When it comes to ice fishing, choosing the right reel can make or break your day on the ice. Two of the most popular options are the inline reel and the spinning reel, each offering unique benefits depending on your fishing style, target species, and technique. Whether you’re targeting light-biting panfish or battling larger game fish like lake trout, the reel you use can affect everything from line control to sensitivity and overall performance. In this blog, we’ll compare inline and spinning reels head-to-head, helping you decide which one is best suited for your ice fishing needs and ensuring that you’re set up for success this season. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each, so you can make an informed choice and elevate your ice fishing game! 

Inline Reel

An inline ice fishing reel is unlike a traditional spinning reel, which has the spool horizontal and line running through the line guide on the bail. The key feature of an inline reel is its spool alignment: the spool rotates directly in line with the rod and fishing line, as opposed to the angled spool of a spinning reel.

This design may seem subtle, but it results in a significant difference in the way the reel handles line and bait. Inline reels feature a straight-line design, which provides more control over the fishing line during retrieval. The absence of a bail arm or line guide allows for less line twist, providing smoother performance when fighting fish or jigging.

Key Features

• Spool orientation

The main difference between spinning and inline reels is the spool orientation. An inline reel has the spool in the vertical position allowing the line to smoothly go through the guides on both retrieve and drop without line twist. 

• Natural Bait Presentation 

Due to the spool being inline with the guides this allows your bait to descend straight down the water column giving your bait a more natural presentation.  

• Line Release Trigger

Unlinke Spinning Reels, Inline Reels do not have a bail to flip when releasing the line. Instead Inline reels have a trigger that releases the spool allowing the line to freely drop. 

• Efficiency 

Because the spool is inline with the rod guides in the vertical orientation and has a line release trigger not a bail, this ensures maximum efficiency when targeting fish. This makes it a lot faster to get your bait back into the strike zone. 

• Drop Speed Control

Control the rate of speed your bait drops at with drop speed control. This feature paired with an aluminum spool makes descending lighter lures a breeze. 

• Smooth Drag

Smooth drag allows you to fight the fish effectively and have the fish pull line without jugging the reel.

Where the Inline Ice Fishing Reel Shines

If you’re fishing with light jigs, small lures, or ultra-light tackle, the inline reel’s design is a game-changer. The direct line path and reduced line twist make it easier to manage delicate presentations. You’ll find it particularly effective when fishing for smaller species such as crappie, perch, bluegill, and sunfish. 

Not only are these reels ideal for light and finesse tackle, I like using these reels when i’m working my bait off bottom. Whether it’s a rattling spoon or Jigging Rap this reel makes it easy to keep your bait in the strike zone and hook up on those fish that missed the bait the first time. The reel allows you to quickly drop your lure to the desired depth and then maintain tight control while you jig. The direct line retrieval reduces the chances of the jig moving too erratically or spinning uncontrollably.

Where Spinning Reels Shines

One of the issues you may face with inline reels is line capacity. On average inline reels can only hold 100 yards of 6 pound test. This is where it may benefit you to use a spinning reel if you’re fishing in 50’ -100’ of water. Another factor that would make you consider going with a spinning reel is drag. Depending on the target species drag can be make or break. Because inline reels are so compact they lack drag. Typically, you can expect around 4-6 pounds of drag. However, there isn’t a significant difference of drag when you compare inline to 500 sized spinning reels. If you are targeting trophy whitefish or lake trout I would recommend 1000-2000 sized reels. Larger line capacity and stronger drag will make your time on the water a lot more productive.

The Hybrid

There is one inline reel on the market that can compete with 1000 sized spinning reels in both drag and line capacity. That is the 13 Fishing Black Betty FreeFall XL. This reel has some impressive specs that will most definitely take on some of the biggest fish in the frozen lake.

13 Fishing Black Betty FreeFall XL Specs

• 9.9 lb. Max Drag
• FreeFall Performance Window
• Improved Slide Drag System
• Graphite Frame Construction
• Drop Speed Control
• Instant Stop Anti-Reverse
• Tangle Free Spool Cap
• 3.0:1 Gear Ratio

Pros and Cons of Inline Reels

Pros

• Inline retrieval and drop
• No line twist
• Natural bait presentation 
• Drop speed control
• Free Fall Trigger
• Smooth drag

Cons

• Decreased line capacity
• Less drag than 1000 sized spinning reel

Conclusion: Is An Inline Ice Fishing Reel Right for You

Inline ice fishing reels are an excellent choice for anglers looking for greater control, sensitivity, and a reduction in line twist. Whether you’re using light tackle for panfish, finesse techniques for trout, or simply want to improve your jigging experience, an inline reel can make your ice fishing setup more efficient and enjoyable. With their smooth performance, reduced line twists, and fine-tuned drag systems, these reels are quickly becoming a favorite among ice anglers looking to level up their game.

So, if you haven’t yet, give an inline ice fishing reel a try this season—you might just discover a new tool that transforms your winter fishing experience!