Winter fishing line differs from the classic one by its smaller thickness and unwinding, low stretchability and high sensitivity. But the most important thing is that its material does not absorb water and is not afraid of frost. At low temperatures, the thread does not lose its working properties. Most often, monofilament nylon or fluorocarbon fishing line is used for winter fishing, which are sold in 30-50 m spools. The thickness rarely exceeds 0.35 mm, most often 0.15-0.25 mm is used. In addition to monofilament for vertical jigging and fishing with balancers, you can also use winter braided cord. They differ in a special impregnation or protective coating that prevents water from being absorbed into the polyethylene fibers. To make it easier for buyers to choose a winter fishing line among hundreds of other spools, manufacturers add the word "Ice" to the model name. But there are quite a lot of these threads - choosing can be difficult, especially for beginners in ice fishing. That's why we've compiled a top 10 list of winter fishing lines, including nylon monofilament, fluorocarbon and cords.

Sufix SFX Ice

Magic Inexpensive monofilament nylon fishing line for winter fishing in a 50 m roll from a well-known American brand. The line sinks quickly, is perfectly calibrated and has the same thickness along the entire length, is quite strong, soft, and at the same time has almost no memory effect. Thanks to the light pink color, the line is clearly visible on snow and ice - very convenient! Both thin threads - 0.135 mm - and thicker ones for serious tasks - up to 0.3 mm inclusive are on sale.

Daiwa J-Thread Ice Line

Transparent winter fishing line from a Japanese manufacturer beloved by anglers. J-Thread series threads are made of both nylon and fluorocarbon. Classic monofilaments are treated with a special water-repellent compound Ultra Water Repellent, thanks to which the line does not absorb water even after several hours of fishing. Fluorocarbon models are also hydrophobic and do not freeze. Both of these threads are quite elastic and soft, well suited for fishing with a jig, as well as for vertical jigging and fishing with balancers.

Team Salmo ICE Soft Fluorocarbon

Soft fluorocarbon line for winter fishing from raw materials of the Japanese concern Kureha. The thread sinks quickly, is almost invisible in cold transparent water and does not absorb moisture, therefore, does not freeze. Low stretchability of the thread allows for a quick and effective hookset without the risk of losing the fish. Small diameter lines can be used as the main line, thicker ones - for leashes when ice fishing for pike perch and pike.

Intech Tournament Ice line

A series of ultra-thin and incredibly strong winter fishing lines made from Japanese raw materials. The thread has moderate elasticity, it is strong at the knots, does not fray or freeze. The small diameter ensures invisibility in the water, and the breaking load allows you to bring even a trophy fish into the hole. In short, the ideal winter fishing line for sport fishing, where you have no right to make a mistake.

Team Salmo ICE power

Perfectly calibrated winter fishing line that does not absorb water and does not deform, it has no memory effect. The thread is transparent and invisible to fish in cold water. In addition, it has a low stretch coefficient, due to which the line perfectly transmits even light pokes and attempts at bites to the hand - the sensitivity of this series is really at its best. The line has both very thin diameters - 0.82 and 0.103 mm, - and thicker ones - up to 0.306 mm.

Sunline Siglon V ice fishing

The Japanese brand Sunline is loved by many spinning anglers for its high-quality cords - smooth, durable and color-preserving. But the manufacturer does not limit itself to braids and produces monofilament lines, including for winter fishing. Nylon threads from the Siglon V Ice Fishing series are coated three times with a thin layer of resin so that the material does not absorb water and does not freeze. These winter lines are moderately elastic and rigid, do not get tangled in the wind and transmit everything that happens to the bait in the water column to your hand.

Salmo ICE Period Fluoro Coated

Crystal clear nylon line for winter fishing with a fluorocarbon coating - it does not allow the material to absorb water and freeze. The thread does not go in rings, it has low stretchability, but it is enough to dampen the jerks of the fish when bringing it to the hole. The unwinding is small - only 30 m.

Jig It x Tokuryo ice braid X8 blue

From monofilaments to winter braids. The bright blue cord made of Premium PE is designed for ice fishing with a spoon and a balancer. Eight polyethylene strands are very tightly intertwined and generously coated with silicone impregnation. It makes the surface smooth, prevents water absorption, prolongs the life of the cord and minimizes its resistance during wiring. It is not afraid of intense loads, snags and rocky bottom, severe frost and jerks of trophy pike perch.

Sufix Ice braid

A premium winter cord at an affordable price made of 100% ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene of high strength Dyneema®. This material itself is impervious to water, is not afraid of frost and has almost zero stretch, which provides high sensitivity. The six-strand Sufix Ice braid made from this material is incredibly strong, almost weightless, and has no memory effect. 

Daiwa J-Braid Ice Special X8 Island Blue

Ultra-thin winter cords from Daiwa are completely Japanese-made: all stages - from the production of raw materials to unwinding and packing of bobbins - are carried out at factories in the Land of the Rising Sun. Particularly dense interweaving of eight strands provides a smaller diameter with a high breaking load, resistance to abrasion and minimal resistance during wiring. The silicone coating of the winter braid does not allow it to absorb moisture and freeze. The blue thread is almost invisible under the ice and is clearly visible to the human eye on the snow.