Best_Ice_Fishing_Line

Not just any fishing line will do for ice fishing. It is hard water fishing and it is hard on line. You need a fishing line that can withstand the cold temperatures and abrasive conditions and that is easy to work with when it is freezing and will increase your catch rate. This is why you need to invest in the best ice fishing line for your ice angling excursions. You can’t go wrong with the ice fishing lines we’ve reviewed below. They satisfy the above requirements, are strong and durable so they offer the best value for your money and are top rated for their performance on the ice.

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1

OUR TOP PICK

KastKing SuperPower Braided Zero Stretch

KastKing SuperPower Braided Zero Stretch


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Summary

This KastKing SuperPower Braided line is an incredibly popular all around fishing line with anglers because of its affordability, strength for landing monster fish, versatility and durability. What makes it one of the best braided ice fishing line is its high abrasion resistance and durability. It is made using the same high-strength fiber bulletproof vests are made of making it tough enough to withstand fraying and break-offs by jagged and sharp ice edges. It is composed of 4 or 8 strands that give it high tensile strength for vertical fishing and is treated to make it supple for improved knot tying, overall performance, and durability

Its incredible sensitivity and effective lure presentations due to its zero-stretch and low memory is also something you will love on the ice. You won't have a problem detecting even the slightest of bites. Just be careful not to set the hooks too early. You also get the other benefits of braided line such as a smaller diameter that allows you to spool more line to fish deep depths.

It comes in different fade-resistant colors so there's something for you whether you want a low visibility hue that the high observant lethargic fish won't see or a highly visible color to enable you to detect the bites better. It is available in 6 -150 Ib test strengths and 327-1097 yards lengths

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Amazingly tough, abrasion resistant, and durable
  • Incredible sensitivity
  • High tensile strength
  • Zero stretch and incredible sensitivity
  • Versatile fishing line
  • Affordable and incredible value
  • A wide range of test strengths, lengths, and colors
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2

EDITORS CHOICE

Piscifun Superline Abrasion Resistant Braided

Piscifun Superline Abrasion Resistant Braided


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Summary

This Piscifun Braided Fishing Line is built tough and equipped with superior abrasion resistance and durability to withstand the harsh ice angling environment without fraying or breaking off. It is made extremely strong by using high strength fibers woven into 4 or 8 high strength strands and an epoxy coating technology that protects the line from damage while making it smooth and supple so it cuts smoothly through the icy water to drop your lure to your desired depth.

Low memory, minimal stretch, and high sensitivity ensure that you present your lures correctly and transmits even subtle strikes to your rod tip so you can set hooks accurately. It comes in a variety of non-fading colors and the ultrathin diameter, precise braiding, and coating produces strong knots and is easier to work with on the ice. This Piscifun braided line is also a great all around fishing line that you can also use when the ice thaws.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Superior abrasion resistance and durability
  • Low memory, minimal stretch, and high sensitivity
  • Round, smooth, and supple
  • Versatile all around fishing line
  • Variety of non-fading colors
  • Affordable and excellent value
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3

BEST VALUE

Reaction Tackle High Performance Braided

Reaction Tackle High Performance Braided


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Summary

This is another heavy duty and top rated braided ice fishing line offered by Reaction Tackle, which is based in Wisconsin, USA. It is tough enough for ice fishing, especially when fishing from an ice shelter. It is made from 100% UHMWPE, one of the strongest fibers available, constituted of four or eight strands and coated to make it round and smooth for ease of handling and durability. You don't have to worry about the friction on ice breaking this line. Noticing even light bites won't be a problem as it has zero stretch and high sensitivity. You just need to set hooks softly. Some colors hold up well while some bleed. It is available in 10 - 200 lb pound test lines and 150- 1500 yards lengths.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Low visibility as well as bright colors
  • High quality and durable construction
  • Zero stretch and high sensitivity
  • High strength and abrasion resistance
  • Thin, round and smooth so easy to work with
  • Customer service is great
  • A superior line at a bargain price
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4

