Cove Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 I icefish for panfish and walleyes, mainly.Have my favorite spring bobbers, but do wonder about using those rods advertised as having super soft tips, not requiring spring bobbers e.g. Jason Mitchel Meat Stick.Opinions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Portlis Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 I just use the cheap little HT Ice Blues for panfish and I couldn't imagine ever needing to use a spring bobber. I'm not catching monsters either, we're talking 8-10" metro crappies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassinboy3 Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Jason Mitchell meat sticks dont, I have a couple of them but I would reccomend the thorne bros power noodle, you wont need a spring bobber again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rod Woten Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 ...using those rods advertised as having super soft tips, not requiring spring bobbers e.g. Jason Mitchel Meat Stick.I don't think the meatstick has ever been advertised as not requiring a spring bobber. The only advertising I've ever seen promote it as it was origianlly designed...as a deadstick rod for walleyes.I just think that many anglers have discovered that the meatsticks work pretty well in place of a spring bobber rod, so that's what we see & hear. Is the meatstick a total repalcement for a spring bobber rod? No. Are there certain applications where a spring bobber rods, shines? Absolutely! Will a meatstick work in place of a spring bobber in many situations? You bet it will!-Rod Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basssmasher* Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 I dont remember who made them, but it was a noodle rod about 30 inches long, maybe longer, very thin at the tip, yet enough backbone for a few bigger fish. the blank was almost a cream color.. if anyone has one of these or similar, could you please post a pic? I know it wasnt a major name like jason Mitchell or TB... possibly made by eagle claw?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassinboy3 Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 If it was a noodle rod it was a thorne bros rod. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bothun Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Tuned Up Customs has a noodle rod also.I have a 32" TB Panfish rod and absolutely love it. Haven't caught anything other than big gills and crappies on it but wouldnt be afraid to use it on walleyes.After having a custom rod i dont think im going to buy a big name off the shelf rod again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbfenatic Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Picked up the new 13Fishing 24 inch "Wicked UL" and really like it for pannies...very sensitive tip, no spring-bobber needed and awesome backbone for the bigger crappies....reel is good quality as well....quite impressed so far. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slipperybob Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 An UL fiberglass rod will get the job done without the need for a spring bobber. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheCrappieFlop Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 Picked up the new 13Fishing 24 inch "Wicked UL" and really like it for pannies...very sensitive tip, no spring-bobber needed and awesome backbone for the bigger crappies....reel is good quality as well....quite impressed so far. I have the same rod and I've pulled up 5 lb. northerns no problem while fishing for crappies. the rod is ultra sensitive and even the softest biting crapppies don't go unnoticed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric_Kruger Posted February 11, 2013 Share Posted February 11, 2013 I dont remember who made them, but it was a noodle rod about 30 inches long, maybe longer, very thin at the tip, yet enough backbone for a few bigger fish. the blank was almost a cream color.. if anyone has one of these or similar, could you please post a pic? I know it wasnt a major name like jason Mitchell or TB... possibly made by eagle claw?? Dh Custom Rods "Al Dente" perhaps? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnAFly Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 I've got a TB powernoodle. It works best in 99% of situations, but there are still instances when a spring bobber is a better choice. Still, if there was only one rod I could own it would be a powernoodle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dan z Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 28" Meatsticks fit my applications very well I love my Meatsticks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Poutmaster Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 There are times when nothing takes the place of a spring bobber. Why are you looking for non spring options? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coners Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 this is another option to a spring bobber. EASY BITE. mount it on a stiffer rod. it works awsome. 1 problem with a spring bobber, it is very hard to detect bites if the fish swims upward with the bait. this one does. I will outfish any spring bobber 3 to 1 with this thing. Find them online or at mills fleet farm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnAFly Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 It's easier for me to get the action on my jigs without one. Personal preference really. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
walleyeking19 Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 I also have a Thorne Bros power noodle and love it! I will never go back to a spring bobber rod ever again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muskiemanzan13 Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 DH Al Dente. Best rod for the money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
northernsportman Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 my brother has several meatsticks that he uses for bluegills and crappies and he loves them... however, i myself go with the cheaper option and pick up a $6 ice blue. You get a nice fight out of the panfish and i have used it to catch walleyes on some occasions. plus with it being cheap it doesnt hurt as much when you break them, which i tend to do about once a year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sunniewally Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 the meatsticks are great but be careful with the tips during storing them. got a new jr rod thats suppose to be close to one but havent used it yet. it is not got the same backbone as the meatstick but a close second. we'll see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPCrowRiverFisherman Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 I have a ML 28" Fenwick Elite Tech and that is sensitive, I can't imagine what their Ultra Light would be like. The UL Fenwick may be worth checking out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LakeDocktor Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 There is a difference between sensitivity and a sight rod. I think the original post is looking for another option without a spring bobber. Spring bobbers have been a staple and a must for detecting the slightest bites. Using a "sensitive" rod will not detect all of the bites a spring bobber will. With that being said, while some of the mass produced rods will do the trick, a custom rod will only enhance the ability to detect those finicky bites. The Precision Noodle from Tuned Up Custom Rods is perfect for doing just that. The noodle tip is far more responsive than any DH Al Dente. Paired with Recoil guides, you have a lightweight rod that will resist ice buildup and see what you have been missing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lusid Posted February 12, 2013 Share Posted February 12, 2013 I posted a review on a DH custom rod that I just received. http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubb...n_H#Post3016938Not exactly what you were looking for because it has a spring bobber on it but it sure is sensitive! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
basssmasher* Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 Erik ... It wasnt an "al dente either. It was long and flimsy, and I remember I think I only paid about 20 bucks for it.. just wish I could find one again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mistermojo Posted February 13, 2013 Share Posted February 13, 2013 I have a Fenwick Elite Tech in UL 24" that is very sensitive. I will usually run this with no bobber. It's my favorite rod except I wish it was 26" and I'm afraid to hook into bigger fish for fear of snapping it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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