Everyone loves to sit near the ice and enjoy fishing. But it’s more enjoyable when you can fully control every movement of your bait and fish after the bite. We all love to experience this pleasant sensation when the fish dangles from your hook, right?
Best 13 Fishing Black Betty Freefall – Editor’s Choice
But to be successful in ice fishing you need a good ice reel to be a great tool and helper in your fishing. This is a reel that you can easily use for several years in a row without breaks and problems. A good reel will give you a smooth retrieve, good lifting capacity, and a smooth and enjoyable fishing experience. Besides, such a reel will create a comfortable and pleasant fishing atmosphere. There are thousands of different models of ice reels, each with its own pros and cons. Let us introduce you to the 5 best 13 Fishing Black Betty Freefall Reels for ice fishing. We want to make sure you get the best quality reels and go on the ice with quality gear.
Why 13 Fishing Brand?
13 Fishing is a well-known company and expert in the design of fishing reels for different types and preferences of anglers. The company aims to “make fishing enjoyable and affordable“, so every day it improves its production technology, paying attention to every reel that goes on sale. The manufacturer has a staff of highly qualified specialists and engineers who develop products to become one of the most highly qualified ice reel manufacturers. Quality control specialists control the reel production process from the beginning to the end. The mission of 13 Fishing is to bring you the most innovative, technological, and convenient products you can find.
The 5 Best 13 Fishing Black Betty Freefall Ice Reel
Now let’s take a look at 5 of the best ice fishing reels we have prepared for you!
1# 13 Fishing Black Betty Freefall Inline Ice Fishing Reel – Best Pick Overall
If 13 Fishing is taken for the production of reels, you can be one hundred percent sure that among all the baits, the fish will choose yours. How the company’s engineers manage to do this is unknown, but the fact remains. Ice fishing is no exception, and this model offers excellent performance on the ice.
For many, winter is a time when the catch drops significantly. But if you are a professional, the cold is not an obstacle for you, and quality equipment is one of the ingredients for success. The reel is easy to adjust in height. It can quickly return the line to the surface. And aluminum and composite modules prevent the line from freezing and sticking to the body. Add to that the great price, which we were very pleased with, and we have a powerful reel that can handle any fish.
2# 13 Fishing Black Betty 6061 Hardwater Inline Ice Fishing Reel – Best Performance
The main difference between this reel and the previous one is the CNC machined aluminum construction, which provides unrivaled durability and strength and a 2.7:1 gear ratio. This small model for ice fishing will suit even a beginner. It fits easily into traditional fishing suitcases, drawers, or organizers. Black Betty is made of practical cold-resistant aluminum. Frequent exposure to fish and frost does not affect performance and functionality. The durability of the spool is ensured by the metalized coating. Smoothness is achieved using high-quality ball bearings. Also, the reel has a balanced handle, a flat plastic knob.
3# 13 Fishing Black Betty Freefall Trickshop Edition – Best Design
Compact model in red and black colors for fishing in cold conditions, including freshwater. The use of special grease in the gears allows fishing at temperatures down to -15⁰С. Excellent rotor balancing reduces vibration for smoother, tighter line retrieve. The reel mechanism includes three ball bearings and one roller bearing with an anti-reverse function. The construction of the reel and spool are made of frost-resistant material, which once again confirms that the reel copes well with the cold. Also, on the handle of this reel, there are very comfortable non-slip cork knobs. Carbon drag allows you to fight even heavy fish.
4# 13 Fishing Black Betty Freefall XL Inline Ice Fishing Reel – Best Powerful Pick
This is one of the most powerful and productive Black Betty reels. It features up to 10 lb. drag, 3:1 gear ratio, and 4 stainless steel ball bearings. The reel components are made of high-strength carbon fiber. The long handle allows you to handle it even with thick gloves. The smooth movement of the line is achieved with 4 ball bearings. The line capacity is small but quite sufficient for comfortable fishing. The magnetic drag system is equipped with a convenient position switch. Overall, this is a very powerful ice reel with useful features.