Berkley Trilene Micro Ice, 2lb/0.9kg, 110yd/100m

Berkley Trilene Micro Ice, 2lb/0.9kg, 110yd/100m


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Summary

Berkley made this Trilene Micro Ice line just for ice anglers. It has what it takes to deliver a good experience on the ice. It is a premium mono that is is much stronger than a standard monofilament line of a similar diameter so it can withstand the abrasive conditions and lift fish through ice holes easily. Its low stretch makes it easier to control lures and ensures accurate hooksets. It is less absorbent and doesn't freeze up making it easy to work with in icy conditions.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Made for ice fishing
  • Enhanced strength
  • Low visibility under the water
  • Low stretch design
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5

Sufix 832 Braid

Sufix 832 Braid


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Summary

This Sufix 832 Ice Braid is made to meet the unique needs of ice anglers. It is made super strong to withstand extremely frigid conditions and the abrasive nature of ice. With how thin it is, it is hard to believe how incredibly strong it is. To equip it with superior strength and ensure it is round and consistent, it is crafted using R8 precision braiding and fiber technology and composed of 7 Dyneema fibers plus 1 GORE fiber. Every inch has 32 weaves.

No stretch means the line has excellent sensitivity for easy detection of light bites. One of the challenges of using braided lines for ice fishing is that they tend to retain water and freeze up. This one is designed to repel water and resist ice build-up reducing line freezing so it is easy to handle on the ice. It also has low memory so produces few line issues.

With its high visibility neon lime hue, it is great to use as the main line when you want to easily see how the line is behaving. You can then tie a fluorocarbon leader so the fish don't see it as well. You can also opt for the low vis. ghost color. Available in 4-30lbs test strengths but only 50 yards length, the shorter length is the only limitation with this line.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Strong, high abrasion resistance, and durable
  • High sensitivity for bite detection
  • Easy to manage in sub-zero temperatures
  • Low line memory and few line issues
  • Resists ice buildup so it doesn't freeze
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6

Berkley Trilene Cold Weather

Berkley Trilene Cold Weather


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Summary

The extremely cold ice fishing environment reduces hand dexterity and can freeze and make fishing lines brittle making them even harder to manage. A line that remains flexible and easy to handle even in the harsh conditions is essential. This Berkley Trilene Cold Weather line is specially made to be flexible and easy to handle in cold water and weather.

It is as flexible at 32°F as a regular fishing line is at 70°F. It is also made tough so it can resist wear due to friction against rough and sharp objects like ice. Its low memory means less twisting so it is able to effectively deliver lures under the ice. The blue hue is easy to see against the ice and snow. It is available in 2 - 12 lb pound tests and 110 yards length.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Cold weather resistant
  • Enhanced flexibility
  • Strong and tough
  • Low memory and reduce line issues
  • Manageable in cold conditions
  • Resists abrasions and cuts
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7

Sufix Magic

Sufix Magic


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Summary

When ice fishing, the last thing you want is a line that absorbs water, forms ice crystals and freezes up even your rod ruining your expedition. You can rest assured this won't happen when using this Sufix Ice Magic Fishing Line, as it is a monofilament fishing line designed for easy manageability even when the temperatures are sub-zero. To maintain its strength and flexibility in cold conditions, it repels water so it doesn't freeze up and weaken. Its strength, manageability, and low memory make it the best monofilament line for ice fishing. It comes in 2 - 8lb strengths and 100 yards.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Withstands extreme cold well
  • Excellent manageability on ice
  • Good strength and durability
  • Reduced water absorption
  • A versatile all-temperature line
  • Low memory and visibility
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8

Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon

Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon


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Summary

This is a 100% fluorocarbon ice fishing line made just for ice anglers. Its first outstanding feature is that it is the ultimate invisible fishing line for ice fishing. Its thin diameter and improved memory properties make the line manageable when it is cold and does not interfere with lure presentations. With no cause to be wary, fish will react well to your lures and when one decides to go for the bait the low stretch design ensures you can detect even nibbles and set hooks solidly. To overcome the biggest issue when using fluorocarbon fishing lines, it is equipped with a lower memory to reduce line tangling and improve the way it handles.

