Some things really chap my as- when ice fishing. Nothing is worse than when the fishing line sticks to the guides. It is inevitable that a big pig will bite, and the line is frozen. Usually, the tip top on the rod or the spring bobber freezes up. The line is squeezed and brittle when the bite comes.
There are a couple solutions to prevent the guides on your rod guides from filling with ice.
Large Guides Large black guides are the best for an ice rod. The black color absorbs heat from the sun and the larger guides take longer to freeze over.
Chapstick Smear some ChapStick onto the guides. This petroleum product will prevent any ice buildup and help when you kiss the guides after landing a biggun! Lip Balm is also good as a line/knot lubricant. It also works on cracked skin/ cuticles or rough skin. If you get a hook wound or cut when fishing, smear on some lip balm. The Beeswax versions work very well.
Armor All I have also made sure to clean my rod guides with a Q-Tip. This will identify any nicks or groves. Now apply the Armor All for a protective and slick surface.
Now you are ice free on your guides and can now just focus on reeling in some fish. I have also used lip balm as a coating on my fishing line. Allow the line to pass over a little balm to keep any ice chunks from building up. Apply some to the reel bail as well.
Keep your guides ice free!
Montana Grant‘
