Baitcasting Reel For Ice Fishing LBDN

[Last Boat Off]

I need to ask what you guys would consider a good match for an ice fishing rod that I got a good deal on. I am planning to try Little Bay De Noc next winter thru the ice for trophy walleyes. I know the water from late fall fishing, but this would be my first time thru the ice. I don't think my medium action ice rods with spinning reels would do the job jigging Raps size #7 in 30+ FOW. I got a Dave Genz Lightning Rod Professional MH action at a great clearance price that is supposed to be a great rod for big fish, but it is a 36 inch baitcaster. Now that I am looking for a good reel, they are all really too big (e.g. Abu Garcia 4600c3) or the line guide on the smaller reels are too small and would ice up too easy. I am starting to think I made a mistake and should take it back and look for a spinning outfit. Do any of you guys have this rod and what reel did you put on it. Any better rod/reel choice for LBDN? I know the season is over, I just want to take avantage of the sales that are out there.

[Last Boat Off]

ttt
So far no help.
Any of you Lake Erie ice fisherman maybe have any idea on this? What do you use to jig #7 Jigging Raps in 30 fow? THANKS.

[JCarp2]

On the advice of an erie ice guide I went with zebco 33's about 15 yrs ago. 8-10 lb mono. Plenty smooth enough, friendly drag. Handle deep, cold water 28-30" eye's and # 7 pimples fine. Price is a bonus. Don't bucket fish extreme stuff (Ohio stds) so don't know about icing up.

Spincast travels well & you can get your bait down fast and adjust depths quickly. Lift rod tip up and down fast with "bail" open to get down faster. I have suitable spinning reels and rods, favor 33's.

You might try hanging a heavy rap a little ways below your current rods to get an idea of what you want there.

Good Luck,
jc

[lngac]

The cheaper bait caster's dont have metal spools and more plastic on and in them, they will not freeze up as fast and do not weigh as much.Water freezes to metal quickly, spray the cheaper reel with reel ease and give her ago. The older diawa x's (silver plastic body) is a good one and has a flipping switch.