Does the idea of ice fishing get your heart pumping and racing?
This wonderful outdoor activity opens up plenty of opportunities to catch your prized game – pike, bluegill, crappie… You name it!
But before you head out, you need to get yourself the best ice fishing line for this kind of activity. The last thing you want is to have your low-quality, weak fishing line giving out on you when presented with major challenges over a frozen water hole.
Let’s give it to you straight – buying a line is highly critical. And yes, it is not all too easy. There are plenty of products out there presenting themselves to be the best. But there are also tons of misleading information that can prevent you from buying the right one you need.
This is why we are here – to spare you from making an expensive mistake that can lead to missed strikes, frustration, and bad experience from ice angling.
Have a look at our top picks and find out which among these products is the best ice fishing line to get that is worth your time and money.
Quick Comparison: Top Ice Fishing Line
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Piscifun Onyx Superline Braided Abrasion-Resistant Fishing Line |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 2. Reaction Tackle Fishing Line |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 3. Sufix 832 Fishing Lure |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 4. Berkley Trilene Ice Fishing Line |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 5. KastKing Abrasion-Resistant Fishing Line |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 6. P-Line Floroice Fishing Line |
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 | 7. Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon Ice Fishing Line |
| Check On Amazon | |
 | 8. Celsius 50-Yard Tip Up Fishing Line |
| Check On Amazon |
**Below, you’ll find our more detailed reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
Top 8 Best Ice Fishing Line Reviewed
1. Piscifun Onyx Superline Braided Abrasion-Resistant Fishing Line
If you are attempting to catch a 6-pound to a hefty 150-pound fish, the Piscifun Onyx is the perfect fishing line for you. It is highly durable and abrasion-resistant, making it hard to tear and damage no matter how heavy the catch.
We are impressed with the epoxy coatings on this braided fishing line, which adds to its strength and power. The superior fiber material features 4 sturdy strands that can hold up quite well. Creating a solid knot is fast and easy and the resistance to abrasion keeps fish intact.
This fishing line is just as great as how you want it to be. The braid is undeniably small and will not break under slight pressure. Casting may not be the smoothest but there is no doubt that you can expect an impressive catch during your ice fishing expedition using this line.
2. Reaction Tackle Fishing Line
There are so many things to love about this fishing line that is simply packed with strength and efficiency. It offers a near-zero tear and stretch, making it a highly durable fishing line. It is made of pure quality UHMWPE, which is a super sturdy, pro-grade and slick fiber in the market.
No matter what fish species you’re attempting to catch, be it a Muskie, Trout, or Bass, this line can perform great in ice fishing, surf fishing, saltwater, and freshwater. There is minimal friction to it, and it is undeniably lightweight for a professional casting distance!
The hook sets can take a bit of a learning curve for a beginner, and the same holds true with casting as overcasting is a possibility. But once you get the hang of it, you will be able to set your hook at a softer rate and experience a solid ice fishing experience with this line.
3. Sufix 832 Fishing Lure
The Sufix 832 offers the strongest and toughest small diameter ice fishing braid yet. We are simply blown away by the R8 high-precision braiding combined with the commercial-grade fiber technology that keeps this fishing gear ultimately strong and consistent.
The material includes 8 fibers, with 1 GORE and 7 Dyneema high-performance fiber. There is a total of 32 weaves per inch, which guarantees optimum durability. We also like how to color is easy to see when on icy water.
One thing to note about this product, though, is that it would have been better if there were other options for the color. Orange would have been a good choice, but fortunately, the fish couldn’t care less that the color may be. Overall, it is a great value for the money.
4. Berkley Trilene Ice Fishing Line
When it comes to ice fishing, it is always a smart choice to never settle for anything less. This is why we highly recommend the Berkley Trilene, which is a premium quality ice fishing line. It provides a low stretch and a high strength of fiber per diameter for better lure control.
This line comes with 110 yards for each spool, and you can expect nothing but the best from it. Sensitivity is quite high, which is perfect for a fast hook set. Pulling out a heavy catch is never a problem with this top-performing ice fishing line.
Overall, this is an excellent ice fishing line for the price. It does come out a bit twisted from the box, though. But once you have it all straightened out, you will be amazed by how great this line works. We simply cannot recommend it well enough!
5. KastKing Abrasion-Resistant Fishing Line
A monofilament line is a way to go when it comes to an impeccable ice fishing experience. This is why the KastKing fishing line is hands-down one of our favorites in the bunch. It is made of mono nylon material that is tournament-grade for optimum quality and it is made even stronger!
