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Best Rod (not combo) for $20 - $30 - need some advice

PTocko

By PTocko
in Ice Fishing

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PTocko Community Regular

PTocko

Posted
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I'm looking at picking up some relatively inexpensive rods to make up some decent crappie / perch set-ups for wife and friends. I have reels (Shimano Sonoma 500's) so only looking at rods. The three that I have seen are the St Croix Premier, the Thorne Brothers Hardwater Series and the Frabil Bro Series. I would probably be looking at a ML to M in 28" (or so). I did a search and could not find anything on the topic so decided to start my own. Anyone with first hand, second hand or even friend of a friend of a brother knowledge of any of these rods would be appreciated. Please do not suggest Legends, Power Noodles, Sweethearts etc, I have several of these and this is not what I am looking for. Bottom line - I am looking for a decent rod that won't break the bank. Thanks for the help - I do appreciate it. Paul

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slurpie Experienced

slurpie

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Jason Mitchell rods are 36.00 each thats close to what you want to spend. And you can get a meatstick, pannie, perch or wally rod for that price. The nice st Croix spring bobbers go on sale toward the end of the season for 30 35 bucks each if your willing to wait. Otherwise the newer frabill series seem decent but i dont know the price.

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DTro Grand Master

DTro

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Sounds like the Jason Mitchell line would be a good fit. On the high side of your range, but sometimes you can find them for a better price.

I really like the 26" Perch for an all around rod, but you could step up to the 28" Walleye as well.

With the Perch rod, I've caught Gills, Crappies, Perch, Walleye, Northern, Lake Trout and Catfish. It handled them all well.

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PTocko Community Regular

PTocko

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Okay - I'll add JM to the mix. Next question - where can I go and see the Jason Mitchell lineup in the twin cities area. I want to see / touch these before I buy - don't mind buying online if I am familier with the product but I've honestly never really looked at the JM line before. Thanks for the suggestions, keep them coming. Paul

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so haaad Veteran

so haaad

Posted
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The JM and Thorne Bros are great rods, and Gander does carry some of the JM rods. Thornes are a little heavier than most rods, but they are also solid graphite and not tubular. The St. Croix rods can be good, but unfortunately they produced some rod batches that were put together really poorly. A couple years ago they had lots of issues where the tips were falling off or rod end was snapping off completely. I personally had issues with two Legends...one tip fell off and the other snapped off under normal wear, so I built some rods using the Thorne blanks and now have much better rods that holds up to the normal wear and tear.

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New2TheFly Enthusiast

New2TheFly

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I picked up a St Croix premier combo from Gander when they were on sale for $25. Then I immediately returned the combo when I saw how well the reel performed. The drag would go from tight to completely loose in 1/4 of a turn, no wonder they were on sale. The rod seemed nice though.

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BoxMN Grand Master

BoxMN

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I used my 20" Meatstick the first time last weekend, and I like it. Only caught crappies and sunnies and some bass, nothing real big, but even with the soft tip, it seems like it has good backbone for a small rod. Eyes are small though, so only good for inside. I also have a JM Springbobber that I loved last year. Used that last weekend too smile I really like the JM rods, and they are $26 cheapest or usually about $30, so in your range.

I actually have a Lightning Ice Rod that me and bro like, but the tip broke on it twice (our fault) and now I have new tip eye on it but shorter and more "soft" as I had to sand it down some. Too bad I broke it, I lived it. Now have Otter rod case due to those breaks. I think you almost need it for the Meatstick, that tip is thin!

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Chode2235 Veteran

Chode2235

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I used my 20" Meatstick the first time last weekend, and I like it. Only caught crappies and sunnies and some bass, nothing real big, but even with the soft tip, it seems like it has good backbone for a small rod. Eyes are small though, so only good for inside. I also have a JM Springbobber that I loved last year. Used that last weekend too smile I really like the JM rods, and they are $26 cheapest or usually about $30, so in your range.

I actually have a Lightning Ice Rod that me and bro like, but the tip broke on it twice (our fault) and now I have new tip eye on it but shorter and more "soft" as I had to sand it down some. Too bad I broke it, I lived it. Now have Otter rod case due to those breaks. I think you almost need it for the Meatstick, that tip is thin!

I know this is a bit off topic, but I thought the ends of the meatstick was way to loose and spongy. I didnt feel like I had any control at all, it was very sloppy compared to my power noodle.

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mn_bowhunter Community Regular

mn_bowhunter

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If you get a St. Croix make sure you check the guides. Most I have seen aren't even close to straight. I went to 2 stores before finding one with straight guides. I like the rod just fine, but still like the $8 lightning ice rods better. I just picked up a replacement lightning today for a broken one I have.

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Fred_Bear Proficient

Fred_Bear

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I use a 28" UL St. Croix for crappies and it's awesome. I actually used it fishing walleyes on Christmas Eve because the brother in law was along and I let him use my walleye set ups. Landed a 25" and 26" walleye on it. I really like the Premiers. Better than the legends actually because I can't stand spring bobbers and I'm not a fan of reel seats.

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Jig for Pigs Newbie

Jig for Pigs

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Last year I was using two st.croix rods and liked them. Then I bought a Frabill Bro Series rod. Awesome. Used that for jigging the rest of the season. I just bought a Bro series quick tip to use as a dead stick. Can't wait to use it. For the money, I don't know if you can beat them.

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