Descent Inline Ice Fishing Reel 2.7:1 Left Hand Retrieve - Reliable

In this review of the Descent Inline Ice Fishing Reel Gen 2 the bottom line is clear: this reel is built for anglers who want a straightforward, reliable inline setup without paying premium prices. The Descent's rigid graphite frame and sensible feature set make it an excellent choice for pencil and pistol grip presentations, and its easy push-button drop and integrated line window simplify ice techniques. For those who want a durable, ready-to-fish inline reel with practical controls, the Descent delivers consistent performance.

Key Features

• Composite Construction: A rigid graphite frame keeps weight low while giving a solid feel under the rod for controlled jigging and drops.
• 5 Ball Bearings: Smooth retrieves and confident line lay reduce hangups and make light bites easier to detect.
• Instant Anti-Reverse: Immediate hookset reliability removes slack and keeps fish pinned during short, aggressive fights beneath the ice.
• Dead Stick Spool Clicker: The audible clicker on the spool helps anglers monitor subtle takes when rod movement is minimal.
• Integrated Line Window: The built-in window provides a quick visual of remaining line and spool position without removing the reel.
• Drop Speed Control: Adjustable drop tension lets anglers fine tune how fast the lure sinks for different presentations and conditions.

Who It's For

The Descent Gen 2 is aimed at hardwater anglers who want an affordable inline reel with modern features for pencil or pistol grip fishing styles. It suits beginners stepping up from basic reels and intermediate anglers who value a light, stiff frame and practical controls like the drop button and tension adjustment.

Anglers who want heavy offshore or open-water spinning capability, or who require advanced electronic bite detection built into the reel, should look elsewhere; this model is focused on simple, mechanical reliability and on-ice utility rather than high-end tournament features.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rigid graphite frame provides a confident, lightweight feel when jigging and fighting fish.
• Five ball bearings and instant anti-reverse yield smooth operation and reliable hooksets.
• Dead stick spool clicker and integrated line window make bite detection and line management easier on the ice.
• Drop speed control and push-button drop simplify presentations for anglers of all levels.

Cons

• Not aimed at anglers who need high-capacity or open-water reel features; optimized for inline ice use.
• Limited warranty length relative to some premium reels, though a 1 year limited warranty is provided.

Specifications

Brand	13 FISHING
Model	Descent Inline Ice Reel Gen 2
Gear Ratio	2.7:1
Retrieve	Left Hand
Bearing Count	5 ball bearings
Drag System	Disc drag with drag star adjustment
Warranty	1 year limited warranty

Our Verdict

The Descent Gen 2 is a practical, value-focused inline ice reel that delivers the core features most hardwater anglers need: a stiff graphite frame, smooth bearings, reliable anti-reverse and sensible drop controls. It is a strong choice for anglers who want dependable on-ice performance without premium cost, making it good value for anyone focused on pencil or pistol grip setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this reel suitable for pistol grip style ice rods?
The rigid graphite frame and compact inline design make it well suited for pistol grip and pencil style rigs used in hardwater fishing.

Can the drop speed be adjusted on the fly?
Yes, the reel includes a drop speed tension control that can be adjusted to change how fast the lure falls during a presentation.

What kind of drag does this reel use?
The Descent uses a disc drag system with a drag star adjustment to control stopping power during a fight.