Jigging Rapalas thru the ice...

[Riverbottoms]

Just curious what would be the best line size for jigging rapalas and swedish pimples through the ice? I currently use 6lb. magnathin.
I have heard 10-12 fireline works great. Would appreciate any feedback. Thanks in advance for all replies.

[Stormsearch]

I have been using the 8/3 Flame green Fireline with a #8 Seagar Carbon leader. With the shorter rods we tend to use for ice fishing, it is harder to obtain some good hook sets with them. That is why I will use a no stretch line. I also really like seeing that line in the sunlight. My buddy has been using 10/2 Powerpro with some leader and is seing good results. We have not been experiencing any of our lines becoming stiff to water absorbtion other than the water freezing where it may pool on the reel once you reel the line in.

The rest of the gang uses 4/6/8 mono. We had one of our guys using 6 lb. last Sunday, hooked 9 fish only landed one - I believe he was not able to get hook sets. I hooked 5, landed 4. We also always replace the treble hooks on the pimples to a one size larger quality hook and maybe two sizes bigger on the raps depending on what size we use.

[Backwater Eddy]

Stormsearch has a good plan but don't discount the Magnathin in 10# it has low stretch and is tough stuff, good choice for pimples and Kastmasters.

Big thumper jigs like JR's and Nill's Master jigging Shad's work well on Fire Line as you can send more low frequency sound waves out more easily with the low stretch line.

Not much finesse in a JR it is a aggressive fish lure so I don't worry much about the visibility of the line or carbon leader as they tend to form week points.

BE.....><ND>

[stewart]

I know I've read somewhere that it's better to use least 10# mono with jigging raps. Something about greater diameter slowing the JR a tad...

[Backwater Eddy]

Yup, a lot of hardcore JR fans do prefer 10-12 lb. mono just for that reason, to slow the decent by means of line resistance. As a aggressive presentation you are worrying less about finesse than looking and feeling for that "THUD", that often comes on the fall or just as it settles to it's center point.

A very good point!

BE ~~><ND>~~

[Riverbottoms]

Thanks Guys for the info it was greatly appreciated. Backwater, I knew I could receive good solid tried and true advice you! Again thanks for all the great advice in the past!