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Key takeaways
- Inline reels spool line straight off the reel like a fly reel, which greatly reduces line twist with small jigs and light line.
- Spinning reels drop baits quickly, handle a wider range of line and species, and are familiar to most anglers.
- Inline reels shine for panfish and finesse presentations where twist ruins how a small jig hangs.
- Spinning reels shine for walleye jigging, deeper water and anglers who want one reel for everything.
- Many ice anglers carry both: an inline reel on the panfish rod and a spinning reel on the walleye rod.
Quick verdict
Choose an inline reel if you fish small jigs for panfish, use very light line, or hate line twist. Choose a spinning reel if you fish walleye, jig spoons in deeper water, or want one reel type for everything. Most ice anglers end up owning both.
| Factor | Inline reel | Spinning reel |
|---|---|---|
| Line twist | Minimal, line comes straight off the spool | More, especially with light line and small jigs |
| Drop speed | Controlled, can be slower (some have free-fall levers) | Fast, open the bail and drop |
| Drop control | Very precise | Good, less precise |
| Drag | Usually simpler | Generally smoother and more adjustable |
| Line capacity | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Versatility | Best for light and finesse fishing | Covers panfish to lake trout |
| Familiarity | Takes a little learning | Familiar to most anglers |
Our best ice fishing rods and how to choose an ice fishing rod guides cover rod pairing.
Line twist
Line twist is the main reason inline reels exist. A spinning reel's bail wraps line around the spool, which adds a twist with every turn. On open water, casting and retrieving can work some of that twist out. On ice, where you jig straight down, twist builds up and makes small jigs spin in the water. A spinning jig looks unnatural and can turn off finicky panfish.
Inline reels spool line straight onto the spool, the way a fly reel does, so twist is much lower. That's their biggest advantage for panfish and light-line fishing.
Drop speed and control
Spinning reels drop baits fast. Open the bail and the bait falls freely, which is helpful for getting to deep walleye quickly.
Inline reels can be slower, but many models offer free-fall or trigger features that release line. Popular examples include the 13 Fishing Black Betty FreeFall Ghost and the Piscifun ICX Frost. Check the current listing for exact features. Inline reels also make it easy to control exactly how far the bait drops, which helps when fish are suspended at a specific depth.
Drag
Spinning reels generally have smoother, more adjustable drags. That helps with bigger fish like walleye, lake trout and pike. Inline reel drags vary widely by model. Many are fine for panfish, and some higher-end models have good drags. Our how to set reel drag guide applies to both types.
Cold-weather performance
Both reel types are affected by the cold. Grease thickens and moisture can freeze. Spinning reels have more exposed parts, like the bail and roller, where ice can form. Inline reels have a simpler line path. Keep reels dry, and service them with the lubricants your manufacturer recommends before the season. See our cold-water fishing gear guide for more.
Line and species range
Spinning reels handle a wider range of line types and sizes, from light panfish line to braid for lake trout. Inline reels work best with light mono and fluorocarbon for panfish and small walleye.
Familiarity and ease of use
Most anglers already know how to use a spinning reel. Inline reels feel different: you reel line straight onto the spool, and some models have left- or right-hand setups to learn. The learning curve is short, but it's there.
Spooling and line tips for each reel
Inline reels work best with light, limp line. Spool it under light, even tension straight off the filler spool, and don't overfill: a slightly underfilled inline spool is less likely to loop off in the cold. Many anglers fill an inline reel with only as much line as they need for the depths they fish, since you rarely need long runs of line through the ice.
Spinning reels still twist line, so a few habits help. Close the bail by hand rather than by cranking the handle, let a twisted line hang and unwind below the hole now and then, and respool before twist gets bad. Our guide to spooling a spinning reel without line twist covers the technique, and when to replace fishing line explains when to start fresh.
Balance and rod pairing
Both reel types should balance on the rod. Inline reels are often light and sit close to the blank, which suits short panfish rods with soft tips. A heavy spinning reel on an ultralight ice rod makes the tip feel dead. Check that your reel fits the rod's reel seat, since some inline reels need a specific seat style to sit securely.
Mistakes to avoid
- Blaming the reel for twist caused by old line. Fresh, limp line fixes a lot of twist problems on either reel type.
- Using heavy line on an inline reel. Stiff, heavy line springs off inline spools and defeats the purpose.
- Buying a reel that's too big for an ice rod. Oversized reels throw off balance.
- Leaving reels wet between trips. Water that freezes inside a reel can bind the drag or the spool.
Popular options
- Inline: 13 Fishing Black Betty FreeFall Ghost, Piscifun ICX Frost, Frabill Straight Line.
- Spinning: Small 500 to 1000-size spinning reels from mainstream brands, often sold in ice combos.
Ice reels sell out before early ice in many northern states, so shop before the season if you can. Inline reels also make good holiday gifts for panfish anglers; see our best fishing gifts for 2026.
Choose inline if...
- You fish mostly for panfish with small jigs.
- You use very light line.
- Line twist frustrates you.
- You want precise depth control over suspended fish.
Choose spinning if...
- You fish mostly for walleye, lake trout or pike.
- You fish deep water and want fast drops.
- You want one reel type for ice and open water.
- You use braid or heavier line.
Use both if...
You fish for multiple species. A common setup is an inline reel on the panfish rod and a spinning reel on the walleye or deadstick rod. For more ice gear, see our complete guide to ice fishing gear. For electronics, see best ice fishing flashers and finders on our sister site.
Frequently asked questions
Are inline ice reels better than spinning reels?
Inline reels are better for reducing line twist with small jigs and light line. Spinning reels are more versatile and drop baits faster. The best choice depends on species and technique.
Why do inline reels reduce line twist?
Inline reels spool line straight onto the spool like a fly reel, instead of wrapping it around with a bail. That greatly reduces twist.
Can I use an inline reel for walleye?
Yes, many anglers do, especially with light line. Spinning reels are more common for walleye because they drop faster and handle heavier line.
What size spinning reel for ice fishing?
Small spinning reels, roughly 500 to 1000 size, are common for ice fishing. Match the reel to the rod for good balance.
Do inline reels freeze up?
Any reel can ice up. Keep reels dry, service them with the manufacturer's recommended lubricants, and store them out of moisture.