All these outstanding features make this the best ice fishing line and a favorite fishing line for many hard water anglers. By choosing this line for ice fishing, you are setting yourself up for successful fishing expeditions. The PVDF fluorocarbon coating ensures the line can endure abrasion and serve you for a long time. It is available in 1 - 6lbs pound tests and 75 yards long.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Optimized for ice fishing
  • Low stretch and great sensitivity
  • Highly invisible fishing line
  • Easy to handle on ice
  • Improved memory and reduced line issues
  • Strong, abrasion resistant and durable
  • Incredible value
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9

P-Line Floroice Clear

P-Line Floroice Clear


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Summary

Copolymers are great in cold conditions and work great for ice fishing. They have low memory and few tangles, they shed water and ice well and remain straight and supple even in sub-zero temperatures. They also have excellent abrasion resistance.

This P-Line Floroice ice line is a copolymer with a silicon fluorocarbon coating. This makes it a strong line that repels ice, resists freezing and brittleness even better and stays flexible in the coldest weather. Its thin diameter makes it easier to handle and ties strong knots. Fluorocarbon coating means this line is invisible under the water. It is available in 2 - 8lb test strengths and 100 yards.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Invisible to the fish
  • Low line memory
  • Excellent manageabilit
  • Very strong, abrasion resistant, and durable
  • Resistant to freezing and brittleness
  • Ties strong knots
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10

Celsius Tip Up Line, 15-Pounds, 50-Yards

Celsius Tip Up Line, 15-Pounds, 50-Yards


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Summary

Finally, if your favorite ice fishing technique is setting up tip up traps with bait, this is the best ice fishing tip up line in our list. It is made up of braided nylon fibers to make it smooth so it doesn't coil or kink and is resistant to freezing and brittleness. It rolls off the tip up smoothly when a fish takes the bite ensuring positive hooksets. This is a 15lb test strength 50 yards long line.

  • Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
  • Smooth flowing tip up fishing line
  • Manageable in icy conditions
  • Resists kinks and freezing
  • Strong and capable of the job
  • Inexpensive and good value
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How To Choose The Best Ice Fishing Line – Buying Guide

How_To_Choose_An_Ice_Fishing_Line

To ensure your fishing line will withstand the harsh conditions on the ice, be strong enough to resist fraying and breaking, handle the vertical fishing style and help you catch fish, here are the things to look for when choosing an ice fishing line. 

Visibility

In winter, fish limit their movements to conserve energy. From their still position, they are able to study your bait before deciding whether it is worth going for. An invisible fishing line is the only way to fool such observant fish. If they can see the line, they will get spooked and won’t bite. Fluorocarbon lines have excellent invisibility under water.

Strength

Ice fishing is a vertical fishing technique and the best ice fishing lines are high-strength to be able to lift the fish out of the water without breaking off. Ice is also abrasive and the sharp, jagged edges left by your auger will weaken and even neatly cut weak fishing lines. Ensure the line you choose is built strong using strong fibers and weaving techniques that create tough fishing lines with high tensile strength and superior abrasion resistance and durability.

Brittleness

Extreme cold has the effect of making regular fishing lines freeze up and become brittle and prone to breakages. Ensure you choose a fishing line with a water-repellent coating so it doesn’t absorb water and can resist freezing, brittleness, and breakages. A line that remains supple and flexible in the cold temperatures is easier to handle. 

Sensitivity

In freezing waters, fish are less active and bites tend to be subtle and harder to feel. An incredibly sensitive line with low memory and little to no stretch is crucial so can feel every movement in the line and know when you have a bite and need to set the hook. Braided line is the most sensitive followed by fluorocarbon line.

Line Memory

The best ice fishing line has zero to low memory. This means that it doesn’t retain the coiled shape it takes when spooled. It stays straight so it delivers the best lure presentations and transmits even the slightest of strikes on the lure. A high memory line will hang in spring-like coils, have a lot of slack, reduced sensitivity, improper bait presentations. Braided line has near zero memory and fluorocarbon has the worst memory. 

Friction Strength

Ice fishing lines are subjected to a lot of friction, which can lead to fraying and breakages. A good ice line is constructed using strong fibers and technology so it has superior abrasion resistance and won’t weaken or break when repeatedly dragged against the sharp, jagged edges of an ice hole when lifting fish through the ice hole.

Weight

Fishing lines are assigned weight ratings in pounds or kgs according to the weights they’re designed to handle. Ensure that you choose a line with a pound test rating that will work with the ice fishing rod, lure weights you will be using and is capable of lifting the fish sizes you’re likely to land vertically against gravity. If you’re using a 6 lb line and get a big 12 lb fish hooked, the line will most likely break and you will lose the fish. 

