishing lines are good, you need to “feel” them with your own hands.

The main criteria for choosing a strong winter fishing line for fishing:

  • specificity;
  • freshness;
  • diameter;
  • breaking load;
  • price segment;
  • manufacturer;
  • unrolling.

The first thing you should pay attention to is the specifics of the product. The spool or packaging must be marked “winter”, otherwise the material may be subject to low temperatures. Why is it dangerous? When the fishing line freezes and freezes, it ceases to hold knots, becomes brittle, and the breaking load and elasticity decrease.

When choosing the strongest fishing line for fishing, you need to check the date of manufacture. Fresh fishing line, even the cheapest price category, is much better than an expensive branded product with an expired shelf life. Over time, nylon shrinks, losing its characteristics. It also stops holding knots, tears and cracks easily.

Chinese manufacturers often overestimate the cross section of the product, thereby increasing its breaking load. You can check this parameter using a special tool. Experienced anglers can determine the line diameter by eye, which gives them an advantage in choosing a quality product. For winter fishing, a thin section is used, since sheer fishing and high water transparency require increased delicacy of the equipment.

The modern fishing market presents a variety of products at affordable prices. Among the lines of winter nylon, you can choose a budget option that is in no way inferior to expensive counterparts. For many ice fishing enthusiasts, the manufacturer is considered important. By default, anglers prefer Japanese fishing line than domestic, but you can only find out which is better in practice.

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

Photo: pp.userapi.com

To save money for buyers and ease of winding, winter monofilament is sold in unwinding of 20-50 m. In rare cases, you can find a larger unwinding.

When buying, you need to perform several manipulations:

  1. Check tensile strength and breaking load. To do this, unwind a segment, a meter long, take it from both ends and stretch it to the sides with smooth movements. It is important to remember the cross section and the declared breaking load. Too much force can cause breakage.
  2. Trace the structure and diameter. It is important that the line is of the same diameter along the entire length, especially when buying a thin product. The presence of villi and notches indicates the old age of the material or poor-quality production technology.
  3. See if the monofilament is aligned. After winding off the reel, rings and half rings appear. If they do not level out under their own weight, you can run your fingers over the material. The heat will even out the texture of the nylon thread.
  4. Tie a simple knot and check the material again for tearing. A high-quality thread breaks at the knot, losing a small percentage of strength. This is important so that the main part of the nylon remains intact during breaks, and does not tear in the middle.

You can also pick up a good fishing line according to the reviews of fishing colleagues. However, it is still necessary to check it with the main methods, suddenly a marriage or an expired product falls into the hands.

Classification of winter fishing line

All selected nylon products must be marked “Winter”, “Ice” or winter – this classifies the fishing line by season. Nylon of different sections is used for fishing. For fishing small white fish or perch, a monofilament with a diameter of 0,08-0,1 mm will suffice. Fishing for large bream requires values ​​​​of 0,12-0,13 mm. If the target is carp, then the cross section of the fishing line can reach parameters up to 0,18 mm.

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

For pike or zander hunting, it is recommended to take a thicker monofilament – 0,22-025 mm for lure and 0,3-0,35 mm for bait fishing.

Winter fishing line is of three types:

  • monofilament or nylon with a soft structure;
  • rigid fluorocarbon;
  • monofilament with woven structure.

For ice fishing, the first and third options are used as the main fishing line. Fluorocarbon is only suitable as a leader for perch or pike. Braided fishing line is used for stationary fishing from the bottom on float equipment. It is more noticeable, so it is not suitable for the needs of search fishing.

Another important parameter is the breaking load. The thin line of famous brands is much more durable than the Chinese product. The normal breaking load for a diameter of 0,12 mm is 1,5 kg, while this value indicated by the manufacturer on the box does not correspond to reality. High-quality fishing line with a diameter of 0,12 mm is able to withstand a load of 1,1 kg. At the same time, this indicator is in no way related to the size of the pecked prey.

