I've been using an Ice fishing reel from Eagle Claw.
Good drag system and you can set the reel tension so it free falls and there's no line twist that a spinning rod has.
The magnum model is too large, but the 2 on the chart in the link below work great.
I prefer the smaller model: ECILIR

Eagle Claw Ice Fishing Reel

I brought a 2.42# to the surface with no issues last Sunday with the smaller reel.
I can't testify about how long they last yet.

THANKS Gonzz for giving me a heads-up about these!!

Todd, do I understand this right that the rod would be in my right hand. And does it feel small when in use, or is it something like a small spinning reel feel. Got to ask, did you have it on a G-Rod on the 2.42?

Yes Larry, you hold the rod in your right hand and reel with your left just like a right handed bait caster, except it's hanging down. It weighs the same as a small spinning reel.
There's a button in the middle of the handle which activates the free spool. If it starts letting line out too fast, you simply touch your middle finger to the spool.
I have it on a 9' G-Rod. I have 1 more of the Micro models that I'm going to put on a 10'6" rear handle G-Rod for timber fishing.
Belinda has the middle size in pink on a 9' G-Rod.

Thanks Todd, sounds like a fun set up.

Thats what I do. Been using cheap-o Academy mettles. The low profile sure is nice and it beats a hay baler.

Last season I used an AbuGarcia Black Max and it work well on an 8' Proangler but it got pulled into the lake. Last week I picked up a couple of the Academy brand reels that look exactly like the AbuGarcia Black Max. They rang up at $19.98 each when I checked out. The list price was $29.95. Those will be for clients. I picked up a left handed Extreme from Bass Pro on sale. That one is for me. These reels are about 7oz. and low profile. That is the main advantage of this type of reel. If you like the 2500's and that type of the older reels, you can pick them up for a reasonable price at Canton. That is where I get a big part of my fishing supplies. After seeing the prices on everything at Canton, it is hard for me to even go to Academy, Bass Pro, or Cabelas.

I would rather take a beating than go to first Monday. I will check out the black max,
My 2500 weighs 9 oz , so 7oz sounds good, just have to get used to the thumb bar.


Mo

I have a couple of black max and a couple of revos left over from bass fishing, thats all I use, no line twist and don't get all wrapped around the top of the spool

Mo the bait and tackle shop on RC has tons of reels and rods at great prices.Id say he keeps 500 reels on display all the time.Darrell

+1

Ive recently converted to bait casters for jigging. got tired of pulling drag and untwisting line.they also store a lot easier.

But where else can you get a funnel cake, buy some household decorations, fishing tackle, and pick up a coon dawg at the same time! Can't even do that at Walmart!! My wife goes 3-4 times a year and always comes home saying how crowded it was! I go to the camp at Fork and she goes to Canton! Works out for both of us I guess!!

x3 on the H20 Mettle reels. I got several when they were on sale for $29. Happy so far.

I use baitcaster (Abu Garcia ORRA Sx) for jigging as it is much easier to control the depth and it feels better since i can always put my thumb on the line. I even use the lefty model so I can have the same reeling hand as I would with spinner.

I use left handed baitcasters (Bass Pro Extreme low profile) for vertical fishing.

Black max in Cabellas bargain cave for $29.00 right now.

good luck

MO