Best Ice Fishing Line
When winter approaches, it is time for all ice fishing fans to step out of their cocoons. Once we’re out, we start right away with all the plans and preparations for our next ice fishing expedition. And when it comes to picking the right ice fishing gear, everyone (including me) tends to get a little nervous, no matter how experienced we are.
We only want the best ice fishing gears – the best ice fishing line, rods, reels, baits, etc.
But since there are countless options available in the market and hundreds of products being introduced every now and then, the feelings of nervousness and confusion are inevitable. But what if I tell you, I’m here to take some burden off your shoulder?
Sounds helpful? Then you might want to continue reading.
I’ve been a fishing fan since I was young; ever since I held my first “Albatros,” to be precise. During my last two decades of multiple fishing expeditions throughout Europe, I’ve used a fair share of ice fishing lines. Some has failed me terribly, and with some I’ve had the biggest catches of my life.
So, in this article, I would like to take you through some of the best ice fishing lines I’ve come across so far and help you pick the right one to enhance your next ice fishing experience.
Without further ado, let’s get started:
In a hurry? Here is a quick overview for you:
- Editor’s Choice: KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line
- Top Customer reviews: Berkley Fireline Superline Fishing Line
- Best Value for money: Sufix Ice Magic Fishing Line
Top 8 Ice Fishing Line in 2020
KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line
If you’ve been a part of the ice fishing family for quite some time now, I’m pretty sure you don’t need an introduction to the brand KastKing. Though the brand is quite new as compared to its much older competitors, it has manufactured some amazing ice fishing gears. And the KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line is no exception! It is undeniably one of the best, if not the best-braided, ice fishing line out there.
It comes in a wide range of colors, thicknesses, and sizes. So, whatever your fishing needs and preferences, you can always find a pick with the KastKing SuperPower Braided Fishing Line.
Most ice anglers love this fishing line for its impressive durability and abrasion resistance feature. So, no matter how aggressive or large your catch is, you can conveniently pull it out of the hole. On the other hand, catching smaller fishes on this fishing line is also super easy since it is extremely sensitive.
It also has very low memory. Thus, handling the KastKing braided fishing line will be smooth and hassle-free.
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Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Low memory
- Ultra sensitive
- Highly durable
- High abrasive resistance
- UV resistant
- Available in different sizes, thickness, and colors
Cons:
- A little expensive as compared to other similar products
What do other ice anglers have to say?
“I love this fishing line. I was first skeptical about this line. But after a full ice fishing trip to Lake Michigan, I’m completely in love with this awesome ice fishing line. I love how durable these fishing lines are.”
Want this awesome ice fishing line? Get it here.
Berkley FireLine Superline Fishing Line
The next ice fishing line on this list is one of my favorites. It is the FireLine Superline from Berkley. It is also very popular among other ice fishing enthusiasts. It is made from Dyneema Fibres, which is micro-infused instead of mono making it extremely strong and durable.
It has low visibility, which is something all fishing lines should offer. Plus, it has a thin diameter that will provide you with a smooth and fast casting action.
However, the Berkley FireLine is not a braided fishing line which most people desire, but it still performs exceptionally well. It is one of the highest abrasion resistant fishing lines in its price range. You can easily slice through any type of vegetation due to its fine material.
This FireLine fishing line is extremely sensitive, and you’ll feel it right away once a fish comes and bite your bait. Also, the translucent structure is not visible for the fishes to detect, thus maximizing your catch.
One thing that I really like about this fishing line is that the surface is not slippy like other fishing lines. Hence you can easily tie a knot without the help of glue. It remains tight and allows you to fish without any issue properly.
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Pros:
- Smooth handling
- Nonslip
- One of the strongest monofilament fishing line
- Very sensitive to bites
- Low visibility
Cons:
- Quite expensive for a monofilament line
- It does not have the best flexibility.
What other anglers have to say?
“The only line I’ll ever need. Has the best casting in all the fishing line I’ve used so far.”
Click here to get the line.
Sufix Ice Magic Fishing Line
Whether you want to fish in open water, ice-cold water, or icy water, the Sufix Ice Magic Fishing Line is an excellent pick. This is a classic ice fishing monofilament and great for beginners.
Trust me! If you’re still new to the ice fishing realm, it is best to start with the safest, simplest, and most affordable fishing line. And this ice fishing line by Sufix can be your best bet.
The fishing line can withstand even the coldest temperatures. Even at sub-zero temperatures, the line performs exceptionally well by repelling water. What stands out about this fishing line is its super smooth manageability and low memory. This is truly among the best monofilament fishing lines I’ve used so far.
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Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Very affordable
- Versatile line – can be used in any water temperature.
- Performs well even in sub-zero temperatures
- Easily manageable
- Low Memory
- Repels water
Cons:
- Some people may not prefer the sensitivity on this fishing line.
