Ice Rod Photos

[Hardyboy]

Bear in mind that im not a photographer but here are a couple of ice rods that i have built. As i can i will add a few more photos of some more work I have done.

[Scupper]

Nice work hardyboy.

May I ask where do you get the guides?

[Eric_Kruger]

Nice work, Are you using a high build finish? I noticed some balling of the finish, try either a slower drying motor or a lite build. You can also stop the motor with the guides up and wipe away any drips, rotate 180 degrees and do it again. then let it go should help ya.

[Hardyboy]

I actually did use a High build finish on the one rod that's a good observation. Let me qualify this statement with the fact that i don't like the look of it as i think it looks like a gob but the person i made it for actually wanted it that way. Said he had another rod that had that and said he liked the "3D" look of it. if i had bought a rod and received it looking that way i would have just thought it was a poor job but hey who am i to tell you what you like LOL. I have started using a Pro Build finish and it sets very clear and i like the consistency.

[that_guy]

I'm curious what size guides you used, and what application this rod is for? I'm getting ready to build my own ice rods and can't quite decide which size guides to get.

[upnorth]

If the rod is used in an ice house 16 or 12, 8, and finish with 6s work well. If you are going to be sitting out in the cold a size larger to slow down the clogging with ice is a better bet.

[that_guy]

12, 8, 6, 6, 6 was my initial plan. I'll have to check it out a little more.

[upnorth]

That seems to be a lot of guides on an ice rod, unless you are going to make a rather long one.

[Hardyboy]

I use 5 on my walleye rods and it gives a good balance and feel.with the solid graphite rod it gives it a true summer rod action in your ice rod. but again thats JMO

[Smoker]

I have been using 20,16,12,6 and a fly rod large tip. Everyone has liked them so far and the fly rod tip helps when the ice builds up. The ice comes of easy. They are on a 32" rod.

[upnorth]

Yep and that is why they call them custom.

I try to keep the weight down to enhance sensitivity. How much difference does an extra # 6 make...not sure, but I believe it helps. Not every one will agree with that and that is OK. We all do it a little different.

[Eric_Kruger]

on my 24" panfish rods its 10,8,6,6,6 on longer rods up to 36 I just add a 6 on shorter I just subtract one. Works well for me

[Hardyboy]

pm sent tourney champ

[Eric_Kruger]

e mail reply sent.....Zapped by the mods lol