Help me decide: St. Croix Premier Walleye, Jaso Mitchell walleye....oh...and a reel too

[VMS]

Hi Everyone,

In the market for a walleye ice rod as I am making a couple trips a year now to walleye destinations. I have been looking for some time, trying to narrow down my choices, and so far, these are the two I have held in my hand and like at this point. I have toyed with the idea of a Thorne Bros. walleye rod as well (not a custom, but one they build and have readily available at the store). I have not held a TB rod in my hand as of yet...or ever for that matter.

I did read through the TB rod thread and did find some useful information among some of the banter (as I would expect to see when talking product). Can't say I am ready to drop $110 on an ice rod (via TB HSOforum), but if I can buy what I need in components and keep price point down to the $50 - $60 range, I'd entertain the idea of building it myself as that puts it close enough to the price of the other rod with some possibly nicer components. The only thing I would really need is the blank and the guides as I have everything else, although my cork might be drilled too large to begin with...

The plan on length right now is 28 inches as this will be a jigging stick, so I'm figuring I want something that has a fast tip and decent back bone. Unless is is really nice out, the rod will be used in a heated environment.

Both the St. Croix and the Mitchell rods seem (to my untrained eyes in the ice realm) to be very similar in tip action and back bone with the mitchell maybe being a bit stiffer throughout the length. I am curious about sensitivity as well in these rods having not fished them either...only held in hand.

That said, I'd really like to hear from those who have used the St. Croix and or Jason Mitchell rods. Do they do the job and do it well?

Also, am looking for a decent reel to go on them as well. I saw the st. croix reel and felt it very stiff on the bail closing...want something a bit smoother. I know I could go really high end, but would like to keep it somewhere around the $40 range, which I would hope would give me a decent combo altogether without breaking the bank.

Thanks for any and all input that is to come.

Steve

[fisherman-andy]

If your looking for bang of buck rod take a look at TFO ice rods. For about $29-$39 its as good as it gets for retail shelf rod that isnt custom. I recommend the ML or M in 28"-30".

As far as custom rods you can get Thorne Bros Perch sweetheart rod with alconite guides for $60-$65. Take a look also at DH custom Perch Pounder rod now equipped with light weight fly guides for $65. Of course you can go with the almost indestructible recoil guide version too for around $100. If thats the case dont rule out the TUCR Precision ice on an EVA handle or split cork.

Honestly a Walleye ice rod some may find to be too stiff, so going with a Perch/Walleye application is more versatile.

[JohnMickish]

I own many many different rods including Thorne bros. customsn St Croix and Jason Mitchell's. Picking a $30 rod or a 50 to 60 dollar combo now days is a lot harder than it was just a couple years ago. There is lots of competition and what you get for the money is a pretty good deal. While it is not the quality of a custom rod attached to a $70 real it's still pretty darn good, and I for one am starting to abandon the mega dollar combos and go for off the shelf combos.

I am partial to the new dave Genz Legacy series or Jason Mitchell rod combos. The reels are smooth and the drugs are pretty decent. I like the way they fit in my hand, they balance well, have good actions and are available just about everywhere there is ice.

[VMS]

Hiya

Well... Ended up with a couple if rods, both st croix. Talked a bit with a salesman at thornes, and after chatting a bit on things, decided on going with the st croix premier. Purchased 2 rods... 28" medium and a 32" heavy. Bought a Pflueger trion for the combo. Found the reel at fleet farm and just loved the feel and the smoothness of the bail. So... We will see how these work out. Now... Just got to get on the ice.

Thanks for the responses

Steve