Ice fishing rods and reels have been collecting dust since last season. When you want to go ice fishing, and pull off the line, you will discover line that is curlier than a pig tail. The coils make it harder for the line to sink and set the hook.
To un-curl the line, use a line conditioner. There are dedicated products on the market designed for monofilament line. Braid line rarely needs straightened.
The curly line is from memory. The line has been wrapped around a spool for months which makes it take on the shape of the spool. Anglers that are serious will change their line annually. The old line can be recycled and new line added.
Use as thin of line as you are comfortable with. Florocarbon makes great tippets, but it would be expensive to run on many ice rods. There are monofilaments designed for Ice Fishing, but these will also need a little de-curling.
Lighter lines will break easier. They also do not age as well as heavier lines. For kids, go heavier on the line strength and make sure the reels drag is set properly. Alot can happen when the fish gets to the ice hole. Heavier line is more forgiving.
To condition your line, pull the monofilament off the reel and attach it to a fence or tree. Use a soft sponge or cloth to apply the conditioner. Allow the line to set for 10 minutes then reel it in. If there are still some curls when you go fishing, simply pull the line off and stretch it out. Once you catch a few fish, the line will be perfect.
Follow the directions for the conditioning product you buy.
A simple Conditioner is Vaseline, Mineral Oil, and Baby Oil. These products work well and are simple to apply. Since they are 21% lighter than water, they will also help keep the line afloat. You can dilute them for easy application or to use as a spray. They have no scent, harmful chemicals, or toxins. They will not damage the environment or hurt aquatic life.
I have also used these products on my fly lines. The conditioning treatment will also clean the line. This means a clearer line that will also cast further. Armor All is also a good cleaner/conditioner for most fly lines. Use lightly.
Some anglers use WD-40 and Silicon Sprays for their line and reels. These products do have harmful chemicals and can be harmful to consume. Hair conditioners are also used but these are infused with scents and potentially harmful chemicals.
If Baby Oil is safe for a Baby’s Fanny, it should be good enough for your line!
Montana Grant