The line uses state-of-the-art monofilament manufacturing technology, and you can choose from various colors including blue, red, yellow, clear, and green. With a special keeper package, this adds protection to the mono line and ensures its efficiency when on the water.
This is one thin line, which is almost invisible in the water. Off of the reel, we like how smooth this fishing line is, as well as low memory. It definitely outperforms cheaper brands out there, so you can expect excellent quality for the price you pay.
6. P-Line Floroice Fishing Line
Before you go out and start ice fishing, it is worth checking out this pro-grade fishing line from P-Line. This product features the Floroice, which is basically a combination of a material called copolymer and silicone fluorocarbon premium coating. As a result, the line is freeze-resistant.
Hard water is not a problem at all with this fishing line. It stays limp even in a very low, freezing temperature. We also like how virtually invisible it is to help you get a good catch. Plus, it offers an exceptional knot strength to ensure optimum strength.
It is definitely one strong and sturdy fishing line. But we cannot say that it is completely infallible since there is still a slight tendency for it to freeze. In terms of performance, we can say it is indeed worth the price you pay.
7. Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon Ice Fishing Line
If quality is what you look for, then the Trilene fishing line is an excellent choice to consider. We love the low-stretch design for enhanced sensitivity to make it much easier for you. The hooksets are also pretty solid, which is very impressive for the price you pay.
This fishing line features a thinner diameter. This offers greater ease when it comes to luring control. Another thing we have noticed about this line is its optimum invisibility. The fluorocarbon is hard to see, which helps increase your chances of catching fish.
For the most part, we can truly say that this fishing line does the job well. The invisibility is an outstanding feature to help you snag a great catch. It literally disappears upon hitting the water, which is quite impressive. But it does get slightly stiff in the cold weather, and this increases its chances of getting wrapped around or tangled.
8. Celsius 50-Yard Tip Up Fishing Line
The Celsius fishing line is a freeze-free and kink-free line that adds to the ease and enjoyment of ice fishing. This is an important feature that you want from a line since the last thing you want is to spend so much time trying to untangle and straighten up the line just when you are ready to cast.
This sturdy fishing line has also undergone a 15-pound test, which ensures its durability. You can expect this line to hold a heavy catch, and it is resistant to breakage and freezing, as well. As it comes in a 50-yard spool, you will surely have more than enough that you need for your ice fishing trip.
Overall, this is a good fishing line to purchase for your needs. It is reasonably-priced, which is a good thing about this product. But if you want a longer length per spool, this item may not suffice for your needs.
What to Look for in the Best Ice Fishing Line to Buy
A fishing line is an essential item in your fishing gear. Before you head out to go fishing, you need to make sure that you have all that you need to get started. This is why we present to you a shopper’s guide for choosing the right line to purchase for your ice angling trip.
Here are some of the important things to consider that will help you ensure a true value for your money and an excellent overall ice fishing experience.
1. Understand the Basics
Fishing lines are available in different types.
Monofilament
Monofilament is just as the name implies, which is made up of one strand of plastic material. It is known for its simplicity and popularity because of how easy it is to use.
Pros:
- Excellent for casting because of its limp quality.
- Floats well and perfect for use as topwater lures.
- Highly stretchy, which is best when preventing fish for easily throwing the hook.
- Virtually invisible underwater and on topwater.
- Quick and simple to knot, making it great for beginners.
Cons:
- The stretchy quality creates a wider distance between the lure and the rod.
- The single-strand makes this line quite weak due to its diameter.
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon is another line, which is slowly gaining more interest from avid ice anglers. It is a bit on the stiff side when it first came out in the market. However, with the improvement in technology, it has become more supple for easy spooling.
Pros:
- When you are fishing with jigs and worms at the bottom of the water, this is a good option because it sinks.
- There is a bit of a stretch but not too much.
- It tends to refract light that makes it invisible to the fish.
- The tensile strength is higher in comparison with the monofilament.
- The material is naturally waterproof, so it does not absorb water.
Cons:
- The increased memory causes an increase in corkscrewing from your spinning reels, which can be an inconvenience.
- Casting is not the easiest because of the stiff design.
- It can be tricky to knot this line, so you will need to lubricate or wet it first to achieve a good knot.
Braided
Braided is another type of line, and it comes with several strands of sturdy fiber. There are instances when you would want to heat the line to make it smoother and to give its composition a more unified quality. Some braided lines are also coated to ensure water-resistance.
Pros:
- It is the strongest line there is because of the numerous strands.
- The lack or reduced stretch makes this line highly sensitive.
- This is a highly recommended line for ice fishing or when you fish with worms due to the accurate feedback between your lure and the bottom of the water.
