New Rod

[Guest]

Ok fellas... got a 2 part question.
FIRST...... never have had the time or the inclination to be a big enough ice fisherman to invest in some ice fishing equipment (spend to much on the non-hard water fishing and hunting gear). But I decided that since I got a couple of ultra light reels layin around and decide it was high time to set them up fopr something. So where is the best palce to get a decent ice fishing rod, and what kind/brand is the best? I got jigs and the assorted, just need an auger otherwise.
Second question is, lookin through the Cabelas catalog and assorted other catalogs and decided I need to put a rod on my X-MAS list.... I've been castin w/ a couple of 6'6" Fenwicks (a pair of Eagle GT's and an HMX) love em.... love the length... any other poles you fellas suggest?

[Guest]

Go to a good tackle store and talk with a knowledgeable sales person. There are a ton of variables -- for example, if you use one of the super lines (no stretch) you'll want a softer action, no matter what type of presentation you use.

You need to focus on type of species sought, type of presentation (casting, jigging, rigging, etc.), whether you troll, drift, fish from shore -- spinning reel, bait caster, all these need to be considered. A good sales person can help a great deal.

As for cost, "you get what you pay for" does NOT always apply. You do not have to go top end to get a very good rod. Bass Pro, Cabela's, Gander Mountain -- all have their own names on rods built by "name" builders.
Shop around and narrow the choice to your specific needs and types of fishing.

Good luck.

[Guest]

Can't offer much on ice rods - most of my ice fishing is hand lines for lake trout and northerns, but do have a suggestion on a new boat rod.
From the sounds of it, you have a couple of "standard" war clubs, good for most of the walleye and smallmouth action you will run into in this neck of the woods. Along those lines, it can never hurt to have another, and the Cabela's XML 6 1/2 foot medium weight is pretty nice, for the price. I have built a couple of them in the last 2 years, and really like how they perform. Most of the use is trolling live bait rigs, or stationary (live bait).
Another thought is to get yourself a lightweight rig for casting smaller jigs such as 1/8 oz. (deadly at times for walleye) and I just finished a 5 1/2 foot Cabelas XML rod, which has a Shimano Spirex 500 spooled with 4 lb. Berkeley Tournament Strength waiting for it. Now I've gotta wait 'til spring to try it out.

[Guest]

I stopped by the Red Barn booth over the Grandstand at the State Fair and spent a few minutes looking them over. Very nice workmanship - the wooden handles are a nifty idea. They build on a variety of blanks, so you can get a true "custom" rod.

[Rick]

If you're looking for sensitivity Red barn Rods are one of the best. I use them quite a bit.

You can get details at:
http://fishingminnesota.com/redbarn/

[Guest]

Big/ you have the best rod shop in your own backyard. Go to Thorne Bros on university. Your going to want to feel a few before making a purchase. I have also heard the Red Barn rods are really something. But i havent used one yet.. If you have any spare time on your hands Thorne Bros will teach you how to build your own that can be very rewarding. They have all the supplies and tools. The cost to build is about the same as a new rod except you built it to your own specs..

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MILLE LACS AREA GUIDE SERVICE
651-271-5459 http://fishingminnesota.com/millelacsguide/

[Crappieman]

I have used the red barn also. I got it from last year ice show. It has great sensitivity to it and has the back bone to be used for walleyes. I have used it to catch crappies and pike. good all around rod. My favorite. When I let other people use my rods this is one I keep to myself.

[GullGuide]

My vote goes to Red Barn as well.
Good luck, ice is on it's way!
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[Scupper]

Hey guys, I picked up the new Black Diamond Signature Series Red Barn Ice Fishing stick at the Ice fishing show this past weekend. Frank's only making 100 of them. My wife say's Merry Christmas to me every year with a new Red Barn Stick. I've also treated myself to a couple of these sticks. There my favorites but I also have lots of other sticks.
Scupper...

[Guest]

Thorne Bros. does have some great rods and Rad Barn are awesome too, but they are pricey. You can save a few bucks with the Berkley Lightning rods or the Frabill rods. The new Frabill combos are nice and give you a great rod and decent reel for $40.

[Crappieman]

Ok, I want to start a discussion again. I need one more Walleye rod. I have a red barn already, so I need another brand. If you had to pick one top rod, other than red barn (which I love). What would that be and why?