When the lakes lock up and ice season kicks into full swing, every piece of your setup matters. Jig choice, electronics, shelter, sure, they all play a role. But if your line isn’t suited for hardwater, you’re already playing from behind. Ice fishing line takes a beating. Tight spool memory, freezing temps, sharp ice edges, and finicky fish all put it to the test.

That’s where Sunline steps in. Known for producing some of the most consistent and high-performance lines in the industry, Sunline brings two standout options to the ice that check all the boxes for cold-weather performance: FC Ice and XPlasma Asegai. Whether you're hole hopping for panfish or deadsticking for stubborn walleyes, these two lines offer reliability, sensitivity, and performance you can count on beneath the ice.

Sunline FC Ice: Cold-Weather Fluorocarbon Built for the Hardwater Grind

Fluorocarbon can be hit-or-miss on the ice. Some brands get too stiff in the cold, others coil up like a slinky on tiny reels. Sunline FC Ice Premium Fluorocarbon was designed specifically to solve those issues.

This line is 100% fluorocarbon but engineered for sub-zero conditions. It stays manageable even on the tight spools used with inline or ultralight spinning reels. That low memory translates to fewer loops, less tangling, and more time fishing instead of retying.

But where FC Ice really shines is in the details. The abrasion resistance is top-tier. Key when you're dropping jigs near jagged ice edges or into brush piles. And because it’s fluorocarbon, it disappears underwater. That’s a big advantage when you’re sight fishing shallow panfish or dealing with pressured fish in clear water.

The sensitivity is dialed in, too. Every tick, bump, or inhale comes through clean. Whether you're working a tungsten jig for bluegill or creeping a spoon for walleyes, FC Ice gives you confidence that you’ll feel the bite and stick it.

Sunline XPlasma Asegai: The Braid That Won’t Freeze You Out

Most anglers think of braid as a warm-water-only deal, but Sunline XPlasma Asegai Braided Line flips that idea on its head. It’s not marketed as an “ice braid,” but let’s be honest, some of the best gear wasn’t made just for ice fishing. What matters is how it performs, and Asegai performs lights-out when temps drop.

What separates this braid from all others: Asegai is treated with a plasma coating that keeps water from soaking into the fibers. That means it stays dry and doesn’t freeze up like standard braids. No more icing over your guides or locking up your spool mid-jig.

It’s got a slick finish and tight, consistent weave, making it super smooth off the reel. This is especially noticeable on the small, shallow spools we all use for ice fishing. It lies flat, resists coiling, and doesn’t feel like you're working with a rope in freezing temps.

And of course, you get all the usual braid benefits: near-zero stretch, excellent strength-to-diameter ratio, and unmatched sensitivity. Drop it down deep for lake trout or finesse it in 6 feet of water. Either way, you’ll feel everything that’s happening under the ice.

Why Braid-to-Fluoro Is a Smart Setup for Ice Fishing

Now, here's where things really come together: pairing XPlasma Asegai with FC Ice as a braid-to-fluorocarbon leader setup. This combo is as versatile as it gets and works across a wide range of species and presentations.

Why run braid as your mainline under the ice? For starters, braid has no memory, which is a lifesaver on the small-diameter spools found on most ice reels. You won’t get those tight coils that make line management a nightmare. Plus, the strength-to-diameter ratio means you can run light line without sacrificing durability.

The fluorocarbon leader adds stealth and abrasion resistance where it matters most, near the fish. Whether you’re fishing pressured crappies in gin-clear water or bouncing bottom for walleye, the low visibility of FC Ice helps seal the deal.

Together, Asegai and FC Ice give you a setup that casts light, fishes strong, and handles like a dream in freezing conditions.

How to Rig It Right: Practical Tips for Pairing These Two Lines

If you’re new to braid-to-fluoro setups on the ice, here’s what you need to know. First, use a strong and slim knot to connect the two lines. An Albright or FG knot both do the trick well and pass through guides smoothly, even on ultralight rods.

For panfish and light presentations, try running 8 lb Asegai to a 2–4 lb FC Ice leader. That’ll keep your presentation natural while still giving you control and sensitivity.

Chasing bigger fish? Step it up to 10-12 lb braid and a 6–8 lb fluoro leader. FC Ice maintains its low memory and clarity even at larger sizes, making it a solid choice for walleyes to lake trout.

Ice Season Demands the Right Gear - Start with Your Line

Too often, line is the last thing anglers think about before heading out onto the ice, but it should be one of the first. It’s your direct connection to every bite, every hookset, and every fish you bring topside.

With Sunline’s FC Ice and XPlasma Asegai, you get two lines that absolutely thrive in cold-weather fishing. Whether you're looking for the best ice fishing line in fluorocarbon or a braided ice fishing line that won’t freeze and frustrate, these two deserve a spot on your next outing.

Don’t let sub-par line cost you fish this winter. Rig up smart, and let your line work for you, not against you.