- Casting is exceptional, particularly when it comes to long casting.
Cons:
- There is virtually no stretch with this line, which is a disadvantage when you want a line that absorbs shock.
- Compared with the monofilament and fluorocarbon, braided lines are the most visible of the three types.
- Once the line gets wet, casting can be challenging.
- Braided fishing lines tend to cut your skin because of their unique design. However, its lack of resistance to abrasion makes it necessary for you to tie leaders that are then connected to the lure and the main line.
2. Determine the visibility of the line.
Ice fishing requires special lines that will add to the ease of the entire angling experience. Generally, the line does not move much, in comparison with how it is done when fishing in warmer water. This is why you would want to purchase a line that is as invisible as it can get.
Because of this important requirement, we recommend fluorocarbon because of its high invisibility feature. Monofilament is also good, but not quite as great as the fluorocarbon.
3. It must be resistant to cold.
It is expected that your line will become brittle and stiff when the temperature dips. If you are fishing in a warm climate, this should not be an issue. But the story changes when you are ice fishing. This is why you need to make sure that your fishing line is pliable and supple even during the coldest of weather.
4. Check the abrasion-resistance level.
Once you have that fish bites the bait, there will be some struggle to expect. That fish will run the line as hard as possible against ice – and you need to make sure your line can handle it. We cannot recommend enough the use of a tougher line that will resist the abrasion. Nothing can handle this more than a fluorocarbon line.
5. High sensitivity is essential.
It is true that fish in cold water tends to be more sluggish and lacking vigor. In this case, you want your line to be as sensitive as possible when you are jigging several feet underwater. Our choice, in this case, is the braided line, although the fluorocarbon should work, too.
6. The line must not be susceptible to freezing.
This is no rocket science – as the water gets absorbed by your line, the buildup is likely to happen on the guides of your rods. Clogging can then occur once an immense amount of ice forms. The worst thing that can happen is a freezing line that tends to stick to literally everything it comes in contact with.
So in this case, we recommend the fluorocarbon and the mono. Braided lines do not absorb water immensely when these are coated but this does not negate the fact that they still freeze.
Ice Fishing Line: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of ice fishing line should I buy?
Your choice comes down to the purpose you have in mind. For instance, if you are using floating baits or lures, you want to go for the fluorocarbon line. We do not recommend a braided line because of its lack of stretch and the monofilament is so flexible, causing some difficulties with casting.
How do I check the strength of the line?
Naturally, you want to buy the strongest fishing line possible. This is why you should always check the ratio between diameter and strength. The toughest lines can withstand extreme climates and weather conditions. They also possess important features including hydrophobic designs and resistant to freezing.
What exactly does sensitivity stand for when it comes to fishing lines?
A sensitive line is one that allows you to feel the slightest bite of the fish on your bait. So, it makes perfect sense to buy a fishing line that is very sensitive and will help you know instantly once there is fish caught on it to help you take the right action immediately.
What features should I look for to ensure durability?
A durable line features UV resistance and abrasion-resistance as just some of its primary design. You also want to make sure the line does not tear or break easily, so you can expect a longer lifespan from the line you purchase.
What are the other things I need to keep in mind to help me come up with the best purchasing decision on a quality ice fishing line?
There are literally dozens of ice fishing lines available in the market today. But the choice can be tricky because they all claim to be good at one thing, making it rather overwhelming for you to decide on buying just one for your needs.
But you just have to keep the basics in mind. Ask yourself these questions:
- Is it sturdy?
- Does it break easily?
- Is the line kink-free and does not freeze quickly?
- Will it be easy for me to knot the line?
- How is its ability to resist abrasion and tear?
- Can I be certain that this line will make it hassle-free for me to cast?
These are just some of the questions you need to prioritize when choosing the right ice fishing line to buy. Once you have come down to the answers, you should be able to compare them with the products in question.
Your budget also dictates your decision. But be sure to consider the features in addition to the price tag to make sure the item is indeed worth the amount you pay.
Conclusion
Ice fishing is an exciting and enjoyable activity that many avid anglers wish to participate in.
But this activity also requires special tools to help you ensure a great catch that is worth your time and money. You need to make sure that your line withstands tough temperature and constant abuse.
Always remember that ice fishing is not as simple as angling in warmer water. Casting may end up to be a problem when your line is submerged in freezing water for hours. This can cause the reel to freeze, which is so disappointing when all you want is a fast and smooth cast.
Make it a point to check our buying guide when choosing the best ice fishing line to buy and browse through our featured items for ideas on the top-rated products in this category. By doing so, you can come up with a practical purchasing decision that is truly worth the price you pay.