Anyone Know a Source for Ice Rod Blanks?

[blackdog1101]

I've built dozens of spinning, casting, and fly fishing rods. I've also built one or two ice rods out of those broken rod tips you can buy in Cabelas discount cave, but those are hollow graphite blanks and are too stiff. Does anyone know where I could buy a couple good solid carbon rod blanks? Would be a nice Xmas gift to make one for my son. And me too.

I've found those fiberglass ones with the orange tip on the Jansnetcraft HSOforum, but not much else. Thanks!

[blackdog1101]

Well I guess I should look harder before I post. I just found some at Mudhole tackle. Has anyone built on these before - the MHX blanks appear to be their best. Any insight or other suppliers would be welcome. Thanks!

[mccullen]

DH Custom rods sells his blanks also. $20, not sure of the material but have heard good things, especially the Al Dente.

[pikestabber]

Just out of curiosity, Blackdog, I checked out Mudhole as I am a lure/decoy maker. I price checked one particular item that I purchased at Jann's Netcraft and the same exact model at Mudhole was over $11 higher...on a $35 item. Just suggesting you might want to price check those blanks somewhere else if you can. I did a search for those blanks, however, and I am wondering if Mudhole is an exclusive distributor? I couldn't find them elsewhere online.

[Brad B]

I haven't tried the mud hole ones yet. I get my carbon ice rod blanks from Gary Wicks out of Anoka. he offers a light panfish model and a medium light walleye/perch/catfish model. He has been a components distributor for 20 plus years. another place is Thorne Brothers I believe they will sell you just the blanks. these are the same ones they use on all their rods when people order them. if you want Gary's info send me a PM.

[Bobb-o]

Blackdog, It is hard to beat Thorne Bros Ice Rod blanks for building. They may not be as cheap as some you will find on the internet, but you know they quality.

[Johnsonator]

I got a few from Midwest Rod & Reel last year. They are solid carbon and Bill has them in what I would call a lite and medium. I absolutely love the medium for walleye/perch fishing, it is every bit as good if not better than any of the rods I have purchased. I didn't get much of a chance to use the light one but it feels like it would be an awesome crappie rod. The blanks were very cheap if I remember right when comparing them to the other MN ice rod blank suppliers.