5# 13 Fishing Pickle Radioactive Ice Fishing Reel – Best Comfortable Pick
A very simple but effective model from 13 Fishing, suitable for ice fishing. The reel is manufactured from a standard range of materials to ensure long service life. The carbon body is resistant to corrosion and external loads. The reel wheel is secured by a rigidly fixed axle with perfect balance. The nut mount securely fixes the reel on the axis, preventing loosening. Small line capacity provides improved line spooling and minimal risk of slipping. Anti-reverse bearing effectively fixes the bait while playing. Power is enough to catch heavy prey. A pair of soft knobs on the handle controls the rotation of the reel.
What Features Should A Good Ice Reel Have?
When choosing an ice reel, you need to pay attention to the following indicators so that it does not break and stop working after the first fishing:
- The strength of the reel elements. We all know that cold isn’t good for your gear. So it is important to take a reel with strong elements that can work even at subzero temperatures and will not crack after the temperature drops below 0.
- Low weight. A heavy reel is not needed for ice fishing. The lightweight reel will easily handle all the fish you will hunt under the ice. But your hands will get tired pretty fast if you decide to take a heavy reel.
- Smoothness. When lowering the bait and fighting the fish, the reel should not jerk or constantly twitch. If you use a reel with poor quality bearings, gears, and backlash, be prepared that your line will often break due to the fish’s snags.
- Powerful drag. To fight well with any fish, your reel must have a fairly powerful drag.
- Lack of noise and squeaks. The reel from the box should not creak. In general, squeaks and noises are always very bad. Because if your reel squeaks, it shows that your internal components are very poorly lubricated. Add to that the coldness in which you fish and your reel will fail in a matter of days. So always check your lubrication, especially before ice fishing.
- Good line capacity. Considering that in most cases you will be fishing in lakes or other open bodies of water, you will need to drop your bait deep enough. It will be very disappointing if your fish falls off because you do not have enough line length. So make sure your reel can hold enough line.
- Comfortable, ergonomic handle. The handle is not the most important aspect when choosing a reel, but it is still important. The handle should be made of high-quality durable material that can withstand the heavy load of fish. The knobs on the handle should be pleasant to the touch and should not slip if you accidentally smear your hands with water or mucus.
Where To Buy 13 Fishing Inline Ice Fishing Reel?
Popular models of ice fishing reels from 13 Fishing can be purchased in shops that specialize in fishing equipment and outdoor equipment. There you can not only look at good inexpensive budget devices, but also test for smooth rotation, quiet operation, and grip comfort. Listen to the advice and recommendations of sales assistants – how the reel works, how to choose, how the model differs from others, how much it costs, which one is better to buy.
If you don’t have a decent choice in your place of residence, you can go to the online store and order a high-quality reel, which the best manufacturers demonstrate on their pages. On the best trading platforms such as Amazon and the official 13 Fishing website, product cards are presented, which contain descriptions, characteristics, features, markings, photos, and links to buy your favorite ice reels.
What Types of Reels Are Mainly Used for Ice Fishing?
Basically for ice fishing anglers use two types of reels: spinning reels and inline reels. Sometimes you can find baitcasting reels in ice fishing, but they are very rare and only used for deep or very heavy fish such as lake trout. For all other cases, spinning and inline reels are used, so we will not consider bait casters.
Spinning Reels
Spinning reels are the most common in ice fishing. On the ice, anglers usually use ultra-light sizes, not exceeding 2500. This is necessary for proper balance with the rod because ice rods are much shorter than classic ones. Ice fishing uses rods from 16 to 24 inches.
Inline Reels
Inline reels are somewhat similar to inline reels in their design and functionality. Inline reels hang from the bottom of the rod at line level. This allows the reel to move with the line, which prevents tangles, breaks, and kinks. Although spinning reels are the most common, they are inferior in their simplicity and line control to inline reels. That is why we decided to consider only inline reels in this review.
