Quinte Fishing

Shopping to replace a couple of my spinning reels (on ice-fishing outfits) with in-line reels. Looking for some input.

I get the impression that the in-lines are best for panfish and small walleye in shallow water...not really meant for big fish (big walleye and Lakers) in deep water...yes, no ?? Are the drags suitable and the retrieve ratios fast enough for bigger fish down deep ??

What's the difference in features and quality between say a $40 Eagle Claw in-line, and a $130 13 Fishing Black Betty Free Fall ? Anyone have any recommendations on brands/models ? I usually prefer to pay for quality and have something last, but it needs to be justified.

In open water, all my spinning outfits (and a lot of my baitcasters and trolling outfits) are loaded with braid and then a length of FluoroCarbon leader...I feel I get the best of both worlds..no stretch and sensitivity with the invisibility/stealth of FC.

What are some preferences for ice fishing line... with a rod and reel ? I find braid "ices up " quickly because it absorbs water. .. making it hard to manage, especially on a spinning reel. However, I see the major manufacturer's all produce "ICE" versions of all their types of lines...plain mono, co-polymer, FC and braid. I assume they're treated or coated to resist water and maintain their flexibilty. Personally, I'd prefer the braid to FC combo...simply for the "feel". Are any of the "ICE" braids good ? Or perhaps just keep it simple with straight FC ? Sometimes a little stretch is good. Any recommendations for what line works best for hard water jigging ?

For tip-ups, I usually use 20 or 30 lb. black Dacron (fly reel backing) to a small swivel connected to 3 to 7 ft of 8lb to 10lb FC... the Dacron is easy to see on the ice, and easy to handle when you're hand-bombing a big fish. Any other suggestions/options folk are using ?

Thanks...all comments and input are much appreciated. I've fished open water for 60 years, but not a whole lot of experience on the ice. I usually spent my winters on the ski hill...but unfortunately my knees won't let me do that much anymore...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sadL5ZV1SI8
Watch this and see what you need, I now have 2 in-lines Piscifun approx $50.00 each
Shallow with a noodle rod is my answer.

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My day started out great, I woke.

Thanks for the link FF. Lots of good info.... and wow...a lot of different opinions.
I guess what I'm asking is...what's the typical jigging set-up specifically on Quinte for big 'eyes ?
I know everyone is different...just want to get a sense of what folks are using...reels and line/leaders ?

Crowman,
I was contemplating the same thing and was going to add a couple inline reels but decided to keep the money in the bank and stick to what I have been using. I usually have 3 rods rigged using both spinning and baitcasters. The only reel advantage (ha pun) with the inline is reduced line twist and drop control. I put tiny swivels about 2 feet up from my lure which helps with the twist.

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Dan Elliot - A bad day on Quinte is better than a good day at work !!!
http://www.quintefishing.com

Dan and Crowman, had a chance to use the reels over the past 2 days and will say that I am not disappointed with them, I am however using them for panners in the 12 t0 16 ft range and liking them. That being said unless I find them out to be more to my liking in a big way in the future I will say good for what I want but nothing I would rush out and spend big money on. Due to the light line use so as to control drop I could not see these as a goto for normal walleye use. Without the 2-4 pound test line, I cannot see an advantage.
Just my 2cents of an opinion.

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My day started out great, I woke.