Every angler has a story about how he managed to catch a trophy fish on an incredibly thin line. The breaking load is the moment of resistance and it all depends on the angler. If you do not create strong pressure on the fishing line, play the bream or pike carefully, then a section of 0,12 mm can withstand fish weighing up to 2 kg, which significantly exceeds the declared parameters.

If in the warm season, anglers use multi-colored fishing line, then in winter, preference is given to transparent products. The fact is that during sheer fishing, the fish comes as close to the line as possible, therefore, it notices the carelessness of the equipment. Before choosing a winter fishing line, you need to determine the color.

Top 16 Best Ice Fishing Lines

Among the lines offered by the fishing market, you can pick up a fishing line for any purpose: catching roach, perch, large bream and even pike. Many products are in demand among most ice fishing enthusiasts, others are less popular. This top includes the highest quality nylon threads, which are in demand both among amateurs and ice fishing professionals.

Winter monofilament fishing line Lucky John MICRON 050/008

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

For ice fishing professionals, Lucky John introduces an updated line of specialized nylons. An unwind of 50 m is enough to equip two rods with a mormyshka or float equipment. The declared breaking load of 0,08 mm in diameter is 0,67 kg, which is enough for catching small fish and fighting a pecking trophy.

A special coating improves wear resistance, resistance to abrasive surfaces, and also retains performance at the lowest possible temperatures. The Japanese product got into this rating due to high-quality raw materials and characteristics.

Monofilament fishing line Salmo Ice Power

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

The transparent color fishing line is used by anglers for both stationary and search fishing. The line has many products of different diameters: 0,08-0,3 mm, therefore it is used for float fishing rods for linen, and for mormyshka for perch, and for catching pike on a vent.

Monofil does not interact with water, has a smooth texture. Recommended for fishing from a small minus to critical levels below zero.

Fishing line Winter Mikado Eyes Blue Ice

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

Soft winter nylon with high abrasion and low temperature resistance. The line goes in unwinding 25 m, which is enough for one rod. The line includes the most popular diameters: from 0,08 to 0,16 mm. The line has a soft blue tint that is invisible at great depths.

Nylon Eyes Blue Ice is indispensable when fishing with an active jig, it does not distort its game, transferring all movements to the lure from the tip of the nod. The breaking load is maintained even at the nodes.

Fluorocarbon Line Salmo Ice Soft Fluorocarbon

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

Rigid material that is almost invisible in the water in both sunny and cloudy weather. It is used by lovers of predator fishing as a lead material for lure and bait fishing.

The minimum diameter – 0,16 mm with a breaking load of 1,9 kg is used for fishing on a balancer, sheer spinners or rattlins. Sections of 0,4-0,5 mm are used as a lead material for zander and pike. The length of one leash is 30-60 cm.

Fishing line Winter Jaxon Crocodile Winter

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

The linear range of nylon products is presented with a diameter of 0,08 to 0,2 mm. Fully transparent material provides high breaking load. Reels come in unwinding for two rods – 50 m.

The use of special Japanese technologies and raw materials give an advantage over analogues in the form of a long shelf life. The line dries slowly, so it does not need to be changed every season. Medium stretch is ideal for mormyshka or balancer fishing from ice.

Winter fishing line AQUA IRIDIUM

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

Specially designed line of fishing monofilament for fishing in harsh winter conditions. The multipolymer structure is not subject to ultraviolet rays, low temperatures and abrasive. The line is barely noticeable in the water, has a light bluish tint.

A wide variety of sections makes it possible to choose nylon for a specific type of fishing. Sufficiently large unwinding provides several rods with nylon material at once. This product is perfect for fans of ice fishing, referring to the budget price category.

Monofilament hazel ALLVEGA Ice Line Concept

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

Inexpensive, but high-quality soft fishing line is designed for fishing in the winter season from ice. Monofilament has no color, so it is invisible in water. It is used for stationary and search methods of fishing with the help of jig.