Spinning & Inline Reels Pros & Cons
Here’s a quick rundown of the good and bad inline and spinning reels. Based on this, you can choose which type suits you best.
Pros of Spinning Reels:
- Great for using live bait.
- Perfect drag adjustment.
- More versatility when fishing.
- Easy to use, does not require high reel skills.
Cons of Spinning Reels:
- Line twist problems, need to buy a swivel to get rid of it.
- Poor control of the bait falling speed.
- At very low temperatures, the reel can block from being frozen.
Pros of Inline Reels:
- No problems with line twisting and constant breaks (perhaps the biggest advantage).
- The best option for using jigs with these reels.
- Perfectly controls the speed of the falling line and bait.
- Suitable for small to medium fish.
- Works much better at low temperatures.
Cons of Inline reels:
- Usually more expensive than other reel types.
- Fewer models are available for choice.
- Less control and drag performance.
Our Final Verdict
13 Fishing Ice Reels are one of the highest quality and most productive inline reels on the market. However, they have their pros and cons, which we covered in detail in our review. Here are a couple of the best reels we have rated:
- 13 Fishing Pickle Radioactive Ice Fishing Reel – Best Design & Ergonomics
- 13 Fishing Black Betty 6061 Hardwater – Easy To Use Reel
- 13 Fishing Black Betty Freefall Inline Ice Fishing Reel – Best Pick for The Money
You can choose any reel from our list and it will definitely not disappoint you with its quality and performance, because 13 Fishing knows their business. The main thing is to know your target fish and the bait you are going to use. Then you definitely won’t be mistaken in choosing a reel. Have a nice fishing!
Tags: #13 fishing black betty / #13 fishing black betty freefall ice reel / #freefall inline ice fishing reel
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
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I recently got the Freefall – not Ghost Edition ice fishing reel, which is made of aluminum instead of plastic. Overall, I’m pretty happy with it, but it does tend to freeze up a bit. I mostly use it when I’m fishing in a shack, and I have to say, I really love the depth control trigger and how quickly it drops.
However, I do find it a bit tricky to get the drag right, as it tends to loosen up on occasion. Last year, I tried out a simpler clam reel and found that it worked just as well for me. Plus, I wasn’t a big fan of the price of the Freefall – not the Ghost Edition reel.
One issue I did have with the Freefall – not Ghost Edition reel was that my 2lb test line tended to slip between the spool and the base, causing some frustrating tangles. So that’s definitely something to keep in mind.
I also have the Ghost version of this reel, and I really like it for fishing in a shack. However, it’s not very useful outside if the temperature drops below freezing, as the spool tends to freeze up pretty quickly.
Overall, I think the Freefall – not Ghost Edition reel is a solid choice for ice fishing, particularly if you’re fishing in a shack and want the convenience of the depth control trigger. Just be aware of the potential for freezing and the need to adjust the drag from time to time.
I wanted to share my experience with my ice fishing setup, which consists of a 13 Fishing Tickle Stick paired with the Black Betty Free Fall reel. I’ve found that this combination works really well for catching perch and panfish with the ultralight rod, as well as walleye with the medium action rod.
Overall, I’ve been really impressed with the Tickle Stick and Free Fall reel combo. The Tickle Stick is incredibly sensitive, allowing me to feel even the lightest bites, and the Free Fall reel makes it super easy to drop my bait to the desired depth quickly.
If you’re in the market for a new ice fishing setup, I would definitely recommend giving the Tickle Stick and Free Fall reel a try. They’ve definitely helped me up my ice fishing game and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you!
I wanted to chime in on the discussion about ice fishing gear and share some tips based on my experience with the Black Betty Free Fall reel. I’ve found that this reel works best with 3lb mono and tungsten, and you can go up to 4lb at the most. If you’re looking for something that spools off easier in a 6lb, let me know, as I haven’t had much luck with that so far.
