Best Inline Ice Fishing Reels of 2026
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Inline ice fishing reels are a popular choice among anglers who want to experience a smooth and efficient fishing experience. These reels are designed to be lightweight and easy to use, while also providing excellent control and sensitivity. They are typically mounted directly on the rod, which helps to eliminate line twist and tangles. Many inline ice fishing reels also feature high-quality drag systems, which allow anglers to easily adjust the tension on their line. Whether you are a seasoned angler or just starting out, an inline ice fishing reel can be a valuable addition to your fishing gear.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Inline Ice Fishing Reels
13 FISHING - Freefall Ghost - Inline Ice Fishing Reel
This fishing reel features a FreeFall Trigger System that allows for smooth operation, while the FreeFall Performance Window provides better visibility of your bait as it falls. The graphite frame construction makes it lightweight and durable, while the Drop Speed Control ensures a more accurate and controlled drop. Additionally, the Instant Stop Anti-Reverse feature helps prevent line tangles and ensures your catch stays hooked.
KastKing Centron Spinning Reel
Transform into a pro angler with KastKing Centron Spinning Reel. Its lightweight and narrow graphite frame design, combined with a computer balancing system, deliver high-performance in a compact size. With incredible stopping power up to 17.5LBs, the Superior Drag System offers smooth and reliable performance. The reel has nine quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing for ultra-smooth performance. The high strength two-color anodized aluminum spool has a power launch lip for longer casts and holds more line than competitor's models. The attractive, brilliant finish adds durability to the reel, making it a great gift for anyone who loves fishing.
Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel
The Piscifun Flame Reel is an excellent choice for anglers seeking a lightweight option, weighing just 6.1 ounces, making it easy to transport on your fishing trips. With a strong drag power of 19.8 pounds, it gives you the strength needed to catch larger fish. The reel's sleek design features a matte black body with a striking red aluminum spool, adding a modern touch to your fishing gear. Additionally, its smooth operation comes from 9 ball bearings and precision gears, ensuring effortless casting and reeling that enhances your fishing experience.
KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel
The KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel is a high-performance reel with a stainless-steel dual pickup system, 4.0:1 gear ratio, and 5 stainless-steel double shielded ball bearings. It features an aluminum reversible double paddle handle with durable rubber grips and comes pre-spooled with 160 yards of 10 lb test KastKing Premium Monofilament fishing line. It's perfect for freshwater fishing with #10 test or less monofilament line.
Piscifun Viper X Spinning Reel
The Piscifun Viper X Reel is a high-performance spinning fishing reel suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Equipped with double shielded 10+1 stainless steel bearings, this reel provides silky smooth performance that's both reliable and consistent. The reinforced stainless steel main shaft and Zinc alloy drive gear allow for up to 33lbs of max drag, making it perfect for reeling in bigger fish. The Viper X Reel is also lighter and stronger than other reels of similar quality, thanks to its high-quality graphite material and new mould technology. With a lightning-fast gear ratio and versatile retrieval options, this reel suits any fishing style or situation. Additionally, the reel's waterproof design and premium quality construction make it a great value for any angler.
KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel
The KastKing Megatron Spinning Reel is a powerful and durable reel that is perfect for freshwater and saltwater fishing. It features a rigid aluminum skeletal frame, pro-level quality gears, a smooth carbon fiber drag system with over 30 lbs of run-stopping power, and 7+1 MaxiDur double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings. Customers are impressed with the build quality and smooth performance of the reel, making it a great budget option for anglers of all levels.
FREE FISHER Ice Fishing Reel
The FREE FISHER Inline Reel is crafted from high-quality materials, ensuring it is both lightweight and durable. Its 3.2:1 gear ratio offers a smooth fishing experience, allowing you to reel in your catch without damaging the line. The carbon fiber frame enhances strength while minimizing weight, making it easy to handle during long fishing sessions. Additionally, the corrosion-resistant components ensure this reel stands the test of time, making it a reliable companion for all your ice fishing adventures.
