Varivas Pre-ice Review

I was fortunate to receive various Varivas lines to test and review for ice fishing. I currently have 3 reels spooled with the following:
Super Trout Advance 2#, ES2 EsterLine Lemon, and Absolute B - Extra Protect Perfect Bass Line 4#. These are my observations so far. The thinner diameter is evident right away when the line is spooled on the reels. It does not fill up the spools like the 3-4# lines previously. Even the 4# is MUCH thinner than the 3# line I had used before. The line has a very smooth/slick feel to it. Knots tie easily and cinch down very well.
I will be looking to see how much memory the line has and if it stays supple in cold water and cold air conditions. Also, how it handles hook sets and how the knots hold up. I have 3 other lines to spool up. Importantly, I still need ice. I will be targeting crappie, bluegills, and yellow perch.

The Esterline is 2.3#. I expect the Hi-Vis Lemon color to be helpful for very light biters. I plan to dedicate a perch rod with the Super Trout Advance Double Cross PE braid 6#. Most of the yellow perch fishing will be in 30 foot plus depths. looking forward to observe how sensitive the braid is and I'm sure the High Contrast color will also be helpful.

Varivas makes some high quality line. I have been using their lines for several years now. I don’t know if you have ever used Ester lines or not…if so you already know this. If you fill your spool with Ester the same as you would with nylon it will be a nightmare. Of course you will not be casting it as you will be dropping it down through the ice. Ester lines will jump off the spool as soon as the bail is opened. The Lemoni line cuts down on this quite a bit but it still happens if the spool is full. I only fill my spool halfway with Ester. I love the stuff…I have caught thousands of fish using it. I have no idea if the cold you will be fishing in will have an effect on the line or not. Best of luck with it.

Regards


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Looking forward to your review.
Bob
PS Yes, ice would be nice!:Rofl
B

I'll be waiting for your on-ice evaluation as well. Thought about trying some but held off.