Wanted good panfishing rod

[md22]

I'm mostly a walleye fisherman but last year I ran into a bunch of bluegills and had a blast, so now I'm looking for a quality bluegill/perch rod. I would like to be able to cover my bases with one rod, but as a walleye fisherman I know that you need different rod styles for different tactics like, heavier lures, deeper water, etc.. etc.. I'm sure this holds true for panfishing through the ice also. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Bob Horn]

md22, I would get the St. Croix Legend ice rod. It`s detects the bites of the lightest biters. I would get the ul rod and a extra spring of a different wieght. I have caught 5lb. northern and smallie 20inches. It can haddle walleyes if you want to fish it for that also. It a great rod for pannies.

[CrappieJohn]

MD22.....

Welcome to FishingMinnesota.com! We are always happy to see new names and someday, hopefully, faces!

The St.Croix line is a dandy rod to get into for the pannie action. You can look to the Thorne line of pannies rods as well and Midwest Rod and Reel offer some doozies. JRs TackleOutletStore has a new series of very sensitive rods this year. As always, Ganders, Cabelas and Fleets offer a very full line of tackle from entry stuff right up to some higher quality equipment.

If you are looking for a serious rod to span a number of applications that St. Croix comes with a world of versatility in the changeable springs. They cost a bit more, but you truely do get what you pay for with these.

Again, welcome to FishingMinnesota.com! Enjoy!

[zebco4040]

1

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

Another option if you want to spend as little as possible are the Gander series rods. I purchased the rods seperate from reels. For reels I got the Ice Bonz and they have lasted fine for a few years now.

[JP Z]

You can also check out Nature Vision's Line of Ice Rods. The Gold Genz Series are great Graphite rods and there are quite a few very Nice Pannie Actions. And $19.99 a rod and $29.99 a combo.

[Deitz Dittrich]

There are a ton of options out there! You can spend as little and as much as you want.

There are plenty of store bought rods, however thorne brothers you get a little more of a custom rod in a store bought package. Look around, I am sure you will find one you like.. happy shopping!... I hate shopping.. but when it comes to shopping for rods.. I love it!

[booshy]

I sure do love my "sweet heart" from Thorne Bros. Great feel but has great back bone also in case ya find a wondering eye swimming bye...

[Matt Johnson]

In my opinion, the Thorne Bros Panfish Sweet Heart Plus is tough to beat for a panfish/perch combo rod. Incredible sensitively with a fast tip, yet the backbone will provide comfort when playing trophy-sized crappie or bluegill, not to mention it will also ensure a solid hook-set. And as we all know you have a good chance at tying into a walleye, bass or pike while chasing down pannies as well.

I also like the 28-inch Thorne Bros Perch Sweet Heart Plus when targeting perch and big gills as well. It will also handle bass and walleye as well.

Midwest is another option for a custom rod that do a great job catering to the ice angler. Some excellent panfish options there as well.

St. Croix makes the Legend Ice line of rods with the built in spring bobber system that is also phenomenal on pannies, and like Bob said, they indeed detect some of the lightest bites. An outstanding option for finessing finicky bluegills, crappies, and perch...

[hanson]

You know, it wasn't too many years ago when you couldn't get a good ice fishing rod. You had Thorne Bros if you wanted to spend some money, and then the rest of the rods on the rack which were very disappointing for the most part.

Rod technology has come along way in a few years. Even the medium priced rods are pretty awesome compared to what used to be available.

Thorne Bros., St. Croix Legend, and Midwest rods are going to be at the top of the heap as far as quality goes. Very sweet stuff!

[md22]

Thanks for all the replies guys! I know Thorne Bros. makes a good ice rod as I own a 36" professional that I use for walleye, and love it. The only thing is I like to actually hold a rod to get a good feel for it before I buy it, and I'm from Wisconsin and theres no Thorne Bros around these parts. But that being said, I took a chance with the professional rod without actually holding it and have been very happy with it so, I probably can't go wrong. Thanks again for all your help and it's great to be onboard??!!!

[upnorth]

You could also check out local rodbuilders to see what you can get from them in your price range. I you go to rod-building.org you may be able to find someone in your area willing to build you exactly what you want.

[gill man]

If you already have a Thorne rod and like it, I am pretty sure you will like the Sweetheart too. I was leary about spending $50 for a ice fishing rod for bluegills. Now that I have that 28" Sweetheart I can't make myself use another rod. I've bought a St. Croix rod and a Dave Genz rod, and they just don't feel right. I can tell they are sensitive and have good actions, they just aren't my Thorne Rod. This year I'm planning on buying a walleye rod from them too. I've picked up a couple other good quality walleye rods, but they don't feel "right." I will be buying the walleye rod without seeing it too, but I'm confident it will be what I need.

It's hard to buy something like a fishing rod without seeing it first, but I am very confident in the Thorne Bros. rods.

gill man

[Captain B.R.K]

We are telling you that YOU'LL be 100% happy with your purchase GUARENTEED!!

Good Luck