looking for a new rod

[GSP4ME]

I actually broke a rod this past week while on Upper Red. Was nothing special but I had confidence in it. Was a Dave Gentz combo that I picked up at Cabelas last year. Medium action. I still have the reel but am in the market for a new rod. Nothing ultra expensive but something for those pesky walleyes and crappies will be used mainly jigging various spoons, while watching the Marcum. Any thoughts on what and where to look?

Thanks guys and good ice

[Vitreus]

I like to use different action rods for walleyes (ML) and crappies (UL), but usually use my walleye rod for jigging spoons. The st croix premier ML is a pretty standard rod that does the trick for that application. I am a big fan of the noodle rods for panfish. If you want to spend a little more, tuned up custom rods makes (IMO) the best noodle. You can also find other rods with an extra sensitive tip, for example, from TUCR and other custom rod makers around here like DH and thorne bros. They all make some really cool rods but you're going to pay for it.

[harvey lee]

I have had very good luck with a Mitchell Meatstick but the tip can break if you abuse it too much. Very good rod for eyes, crappie and even gills with the sensitive tip.

For a bit more money, tough to beat the Thorne Bros Perch Sweetheart. Darn good rod for a jigging rod and pretty sensitive for a light eye bite.

Most times I use the Thorne Bros Perch rod but if they bite very light, then the Meatstick will ice those eyes very well.

Many options out there from less expensive to rather spendy, just depends on how much one wants to spend.

I could get along with just a Meatstick for gills, crappie and eyes if I had to have only one rod. Just be careful with the tip. The Meatstick I have now I have used for the part 4 years and it is still fine, some have broken them thier first trip out, as I said, one needs to pay attention to the tip and then you will be golden.

I build custom rods and have some I do use but the 2 I mentioned will work wonderful for these species. The custom will run you a bit more if that is not an issue.

All in what you want and of course what you want to spend for a rod.

[Redlineracer12]

I like the Jason Mitchell Meat Stick for an inexpensive rod with the extra sensitive tip. Works great for Crappie and typical Walleye spoons. Probably wouldn't use it with any giant spoons or if you're targeting big fish though.

If you aren't looking for the sensitive tip, I like the ML action Wicked series of rods from 13 Fishing.

[Chad Holst]

+1 On the 13 Fishing rods. the Wicked or the WhiteOut are 1/2 the price(or More)of high end rods. This really is a high end rod for a medium Price/Low price. I preffer the Wicked, but the WhiteOut is preffered by most of our staff. A Medium Wicked with a matched reel will set you back only $40! I like the long arm reel, but they come in short and long. I know you said you have a reel already, but for the extra $20, you will not find a cheaper reel that performs like this one. (you wont find one for $50 either)

[Northlander]

If your not looking to spend the $ for a custom rod then I would recommend the Temple Fork Outfitters rods. Great rods for about $40.

[MN BassFisher]

For a low expensive but good quality rod I always turn to St. Croix. I have about 8 or 9 St. Croix Premier ice rods for $20-$25 a piece.

[Scott O.]

I'd give the Fenwick Elite-Tech rods a chance. Good quality rods in the $30-$35 range. I have a medium action one that works great on 'eye spoons.

[ZapMan]

I really like the Fenwick rods also.

[B-man715]

Come on GSP, just go get a couple Adam Bricker Custom rods j/k

it's only money..... LOL!

[mojogunter]

I just finished a custom Thorne brothers walleye sweetheart blank. Full reel seat and cork handle also has recoil guides. Blue and silver thread. $110 nice rod.

[GSP4ME]

Hey thanks Guys some awesome info. Hey B man I am up in Stacy as well. Out at Fawn Lake. Yea only money. Well the dogs soak up enough of that and there are still two big hunting trips coming up this year. Plus I want to get back to either red or LOW this year. Yes trying to keep it under 50. WHere would I look at those White Out rods?

[B-man715]

Just ribbin' ya GSP

If you're ever bored and want to go catch some 7" crappies I'll take you out on an area lake

Haven't done so hot around here for walleyes so far this year..... as you could imagine

Headed up to LOW this weekend to get my fix Also did well on Red a couple weeks ago. Where did you fish out of?

[GSP4ME]

I had a great time with Outdoor Authority. They go out of Rodgers. Dannie treated me like Gold and had me off by myself and the dog and i had a riot. Made me feel like I knew what I was doing. I catch so many of those 7 inch crappies out on Fawn. Every now and then one or two a bit bigger. Its nice to be able to be on the lake in 5 minutes.There is another lake just down the road though that I am going to check out as soon as the weather gets a little warmer. LOW. I have never ice fished it yet really want to. Hopefully before the sesaon is over. I am always open to fishing with new folks. Let me know and we can hit one of he local lakes or make a road trip

[B-man715]

Sounds good. We got a "full boat" already on this trip, we are pulling a wheel house up Thursday morning and heading home Sunday. If somebody bails I'll give you a holler

If not, good luck fishing and maybe we can hit a lake up sometime

[GSP4ME]

Thats more then fine the Mrs. BIrthday is this weekend any how so we have dinner plans. I am going to try and get together a group for Feb to either red or low for some fishing and cigar smoking so keep that in mind. Thinking maybe presidents day weekend. If you are interested let me know

[dan z]

Big fan of the meatstick also. 28" for outside and 24" inside. The 28" walleye from him is also a pretty nice stick.

[GSP4ME]

going to take a look at the JM rods. I have his model thermal and love it

[DLD24]

13 fishing wicked or whiteout gets my vote...I love my wicked rods, don't own a whiteout because I bought TUCR instead, but I heard they are nice...I know Fleet Farm carries them and Gander not sure whats in your area...

[Big A]

I just finished a custom Thorne brothers walleye sweetheart blank. Full reel seat and cork handle also has recoil guides. Blue and silver thread. $110 nice rod.

for that kinda I am hoping it filets the fish and snuggles with you at night? lol... Very nice rod. But wow.. that is a big price

[GSP4ME]

thanks for all the help guys. I Picked up a new St. Croix premier medium action today at Gander. I saw the White Out rods but they were a ver light action. Nice looking rods though

[ribsey_77]

My vote would be the perch sweetheart from Thorne brothers! $58.99 well worth the price!

[GSP4ME]

hey Ribsey. Well you know what they say you can never have to many/ I might have to swing into Thorne Brothers and look around