Ice fishing Rods

[Guest]

Thought i'd like to try building a few rods as gifts & of course a couple for myself.
being new at this i thought i'd ask for any tips or opinions from the experts.
Who has a decent selection of blanks?
I'd like to try a fly reel seat on one to see how this works, Good Idea? Bad Idea?
Any tips or idea's will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Bob

[Stiff]

Coldpole,
I think you'll find that it will cost you more in just components to build an ice rod than it will to buy one already built of the same quality.

That said, there is something about using something you made yourself. I get my stuff from Wild River Distributing in Marine on St. Croix. They have everything you'll need but not nessecarily the ultra high end stuff (like $50 reel seats).

Thorne Brothers is another good place for advice, some components, and the use of good rod building equipment, but you'll pay for it.

Funny thing is, I've gone the other way. I try to find high quality "second" blanks for cheap, and I've quit putting reel seats on my open water spinning rods all together. Just tape 'em on like I do with my ice rods. Less weight and it works great. Just my opinion.

Stiff

[upnorth]

Cold pole

There is a small distributor in a little town called Marine-On-St.Croix called Wild River Distributing.The prices are great and they have quite a selection of rod blanks 2nds, and rod blanks from several manufacturers. They have everything you need. The number there is 651-433-2217.

I too don't bother with reel seats, they are cold and uncomfortable, just taping them on works great. It also lets you move the reel around on the handle to get a better balance for different reels and types of fishing.

Scott