What other anglers have to say?
“This is my all time favorite ice fishing line. I’ve never lost a fish while fishing with this line. This is the best performer I’ve ever found when it comes to monofilament ice fishing lines.”
Click here to get the product.
Trilene Fluorocarbon Ice Fishing Line
Trilene has been a highly reputed brand in the market of fishing for over six decades now. So, Trilene understands the needs of all fishing enthusiasts like you and me, and never disappoints with their products. The Trilene Fluorocarbon Ice Fishing Line is one such item.
It features everything you’d ask for in a classic fluorocarbon fishing line. It is one of the most invisible and thinnest fishing lines out there. Trust me! It is almost close to invisible. Thus, luring fishes has never been this easy.
Fluorocarbons tend to be stiffer than their counterparts. So you might doubt the memory on this fishing line. However, it includes a unique property, which makes this line low on memory and thus promotes easy handling.
Also, the Trilene fluorocarbon line features a low stretch to easily detect even the slightest bite and never miss out on your catch. This makes it one of the best fishing line for perch, and other easily-scared fishes.
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Pros:
- High abrasion resistant
- Very durable
- Easy to handle
- Low stretch
- High sensitivity
Cons:
- Prone to tangling
What other ice anglers have to say?
“Fluorocarbon lines can be quite tricky, but when you learn how to use it, it is extremely rewarding. I love to use this as a leader. This is extremely sensitive and the best fluoro line I’ve used so far.”
To get this product, click here.
Sufix Performance Tip Up Ice fishing Line
Yes! I haven’t forgotten the “ice fishing with tip ups,” enthusiasts because guess what! I’m a huge fan of tip up fishing as well. Thus, the next product is the Sufix Performance Tip Up Ice Fishing Line, which is undoubtedly one of the best tip up lines for ice fishing.
This line is super strong, with high abrasion resistance and extremely durable. It has a low stretch to pick up the bites of even the laziest fishes and sinks incredibly well. The line is coated and made with HTC (High Tenacity Polyester) braid. Thus, it can withstand the coldest temperatures.
The Sufix Performance tip up line is also great for catching massive game fishes. You even turn this line into the best ice fishing line for walleye, crappie, etc. by using a fluorocarbon leader. This way, you gain the added edge of invisibility.
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Pros:
- Sinks well and fast
- Low memory and can be easily handled.
- Exceptional performance in coldest temperatures
- High abrasion resistance
- Strong enough to catch massive gamefishes
- High Durability
- Low Stretch
Cons:
- Requires additional leader since it is quite visible
What other anglers have to say?
“This tip up fishing line works great for me and is super durable. I use this tip up line for all my winter fishing trips. It never fails me. I suggest you store it in a warm place after you are done fishing. Great ice fishing line for tip ups.”
You can find this product here.
Berkley Trilene Cold Weather Ice Fishing Line
The Berkley Trilene Cold Weather is one of the best ice fishing line for walleye. If you have other fishes in mind, then it still won’t disappoint you. It is one of the most well equipped fishing lines you will find in the market.
The Trilene has high flexibility, which means that the line will not become stiff and brittle when you’re out in cold freezing water. It is specifically designed for cold weather and water. You’ll still be able to have good control under the ice.
Besides high flexibility, the Berkley Trilene is also extremely durable. It is so tough that even if you put it up against the ice’s rough edges, it will not form any kind of wear and tear, making it extremely good for ice fishing.
Another added feature of this fishing line is low memory. This is a very important feature in an ice fishing line that prevents all kinds of twists and turns. You will also love the hue of this line as it becomes virtually invisible in ice.
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Pros
- High grade flexibility
- Low memory
- Very durable
- This fishing line Light and easy to use
- Perfect for ice fishing
Cons
- High risk for breaking with bigger fishes
What other anglers have to say?
“Great fishing line. It does an amazing job under the ice. It also increased the overall bite rate.”
To purchase this fishing line, click here
Piscifun Lunker Braided Fishing Line
The Piscifun Lunker is another amazing ice fishing line that I really like. This fishing line is made in the Netherlands and is known for being one of the most durable fishing lines out there. Most ice anglers would say this is their favorite ice fishing line as well.
The Lunker is a monofilament ice fishing line that is braided and has no stretch, which makes it one of the best braided ice fishing line out there. The non-stretch material of this fishing line makes it perfect for catching bigger fishes as they won’t break easily. They also have a special coating to make it more resistant to abrasion and tears.
One of the best things about Piscifun is their customer support. Many buyers have lauded the amazing customer support they provide. The 30 days warranty also makes the fishing lines a great option if you are looking for something new.
You can also choose between three different fishing lines depending on the fish you want to catch. For example, if you are planning to catch something big, you can choose the line which can withstand more weight.
