Go To Ice Rod...

[fisherchick]

I would like to upgrade my rod selection.  I currently have your very average rod/reel combination for the wheel house.  Since the main squeeze and I are doing more and more ice fishing via "roughing" it instead of holes freezing over with 40 mph tropical breezes, splurging on a couple of new rods would be well worth the "pain and suffering" of fishing in my crocs.  I am looking for advice on a nice ice rod.  I am very familiar with St Croix, open water fishing, and love them.  I was looking at Thorne Bros. for a custom made rod.  I am open to suggestions, but I want something worth my money. I would like to buy one for him and one for me.  Something with a nice action, sensitive yet sturdy enough for bigger 'eyes.  Most of our ice fishing is for Walleyes...occasionally crappies.

 

Can anyone please give me some advice on what to get? Thank you!

[Scott O.]

If you want some great custom rods, check out Adam Bricker over at Bricker's Custom Rods.  He will design and build the rod you want to your exact specifications.  I own a few of his rods and can not say enough about the quality and the craftsmanship.  For a bit more than $100, he will build you your dream rod and you can even get multiple blanks since you fish for walleyes and crappie.  Otherwise, a great commercial ice rod is Clam's Elite Genz combos or their new Ice Team Professional series rods specifically tailored to different species.  St. Croix ice rods like the Avid series would also be good ones to look at.

[GillAssasin13]

What price range are you looking to stay in? Only reason I ask is I'd recommend a ML for Walleyes and a UL or L for crappies (depending on what baits you normally use - UL for crappies jigs or L for Spoons). I really like 13 Fishing products, and they cover an very broad price range. If you fish walleyes most, you may want to consider a higher end ML rod and then a good, but less pricey L for Crappies. Then you'll be covered for any situation!

[Boar]

Ive had chad huderle make about 4 custom rods,  he is and artistist with a fisherpersons wants and need. check out his gallery. huderlecuston rods, should bring him up. there spendy but a whole lot fun Ive had him  make Boars ice rods and a nurse theam rod for my wife, check them out for fun anyway. but if a custom rod isnt what you want to spend money on a good 28-32" fast tip good backbone rod desinged for walleyes, in the big stores will do ya fine as well.

Edited October 23, 2015 by Boar

[drscholl14]

As previously stated, it all depends on how much $$ you want to spend.  Personally I have found myself fishing more Tuned Up Custom Rods more than anything else lately.  I have really enjoyed them.  I also know that Thorne Bros. make a quality custom rod as a couple of my buddies really like theirs.  Try them all out, do a little or a lot of research, and then pick the one that YOU like the best.

[fisherchick]

Great points all! I was thinking of spending somewhere in the $100 range...ice fishing is not my only expensive hobby. I want something that has feeling.  I am going to do some research based on what all of you had said.  I want to be able to feel the minnow pass gas with the next rod. If anyone else has some suggestions I am more than happy to get them!

 

Thank you!

[SP180]

For my Ice house, I use 3 rods. 1 is TB Perchsweet heart for walleyes and perch, TB Dead stick for sitting in a hole next to me and TB trip wire or quiverstick for panfish. all very sensitive rods and very well done.