One thing that I’ve found helpful when using the Black Betty Free Fall reel outside is to spray the outside of the spool with WD40. This helps to prevent the ice from throwing off the balance of the spool, which can be a frustrating issue to deal with.
Overall, I really love my setup with the Black Betty Free Fall reel and have found it to be a reliable and effective choice for ice fishing. If you’re looking to upgrade your gear, I would definitely recommend giving this reel a try!
I share my thoughts on the importance of a good drag system when targeting walleye while ice fishing. In my experience, inline reels don’t tend to have the best drag systems, and it can often feel like the line is just slipping. For this reason, I would recommend going with a spinning reel if you’re targeting walleye and leaving the inline reels for panfish.
I have a rod that I primarily use for perch and crappie, but I’ve also caught a fair number of walleye with it using a 13 Black Betty reel. While the Black Betty gets the job done, there are definitely better options out there if you’re specifically targeting walleye.
Overall, I think it’s important to consider your target species and choose your gear accordingly. For walleye, a good drag system is key, so a spinning reel might be the better choice. However, if you’re mainly fishing for panfish, an inline reel could be a great option. It all depends on your specific needs and preferences!
I wanted to share my experience with the Descent ice fishing rod by 13 Fishing. I actually have two of these rods and I absolutely love them! One is paired with an Abu reel, while the other is paired with the 13 Fishing Snitch rod (which is a sweet little rod, by the way).
One of the things I really appreciate about these rods is the free fall feature, which allows for quick and easy depth control. However, I have noticed that this feature can be a bit tricky to use when fishing outside the tent in cold weather, particularly when using a braid line.
I would definitely recommend the Descent ice fishing rod to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile option for their ice fishing setup. Whether you’re using it in a tent or outside, it’s a great choice for catching a wide variety of fish. So if you’re in the market for a new ice fishing rod, be sure to give the Descent a try!
Hello everyone! I wanted to share my thoughts on the Black Betty Freefall ice fishing reels, as well as a recent experience I had with 13 Fishing’s customer service.
Overall, I’ve had a pretty positive experience with the Black Betty Freefalls, both the XL and Ghost models. They’re reliable and get the job done, and I haven’t had any issues with them so far. I also own two Kalon series reels from 13 Fishing, which are solid and do the job well.
The one issue I’ve had with the Black Betty Freefall XL is that the drop speed wheel doesn’t seem to do much to reduce the speed of the drop when the trigger is pulled. This isn’t a deal breaker for me, but it is something to keep in mind if you’re considering purchasing one of these reels.
In terms of customer service, I did have an issue with a Tickle Stick breaking on my third time out on the ice. However, 13 Fishing’s customer service was fantastic and they quickly upgraded me to a more expensive Omen model to make up for the defective Tickle Stick. While the defect was certainly not ideal, I was impressed with how quickly and efficiently the issue was resolved.
Overall, I haven’t used any of 13 Fishing’s freshwater or saltwater rods, so I can’t speak to those. But based on my experiences with their ice fishing gear and customer service, I would definitely recommend checking out 13 Fishing if you’re in the market for some new ice fishing equipment.
Based on my experience, I would only recommend 13 Fishing’s Origin TX line if you’re looking for a saltwater reel. I’ve heard mixed reviews about their other Origin reels.
Personally, I own a few 13 Fishing concept reels, including an A, a TX, a TXZ, and 2 Z’s. Last year, I used mainly the Z and the TX.
Despite frequent use and only rinsing them after each trip, I have had no issues with corrosion or the reels themselves. It does take a bit of time to get them dialed in, however. I typically have to set the brake a little higher and adjust the casting knob between lure changes.
One thing to note is that the reels use a bushing instead of a bearing, which may cause a whine and a less smooth sound. Some people may find this off-putting, but I find them to be extremely smooth. They also cast light lures with ease and outcast my other reels.
The price point is also a factor to consider. I was fortunate enough to purchase them at a discounted rate, and I’m not sure if I would pay the full MSRP for any reel.