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Pros
- Comes in three different weight options
- Amazing customer support
- Non abrasive
- Highly durable
Cons
- It comes in only one color, so you don’t have a wide range of choices
What other anglers have to say?
“One of the strongest ice fishing lines I’ve ever used. It has great knot strength and easy to cast. I’ve used it for catching all types of fishes with no issues whatsoever. Will buy this fishing line.”
Click here for more information.
Saplize Fluorocarbon Coated Fishing Line
The Saplize Fluorocarbon is an amazing ice fishing line that you should try to actually see how good it is. It is very light and highly sensitive, making it one of the best ice fishing line for panfish. Since panfish are small and light, you will need something that has great sensitivity.
While being highly sensitive, the Saplize Fluorocarbon fishing line is also very durable. It is made from monofilament material, which is known for its durability. This fishing line also comes with low memory, which prevents any kind of tangling. The low stretch property will also ensure that the line does not snap easily.
The Saplize Fluorocarbon ice fishing line has low visibility, which is exactly what you need in an ice fishing line. It is transparent, and its highly unlikely that the fishes will ever notice the line. It comes in eight different weight capacity and lengths that range from 6 to 22 pounds.
Even though this fishing is durable in terms of smaller fishes, they tend to break when a big fish lands on it. So if you are looking to catch some big fishes, it’s better you go for something else.
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Pros:
- Abrasion Resistance
- Low visibility
- This fishing line is very durable.
- It comes in 8 different options.
Cons:
- The line is quite difficult to cast
What other anglers have to say?
“Great ice fishing line with high sensitivity. Strong enough to get the job done. I was able to catch fishes ranging from 2 to 3 pounds with no issues. I am absolutely in love with this fishing line.”
To buy this product click here
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What do you mean by ice fishing?
A: Ice fishing is almost the same as regular fishing. All you do here is try to catch a fish using a fishing rod, line, hook and bait just like you would in a normal fishing scenario. However, in ice fishing, the difference is that the hooks are dropped into frozen lakes and rivers through a hole drilled on ice. The ice fishing equipment and gears are also slightly different from your normal equipment. Ice fishing is becoming increasingly popular and is one of the favorite winter activities for many people.
Q: Will I need a special line for ice fishing?
A: Yes, you will surely need a special line if you’re going for ice fishing. You can still take your regular line, but you might have a hard time catching any fish. Ice fishing comes with its own set of challenges that makes those special lines necessary. The fishing lines need to be strong enough to overcome the cold weather condition and also the abrasive nature of ice fishing. If you don’t want to waste your money by purchasing different lines, you can get one of those fishing lines designed for both fishings on ice and open waters.
Q: What should I look for in an ice fishing line?
A: If you’re looking to buy an ice fishing line, look for something that has low memory. This will reduce the coils from your fishing line. Coils on your ice fishing line reduce sensitivity, which defeats the whole purpose of a specialized line for ice fishing. Your ice fishing line should also have high flexibility and low stretch.
With all that being said, you should also consider the types of fishes you’d want to catch. Buying a very thin line for catching a large game fish is a far-fetched dream.
Q: Can I ice fish with a regular line?
A: This is one of the most common questions I’ve stumbled upon when it comes to ice fishing. Most ice fishing beginners are torn between ice fishing line vs. regular line. However, I would like to clear the air by saying that ice fishing lines were invented for a sole purpose, i.e., ice fishing. And thus, it is best recommended to use ice fishing lines when you hit the ice.
Yes, there is no doubt that you can ice fish with a regular line too. In fact, if you are just a beginner and want to practice on the ice first, you can go ahead and use a regular line. However, if you want to make the most out of your ice fishing trip and land on massive catches, you should always ice fish with ice fishing lines only.
Q: What is the required amount of line for ice fishing?
A: You will normally find an ice fishing line sold in between 50 to 110 yards of the spool. If you get the 50-yard spool, you can use it on two reels with 25 yards. With that 25 yards will give you will get a decent amount of ice fishing line.
Q: What type of reels is good for ice fishing line?
A: For an ice fishing line, you should buy something that is durable yet lightweight. You do not want something that is too heavy. Lightweight is the way to go.
Conclusion
So there you have it! The top 8 ice fishing lines in the market. Fishing lines play one of the biggest roles in your ice fishing trip. You can either catch a lot of fish or none at all, depending on what type of ice fishing line you use.
So consider all your options and choose your ice fishing line wisely. You can get any one of the above lines depending on what fish you want to catch. Hopefully, this article helps you to make the right decision.
Niels Thomas is a wildlife expert and fishing fanatic that works with major fishing brands like Deeper Sonar, Abu Garcia, Berkley, PENN, BassPro and Pure Fishing. Through sharing the best fishing tips, tricks, gear reviews, locations and much more he hopes to inspire fishing fanatics to start their own journey towards becoming the King of the Catch!