Page 38 - ODUNovAndDec2018

however, and other factors like

zebra mussels, there are situations
where we simply have to scale
down and use finesse. So, I joked
that I don’t use one-pound
monofilament unless I have to… on
today’s ice fishing scene on many
bodies of water, I have to. As ice
anglers continue to get better at

finding and catching fish and as
many bodies of water continue to
clear up from invasives like quagga
and zebra mussels, there is a
strong case for an increase in using
finesse.

Line Debate

Perhaps no other adjustment creates such startling results as simply dropping down to one- or two-
pound monofilament. Granted you have to drop way down in line diameter just to retain the sensitivity
of smaller jigs but there is more at play. Lighter line also swings and moves in the water easier when
fish attempt to inhale the jig. What also becomes obvious is that bluegill and sunfish in particular simply
see the line. On heavily pressured water where there is excellent water visibility, anglers who drop

down to one- and two-pound test continue to
catch fish while anglers using four-pound test
simply don’t. What is really startling to me is
situations where we could sight fish in these
situations. I have watched bluegills stall at
three to four feet away from a jig when using
heavier three- or four-pound mono.

Fishing with one- or two-pound test takes
some adjustments. Setting the hook is
different. Fighting fish and landing fish is
more tedious. You can’t windmill larger fish
and lift them from the hole to your hand using
the line.

The System

On the toughest bites, spooler reels like the
Clam Ice Spooler Elite (pictured right) can do a
much better job of managing your line. There
is misinformation that spinning reels cause
twist and that there is no twist when using a