KastKing Sharky III Spinning Reel
Experience the power of the next-gen KastKing Sharky III spinning reel, built to land trophy fish in both saltwater and freshwater. The high percentage fiber reinforced graphite body and rotor make it superbly lightweight, while the triple disc carbon fiber drag and precision mesh manganese brass pinion gears provide up to 39.5LBs / 18KG of pure power. The Sharky III's unique protection water-resistant design keeps water and dirt out, and its Shark Fin Braid Ready aluminum spool eliminates the need for backing line when spooling on braid fishing line. With 10+1 high-quality, saltwater-rated double shielded stainless steel ball bearings, instant lock anti-reverse, stainless steel hardware, aluminum handle, and more line capacity, the Sharky III is affordable innovation at its best.
KastKing Spartacus II Spinning Reel
The KastKing Spartacus II Reel is designed to be tough and lightweight, perfect for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Its sturdy graphite body makes it easy for you to handle in any fishing environment. You’ll appreciate the smooth drag system that supports up to 22 pounds, letting you use lighter lines while still fighting strong fish. The reel is built to last with durable metal gears and a thick stainless steel shaft, ensuring it won’t wear out quickly. Plus, the special KastKing Intrusion Shield System keeps water and dirt out, so your reel stays protected and works smoothly no matter the conditions.
KastKing Brutus Spinning Reel
The KastKing Brutus Reel is designed for exceptional performance and ease of use. With a lightweight graphite frame and rotor, it's easy to cast and perfect for freshwater species. The reel features durable zinc alloy and brass gears for reliability and low noise. Its smooth drag system delivers up to 17.5 pounds of drag power, ensuring a smooth fishing experience. You can trust the KastKing Brutus Reel to be reliable and hassle-free year after year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are inline reels good for ice fishing?
They can be used in just about any situation while ice fishing. While the inline reel does present baits better, the spinning reel will work for any ice fishing techniques.
2. What reel should I use for ice fishing?
The spinning reel is the most common reel that anglers use when ice fishing. A typical ice fishing spinning reel will be an ultralight size with a model smaller than or equal to 2500 (25). These smaller sizes are necessary to properly balance with the smaller ice fishing rods which are between 16 – 24 inches long.
3. Can you use spinning reel on ice rod?
Although any spinning reel will work for ice fishing, you are likely to have more success and control using a lighter and smaller spinning reel. Spinning reels in the 500-2500 size range are ideal for ice fishing because they are geared and designed for ultralight applications.
4. Can you use inline reels for walleye?
13 Fishing Black Betty Ice ReelEllen Archery Inline Ice Fishing Reel Right/Left In Line Ice Reel With 8+1 Ball Bearings13 Fishing Black Betty FreeFall XL Ice Reel13 Fishing Black Betty FreeFall Carbon13 Fishing Black Betty 6061 Ice ReelPflueger Trion Inline Ice Reel13 Fishing 2015 Black Betty Fishing ReelsClam Gravity ReelUsed like new 13 Fishing Freefall GhostEagle Claw Premium Inline Ice ReelGravity Elite Reel Hybrid by Clam CLAM-ER-14479Inline Ice Fishing Reel Right/Left Handed Fishing Raft Wheel Ice Reels Multifunctional Lures TackleFrabill Bro Straight Line 371 Ice Reel13 Fishing Free Fall Ghost Maverick Inline Ice Fishing Reels13 Fishing Ghost Window Demon Inline Ice ReelAbu Garcia Max Ice Spinning ReelGraphite Spool 4bbs Right Or Left Retrieve Inline Ice Fishing Reel ForFiblink Inline Ice Fishing Reel Right/left Handed Fishing Right HandedFiblink Inline Ice Fishing Reel Right/left Handed Fishing Raft Wheel
During our inline ice fishing reel research, we found 24 inline ice fishing reel products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 142,346 customer reviews through our big data system to write the inline ice fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose inline ice fishing reels with an average price of $30.84.
The inline ice fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of inline ice fishing reels, including 13 FISHING, KastKing, Piscifun, FREE FISHER. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.