Are you curious about what weight line for ice fishing is best?
The best weight for ice fishing typically depends on the size of fish you want to catch and the depth you are fishing. Varying size fish require different weight lines, so consider the fish species. Panfish require 2-6 pound test line while larger fish such as walleye require 6-10 pound test fishing line.
This article discusses the different weight lines for ice fishing, including what lines are best for which sized fish and how to choose them.
What Weight Line for Ice Fishing is Best?
The best weight line for ice fishing depends on the type of fish you want to catch. Line weight, or pound test, is a measurement of the normal breaking strength of the fishing line. For instance, a 4-pound test fishing line would usually break under the strain of 4 pounds.
Some fish require heavier fishing lines because of the increased tension placed on your line. Purchase a high-quality ice fishing line with adequate weight to catch your desired fish. The price of every line varies based on type, size, and brand, so a heavier line may cost more than a smaller line, and a braided line will cost more than a monofilament fishing line.
Generally, the more expensive an ice line is, the higher quality it will be.
| Species | Panfish (Crappie, Bluegill, Perch) | Larger Fish (Walleye, White Fish, Pike) |
| Size Reel | 500-1000 size reel | 2500 size reel |
| Pound Test | 2-6 pound test | 6-10 pound test |
| Lures | Turnback shads, small spoons, grubs | Large turnback shads, jigging wraps, 3-5″ spoons |
What is the Best Line Weight for Small Fish?
The best line for small fish is generally between 3 and 6 pounds. With small fish, there is generally not a lot of tension placed on your line. Therefore, you will not need a significantly heavy fishing line to catch them. For instance, small fish like panfish need roughly 4-pound fishing line.
What is the Best Line Weight for Medium Fish?
The best line weight for medium fish is between 6 and 14 pounds. These can hold most medium-sized fish with ease. They can also catch smaller fish, making this a versatile fishing line range.
What is the Best Line Weight for Large Fish?
The best line weight for catching larger fish is between 14 pounds test line and above. When fishing for larger fish such as pike, walleye, and white fish, fishermen often opt for a braided line with a fluorocarbon leader (usually a 3-4 feet leader). This gives the strength benefits of the braided line and the near-invisible qualities of fluorocarbon.
| Small Fish | Medium Fish | Large Fish |
| 3-6 pound test | 6-14 pound test | 14+ pound test |
How to Choose the Best Weight for Ice Fishing?
There are several considerations when choosing the weight of your line for ice fishing. The size of your fish and budget are two key considerations when choosing the weight of your ice fishing line.
- What is your budget?
- What type of fish will you be ice fishing for?
- What depth will you be fishing?
- Do you use a spinning reel or inline?
- Are you comfortable with all three line types?
What’s the Best Type of Ice Fishing Line? (Mono, Fluoro, Braided)
The three main choices are monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided line. Each is useful while ice fishing and has its advantages and disadvantages. The best ice fishing line is determined by the fishing depth, the species you are fishing for, and your budget. For a more in-depth look at the different types of ice fishing line, read our article What Ice Fishing Line is the Best? Choosing the Right Line.
What Fish Species?
Before choosing the weight of your ice fishing line, you must decide what you will be fishing. The type of fish you want to catch can significantly impact the weight of your line. Approach every fishing trip with intent by considering the fish species before you begin fishing.
Fishing Depth
The depth you fish can determine the best weight for ice fishing. The deeper you fish, the heavier line you use. Decide on the fishing depth, and then use that depth to choose the weight of your ice fishing line. Fishing too deep with the wrong line can make your line snap as you try reeling in your fish.
Walleye, a trophy fish throughout the year, and especially in the winter, is often asked about by anglers. They want to know at what depth walleye can be caught in the winter. Our article What Depth Should I Ice Fish for Walleye? is helpful and translates to many other species such as pike and white fish.
Aim within your budget
Decide on a budget for your ice fishing lines. The price of fishing lines can vary based on the size and brand. Therefore, you can find several fishing lines of the same weight at varying prices. If you set a realistic budget, it can help you choose the best possible ice fishing line.