Ice anglers who fish from permanent or portable wheelhouses know the dream: lines down 24/7, staying warm and comfortable, and catching fish while you cook dinner, play cards, or sleep through the night. That’s exactly why rattle reels have become one of the most talked-about tools in the winter fishing world.

Some anglers swear by them. Others roll their eyes. Many love to hate them. But the truth is simple—rattle reels are one of the most effective ways to keep lines in the water when you’re not actively jigging, and when set up correctly, they can help you catch more fish with far less hassle.

In this in-depth guide, based on insights from Chris Larsen and Al Escobedo on the Fish House Nation Podcast, we explore everything you need to know about fishing with rattle reels. You’ll learn how to set them up, where they shine, how they help beginners and kids, and why the Catch Cover Rattlesnake Reel is the most reliable rattle reel on the ice today.

---

Why Rattle Reels Matter in a Wheelhouse

The beauty of wheelhouse ice fishing is that you can fish comfortably all day and all night. When you’re sleeping, relaxing, or entertaining guests, your active jigging rod probably isn’t in your hand—but a rattle reel keeps you in the game.

Chris puts it simply:
“Everyone who buys a wheelhouse buys it with the intention of being able to fish 24 hours a day.”

Rattle reels allow exactly that. Whether you’re:

• Sleeping

• Cooking dinner

• Playing cards

• Helping kids get set up

• Hosting friends who don’t fish much

• Relaxing after a long day on the ice

…you’re still fishing.

Even though many anglers overestimate how busy rattle reels will be overnight, anyone who’s been startled awake by that unmistakable rattle knows the thrill. Whether it goes off once, ten times, or not at all, rattle reels create opportunity.

And sometimes, as Al joked, you even get into “not it” battles when they go off nonstop.

---

Why Rattle Reels Are Great for Kids and New Anglers

One of the most overlooked benefits of rattle reels is how they help kids and newcomers feel involved without overwhelming them.

Kids often struggle to jig actively for long periods, and the quiet moments in a wheelhouse offer plenty of distractions. A rattle reel gives young anglers:

• A sense of ownership

• A rod that’s “theirs”

• A simple task—respond when the reel goes off

• A real chance to catch fish without worrying about tangles or technique

It also keeps your gear safer. Kids don’t have to handle expensive rods, sensitive reels, or sharp hooks while moving around the shack. Instead, the rattle reel does the work.

For adults who want to experience ice fishing without the constant engagement of jigging, rattle reels are equally handy. They keep inexperienced anglers fishing without requiring skill, and they reduce the chance of equipment accidents.

---

Setting Up Rattle Reels for Success

The way you set up your rattle reels dramatically affects how well they work. Chris and Al shared several practical tips every angler should know.

Fly Line vs. Dacron: Choose Wisely

Traditional rattle reels often use Dacron line. While it works, it comes with problems:

• More line memory

• Easier tangles

• Difficult handling in cold weather

Chris recommends using fly line, especially when paired with the larger spool on the Catch Cover Rattlesnake Reel.

Why Fly Line Works Better

• Less memory

• Fewer tangles

• Smoother movement

• Easy color coding for species differentiation

If you swap species often, simply cut back to your swivel and tie on a new leader.

---

The Catch Cover Safety Cover + Rattlesnake Reel Advantage

One of the biggest frustrations in wheelhouses is preventing rods from falling into holes. Dogs, kids, slippery socks, and over-enthusiastic buddies all play a role.

The Catch Cover Safety Cover has a built-in indentation that perfectly fits the Rattlesnake Reel’s base. This allows you to position your reel directly above the hole:

• Keeps lines tangle-free

• Prevents trips, snags, and lost rods

• Allows fish to take line cleanly

• Maximizes sensitivity and strike detection

When used as a system, the Safety Cover and Rattlesnake Reel offer unmatched control and reliability.

---

Choosing the Right Locations and Depths

Where you place your rattle reels—and at what depth—can make or break your overnight success.

Chris and Al recommend:

1. Target Travel Routes

Fish often cruise at night, especially:

• Flats

• Saddles

• Edges of structure

• Soft-bottom areas where bait congregates

Even if the spot seems “boring,” nighttime movement can be very different from daytime patterns.

2. Don’t Forget Suspended Fish

Many anglers instinctively set rattle reels near the bottom, but this can be a major missed opportunity.

Walleyes, pike, and even perch often suspend at night. Setting lines at:

• Mid-water column

• 2–5 feet under the ice

• Varying depths across the house

…can help you find where fish really are.

3. Track Your Depths Accurately

If one reel goes off repeatedly, move the others to match it. But this only works if you remember how deep each line is.

Two great methods:

• Marker bobbers

• Depth stops

• Colored fly line sections

These make it easy to reset lines consistently after every fish.

---

When to Reset Your Lines for Maximum Action

For anglers hoping to maximize overnight success, Chris shared a great strategy:

Go to bed around midnight. Set an alarm for 3:30 or 4:00 a.m. Drop fresh lines and go back to sleep.

As the sun starts creeping up— even in midwinter—fish often turn aggressive. Resetting before first light dramatically increases your chances of success.

---

Use the Right Baits for Rattle Reels

Because you want your baits to stay active for long periods, the hosts recommend:

• Fathead minnows

• Glow jigs

• Balanced baits

• Light leaders for panfish

• Heavier fluorocarbon for pike

Fatheads in particular stay lively overnight and produce consistent rattle-inducing movement.

---

Why the Catch Cover Rattlesnake Reel Stands Apart

There are plenty of rattle reels on the market, but the Rattlesnake Reel offers advantages no one else matches.

1. Lifetime Warranty

Catch Cover offers a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. If something breaks, Catch Cover will replace it.

2. Made in Minnesota

American-made craftsmanship means durability and reliability in extreme winter conditions.

3. Large, Tangle-Free Spool

The oversized spool dramatically reduces line memory and tangles.

4. Flexible Arm for Perfect Placement

The adjustable arm lets you put your line exactly where you want it—centered, angled, or moved out of the way.

5. Safety Cover Compatibility

Designed to work seamlessly with Catch Cover Safety Covers for a secure, tangle-proof setup.

---

Final Thoughts: Rattle Reels Are a Must-Have Tool

Rattle reels are simple, versatile, fun, and incredibly effective. Whether you’re introducing a kid to ice fishing, keeping lines down while you sleep, or maximizing overnight walleye bites, they offer unmatched convenience.

Pairing the Catch Cover Rattlesnake Reel with smart setups, good bait, and thoughtful placement will help you catch more fish while enjoying everything your wheelhouse has to offer.

You can find Rattlesnake Reels at your favorite tackle dealer or online at CatchCover.com.