This product gives a good shape when fighting a large bream or other trophy, it has a high extensibility, which acts as a natural shock absorber.

Monofilament line Sufix Ice Magic

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

Winter Nylon Ice Magic has an extensive selection of products with different diameters. In the line there is a line for fishing on the most delicate tackle with a section of 0,65 mm, as well as a thicker monofilament for fishing with baits and spinners – 0,3 mm. The choice is not limited to the diameter, the manufacturer also provides a variation of colors: transparent, pink, orange and yellow.

The soft nylon structure has no memory, so it flattens out under its own weight. Over time, the material does not discolor, retaining its characteristics and attractiveness.

Winter fishing line Mikado DREAMLINE ICE

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

Monofilament fishing line for ice fishing has a 60 m unwind, so it is enough for 2-3 rods. Transparent color provides complete invisibility in clear water. Monofilament has no memory, straightens with a slight stretch.

When creating the material, the highest quality polymer raw materials were used with the use of advanced technologies. Due to this, the diameter along the entire length of the fishing line is the same.

Monofilament fishing line MIKADO Nihonto Ice

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

This type of nylon has a slight stretch, due to which the best contact with the bait is established. Experts recommend using Ice Nihonto for fishing with a balancer or a sheer lure.

The special structure of the monofilament made it possible to create a product with a high breaking load. The relatively small diameter is able to withstand strong jerks of large fish. Coils are presented in 30 m unwinding. Blue tinting makes the product less visible in cold water with a high degree of transparency.

Winter fishing line AQUA NL ULTRA PERCH

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

Despite the fact that this monofilament was designed for perch (the most common predator in ice fishing), the monofilament is excellent for angling white fish on mormyshka.

The fishing line is made with the participation of three polymers, so its structure can be called a composite. It has minimal memory, stretching under its own weight. The soft structure handles abrasives such as flake edges and loose ice floes.

Fluorocarbon line AKARA GLX ICE Clear

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

Rigid fluorocarbon material, with refraction in water, creating a feeling of invisibility. Anglers use this line as leashes for catching perch, zander or pike. The model range is represented by various diameters: 0,08-0,25 mm.

The completely transparent structure has high strength and does not affect with water. Minimal stretch ensures fast transfer of fish contact with the bait. Rigid structure allows you to withstand the shell and rocky bottom, sharp edges of the holes.

Lucky John MGC monofilament hazel

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

The soft monofilament structure of the product has a high degree of stretch, which absorbs the jerks of the fish under the ice. The colorless texture of winter monofilament is invisible in clear cold water. It is used for fishing with a mormyshka, float fishing, as well as fishing on a balancer and sheer baubles.

Winter fishing line AQUA Ice Lord Light Green

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

This ice fishing nylon is available in three colors: light blue, light green and light grey. The line is also represented by a wide choice of fishing line diameter: 0,08-0,25 mm.

Exceptional elasticity, combined with increased tensile strength, make this product a top rating fishing monofilament for winter. The material has no memory and retains its characteristics to the lowest temperatures. Even in temperatures as low as -40°C, nylon retains elasticity and cushioning.

SHIMANO Aspire Silk S Ice monofilament

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

An ideal option for winter fishing is Shimano products. The fishing line has no memory, is resistant to ultraviolet rays, endures low air temperatures. Nylon does not interact with water, repelling molecules and preventing freezing.

A high breaking load with a relatively small diameter is what the developers of this nylon were trying to achieve. Coils have an unwinding of 50 m.

Winter fishing line AQUA NL ULTRA WHITE FISH

Winter Ice Fishing Line: Features, Differences and Applications

This monofilament was made from three parts. The composite structure made it possible to achieve a better ratio of diameter and breaking load. The fishing line has no memory, has softness and elasticity.

The manufacturer recommends using the product for stationary and search fishing for white fish. Nylon is not subject to low temperatures, is not afraid of sunlight.

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