Are ice reels really needed?

[FishnMusic]

In regards to keeping out the light in an ice tent, I would say yes--at least on some lakes. If you're in a tent that blocks out the light on a lake with clear water it allows you to see down into the water. Fish Lake is clear enough that when sitting in a tent you can see down to 25-30' which makes for a good time when you're sitting just outside the weeds in about 25' of water--no fish finder needed, you just sit and watch down the hole as the fish come up to your lure.

The picture I have attached is at fish lake in my ice tent, just outside the weeds in about 25' of water, you can see the weeds on the bottom.
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