Type

Ice fishing line types are the usual monofilament, fluorocarbon and braided fishing lines but they are built tough to withstand the harsh conditions. There are also copolymers and ice fishing tip up lines. Here are the different types of lines and their pros and cons on the ice.

Monofilament Line

Monofilament is the most popular go-to ice fishing line because it is strong, durable and easier to handle in cold conditions. It has less memory than fluorocarbon so presents fewer coils and tangles. Its low stretch delivers solid hook sets and gives you better control of your lures. It is also inexpensive but is not very good at resisting abrasion and requires frequent replacements.

Related Review: Monofilament Line

Fluorocarbon Line

What makes fluorocarbon line good for ice fishing is its excellent invisibility in water and superior abrasion resistance. It sinks readily and is very good at delivering lures down deep. Its low stretch gives it good sensitivity and bites detection. Its downside is its high memory and coils which are made worse by frigid weather. 

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Fluorocarbon Line

How To Ice Fish – Ice Fishing Tips

Braided Fishing Line

Braided line is an excellent fishing line because of its ultra-thin diameter, high strength, zero stretch, low memory, and incredible sensitivity. Its cons are that it is highly visible to the fish and is prone to ice build-up because it readily absorbs water. It is the go-to for fishing in deep waters or when fishing from a warm ice shelter.

Copolymer

Copolymers perform very well in freezing conditions. They have low memory and stay straight and supple, resist water absorption, and have excellent abrasion resistance. Their sensitivity is also good.

Tip Up Line

This is usually a type of braid that is made smoother to resist kinks and come off the spool smoothly when a fish bites the bait.

Color

Brightly colored lines in neon hues such as green, orange and red will give you an edge when ice fishing where bites can be so light that it can be hard to feel them. It will be easier to detect bites by watching the action of the line. To ensure that fish aren’t spooked by the bright line, attach an invisible fluorocarbon line via a knot or swivel.

Resistance To Cold Temperatures

You need a line that can withstand the freezing temperatures and perform as expected. Regular lines react to the cold in ways you won’t like. They stiffen, warp, and snap. Ice fishing lines are built for the cold using anti-freezing and water-repellent coating.

FAQs

What_Is_Ice_Fishing

Q: What Is Ice Fishing?

A: 

Ice fishing is the practice of catching fish through holes drilled in the ice on a frozen water body, which can be a lake or river. Here is how it goes: you layer up to ensure you will be warm out there. You head out with your ice fishing gear. You look for the perfect fishing spot and use an ice auger to drill a hole to expose the water beneath. You drop your lure through the hole and wait for a strike.

Q: Why Do I Need A Special Ice Fishing Line?

A: 

You need a special ice fishing line because ice fishing is a unique angling technique with its own challenges. You need a special ice fishing line that can withstand the extreme cold and abrasive conditions and is easier to handle in the cold.

You can take your regular line ice fishing but don’t be surprised if it gives you a hard time and ruins your experience as you have to deal with line snaps, frozen, brittle lines, and stiff knots. However, there are some great all around fishing lines built with superior strength and abrasion resistance so they can be used on the ice as well as for open, warm water fishing.

Q: Can I Use One Line for All Types Of Fish?

A: 

Fishing lines are designed to handle specific fish sizes. There is no one line that is suitable for all types and sizes of fish. For example, if you have a 3 lb line and you hook a 6 lb walleye, the line is likely to break on you leading to you losing the fish.

Globo Surf Overview

Having the best ice fishing line sets you up for successful fishing expeditions every time you choose to brave the harsh conditions. Our list includes some of the best ice fishing lines made by dependable brands such as Berkley and Sufix. There are also other great ice fishing lines you can consider like the Ice-Tec power pro ice fishing line. We hope that our ice fishing line reviews and buying guide will make it easy for you to find the best line for your needs. Remember to layer up for warmth and stay safe on the ice.

More Ice Fishing Reviews:

 

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Which of the ice fishing lines in our list is your top choice? We would love to read your thoughts or experience with the ice lines we’ve reviewed! Let us know in the comments box below!