What's your favorite ice rod/reel combo.

[hoggs222]

What is your favorite ice rod/reel combo for crappies? Walleyes? How much did it set you back? I'm looking to upgrade a few combos this year. I've got about 7 or 8, but they're old & I really only care to use a few of them.

[Bob Horn]

Tica Cetus reel and St. Croix Legend ice rod. It will put you back 85-100 bucks. Look for a sale on the reels, I don`t know if you can get the rods less than $50. or not.

[prophet]

bought a st croix rod\reel combo last year for 30$,no need for a spring bobber,really sensative,worked well for both panfish and eyes

[Deitz Dittrich]

I just picked up a new rod from Midwest Rod and Reel. I wrote up a little review of it here.

My new Rod ITs going to be a great new rod for Crappies and Walleyes. I teamed it up with a Shimano Sedone 750 and 6 lb P-Line Floroice. I got a new UltraLight from Midwest too and cant wait to get it on the ice as well.

[Wadinator]

Does anyone know the difference between the Tica Cetus SB500 and the SS500?

[Matt Johnson]

The SS500 has a smaller line retrieved handle turn. It's not much though, like .1 of an inch. The SS500 also has an aluminum spool decorated with 18 conk holes.

Basically both the SS500 and SB500 provide the same quality, just a slightly different look.

They both have 6 pcs presice ball bearings and pretty much the exact same features all around exect for the above mentioned. You're going to get an outstanding reel no matter which one you choose...

[Matt Johnson]

Since I'm a big panfish guy, I'll list one of my favorite panfish combos...

I really like the Thorne Bros Sweet Thing Plus with a Tice Cetus SS500. An excellent panfish combo in my opinion. It offers balance, sensitivity, control, and a fast tip, yet still keeps a solid enough backbone to land any panfish (as well as some bass and pike on occasion too ).

I'm also a big fan of the Sweet Heart Plus and the Finnese Plus by Thorne Bros. The St. Croix Legend Ice rods also have a place in my arsenal and they provide an outstanding spring-bobber/finesse set-up. Both brands are great choices.

[Bob Horn]

Prophet, try one of those St. Croix spring bobber rods and you will switch. I have used them for a number of years now and there is a difference. When you jig your lure it softens the jigging so it looks more natural and the spring also "gives" so the fish does feel any resistance.

[Captain B.R.K]

Really depends on what kind of money do you want to spend?

There are new Genz Stix combo's coming out this year at a very reasonable price point, $29.99. If they are as good as the old Berkley Lighting Series Genz rods, that isn't a bad price.

Keep in mind when you buy combo deals, you are either buy the rod w/ a tossed on reel or a buying a reel with just a graphite rod. You normally don't get 2 great products in one for that price.

I am impressed with the Thorne Bros. rods Matt Johnson mentions above. I have several of there rods, 5 of them exactly- call me crazy,and am happy with everyone of them. I also have several of the Genz rods (older rods) that I am happy with too. A rod from Thorne Bros. will probably set you back $50. A new Genz Stix will set you back $19.99.

I have been slowly upgrading my reels to Shimano's or Teca's and those go from $29.99-$49.99. With these rods I use electrical tape and throw them on every winter!

These reels also double up on light action open water rods, so the cost can be justified somewhat

If you aren't sure what to do, definately wait until the Ice Show down in St.Paul come December. Thorne Bros. always has a booth there that you talk to the guys there about. Feel em', touch em' get idea of the action of them will help you feel better about a purchase! If you are looking for combo deals, then head to your local Gander Mountain, Dick's Sporting Goods, Fleet Farm, etc. as they will have those in stock.

Good Luck!

[Bob Horn]

St. Croix will have a booth also. They have a display that shows you the difference in a jigging rod with and without a spring bobber. There is a big difference.

[Yellow Dog]

Bob -

I noticed the St. Croix spring bobbers last year and they look great. Problem is, I have a mixture of rods--some with small tips and some--like the Genz rod--with bigger holes in the tips.

What would you recommend for spring bobbering these rods?

I've fiddled around with a couple things and had poor results.

Any opinions?

[ivegottabite]

My rod and reel setups include Genz & St Croix Rods paired with either Tica Cetus's or Abu C100's. I second Bob on the Legend Ice Rod, I have yet to see a better spring bobber rod.

[76k20]

for the money gander guide series makes some pretty nice ice rods I got a pair of super ultra lights late last ice season on clearance and I really like them for panfish. I think my favorite walleye rod would be my st croix m-l action fitted with the pinnacle mini deadbolt.

[Northlander]

Im very happy with all my Midwest Rods. I have them for Crappies to Lakers and they all are super sensitive. My spiral wrapped laker rod is probably my favorite, why Im not sure. Maybe because its so pretty?

I use shimano sedona 500's or the Ticas. I do have a few Abu spinning reels that are nice for the price.

[Bob Horn]

Nothlander, I seen that rod last year when I was in Ashland. It looked reel sweet. I wouldn`t mine having one like that for some walleye fishing. It`s even would be a good idea for pan fishing because your line would not spin.