I have a new design in mind for a ice rod.

[Brad B]

I got the idea to come up with a split grip ice rod. it would be a simple design but the question I have is would doing a split grip ice rod be of any benefit. I plan to build a cork and a eva foam model in the next week or two. I will post a few pics once they are done. I may even do a cedar model once I get a wood lathe. Just looking for opinions on if a split grip ice rod would have benefits over a tradional grip style.

[RawHog]

I am coincidentally in the process of doing something very similar. I am building a split grip bait-casting rod approximately 38 inches ( I know all you ice guys are going to think I'm crazy) . Some benefits of the split grip and length of my rod are that 90 % of the time I am fishing in my pop up with one buddy, the way we set up and drill holes would allow a rod of that length to put me at perfect distance away to sit back in my folding chair and be able to jig without killing my back or wrist. I am using a split grip to maximize the amount of exposed rod for me to put my hands on for optimal sensitivity because the way I will be holding the rod is in my right hand(left bait-caster) with the but of the split grip basically in my arm pit in order to be as efficient as possible with my movements, like the way some people use muskie rods. When I am jigging my left (reeling) hand can be placed on the open part of the split grip for even more sensitivity

That cedar sounds really cool and I can't wait to see pictures of your new build. I am a novice rod builder, this will only be my second build. My first was last year, a 28" walleye rod... it's sloppy to say the least, but it works great.

[Brad B]

I'm doing this as a way to try to reduce overall weigh and increase the sensitivity of the rod. I plan to make them 26" and will be using a solid carbon blank on each of them. one will be a light for panfish and the other will be a medium light for catfish and walleyes. I am picking up the components on thursday and placing a order for the one component my local supplier doesn't carry. if all goes right I should have these done by between the 18th and 20th. once done I will post pics.

[Brad B]

the eva model is a 28" and the cork model is a 26".

the eva still needs the threads epoxied and then I need to do the butt wrap and hook keeper yet. then I will work on the cork model. here is a few pics of the rods in process.

this is a upclose of the split grips.

here is a pic of how I did the guides.

[Jmeyers]

Nice looking rods Brad! Should be fun pulling up a catfish with those

[Brad B]

The Eva one will be my catfish and walleye rod and the cork will be my bluegill and crappie rod. the Blanks are the solid carbon blanks from Gary. That Medium Light blank he sells is get for cats and walleyes.

[Scupper]

Looking good Brad.

Scott

[mrklean]

Nice job brad when are you gonna make a wood handle rod?

[Brad B]

if you're talking about a wood handle split grip ice rod I need to get a wood lathe first. if your talking any type of wood handle ice rod then I have already done one. I also just built a wood handle summer rod at the end of August. that one will be my mille lacs/ mississippi river rod for small mouth and walleye.

here is a pic of the ice rod with the wood hand I did. the epoxy finish didn't turn out as good as I hoped it would but it was my first time finishing a wood handle. I could sand it down alittle and put a new coat on but since this is my rod I am leaving it as is.

here is the wood handle on the smallie summer rod.

the ice rod handle is walnut and the summer rod handle is cedar. that ice rod is what I got my first hardwater cat on last season. the summer rod is what I caught the 16" smallie on tonight (pic and brief report in the mississippi north forum).