recommendation please

[Crappie_ Kid]

What do you guys think is a better spring bobber rod a sweet thing plus with the thorne bros spring or the croix spring rod im thinkin about getin one of the two just dont know what is a better choice THANX -crappie kid-

[fishing is hot]

I was at Thorne’s last week and picked up a couple of Pats springs for pan fish. Next year they will have a new spring that’s a little heaver for perch. I like the way their spring attach so they can be removed. I have some of the St. Croix springs and they get stretched out when you remove them.

[harvey lee]

Crappie kid:

I own numerous different pannie rods(alot custom built)with different spring bobbers and have used them for years and yes,they all catch fish.

Last week I purchased my second Thorne Bros rod,the second one being a pannie rod with thier spring bobber.This unit is the best one that I have used in35 years of ice fishing.Very sensitive and the spring bobber is made to fit thier rod,not one that you have to figure out how to make fit and then stay in place.They are a little more money,but in my mind,well worth the extra.

St croix has some good rods also,as I own three of them,but Ill be staying with Thorne Bros.

[brava-pesca]

I would go with the St. Croix Legend spring bobber rod. I believe it is by far the best spring bobber rod on the market. The rod is designed to perfection. Look at the design of both and you will understand why I own three St. Croix Legend ice rods. I have never had a problem with the spring stretching. It takes seconds to push the spring out(with a pen tip) and change to a heavier spring. You have a choice of three springs and if you plan on using it on crappies and sunfish I would start with the 24" lite rod. If you do decide to go with the St. Croix, you can cut the plastic case so you can slide the rod in to protect your investment. Let me know if you would like to see a pic of the adapted plastic case.

[brava-pesca]

Harvey Lee: Do you own a St. Croix Legend Ice Rod? You really can't compare the Avids and the Premier to the the Legend. It is in a totally different league.

[harvey lee]

No sir,I have a couple avids and added spring bobbers to them,and yes I know that they make the Legend with a attached one,just have not used that rod.

[Rick]

I have 5 of the St Croix Legend ice rods. UL, L, ML, M, & MH. Sweet rods indeed. The only thing I could ask for is an even heavier spring bobber for those 1/4 oz spoons. The spring bobbers are top of the line and I've never had a problem removing them.

I guess if you pulled them out rather than pushing them out it could be a problem. However they are very sturdy and one shouldn't have pull hard enough to strecth it before figuring you should push it out instead.

[Tony Boshold]

Rick,

St.Croix has a new "Heavy" Spring out this year, give them a call not all stores are carrying them. The New one has a green tip on it. It can handle the larger jigging raps and chubby darters and bigger spoons.

All,

As for Stretching them out a pen works for pushing them the rest of the way out and if they don't come out easy push more with the pen tip. Also using a small drill bit or nail will help keep it straight as you PUSH it to move it. Never pull the spring unless you are changing them out. Only pull after pushing as far as you can, with the pen being saved for the last bit.

When you get the rod home the Grommet the spring sits in has a break in period. Working it back and forth will help some. BUT, I have found that lubricationg the spring while it is out will make it slide much easier. Try using some sort of silicone.

Bob Horn gave me the lube tip. Maybe he will fill us in on what he uses.

Hope these tips help,

Edit:

Crappiekid,

One more thing, check the thread in this forum labelled "I have a confession to make." Alot more info on this very subject.

[Crappie_ Kid]

so most of you guys think i shouldf take the croix

[oil painter]

I have st. criox rods for soft water but Thorne bros. for hard. Maybe Im a chump but he showed my the difference in his versus the croix and sold me. Im happy so far but Ive only had it a month.time will tell

[Crappie_ Kid]

are the legends made out of carbon like the preimeir and the avid or is it graphite

[Crappie_ Kid]

yeah brava lets see your case thing thanks

[Crappie_ Kid]

harvey what kind of thorne bros rod did you get this time

[harvey lee]

A Sweet Thing Plus ice rod.

[brava-pesca]

The pic shows how the rod fits into the retangle I cut from the hard plastic case the rod comes in. Look at how the jig is protected, I love it because I no longer have to spend time cutting hooks out of my Stone Legacy Bag. I use a sharp knife and start 1/8" about the UPC sticker (1 1/2" from bottoM).The width of the rectangle is an 1 1/4" and the length is 5 1/2" I got this tip from another fisherman and it has worked out great.

[Rick]

That's exactly how I used to do it as well.

[Gus]

I do a very similar cut to golf club bag tubes. Golf club tubes run about .50-.75 cents each and do a pretty good job of protecting a rod. Just a tip for a cheap rod protector.

And on topic, I'm another Thorne Brothers rod addict. First I had one, then two, then three... yup I'm addicted. I don't think you can beat the quality or feel of a thorne rod.

[Rick]

I have a Thorne Bros Walleye Sweetheart as well and it is awesome.

[Tyler Holm]

I have 2 Legends and all weights of spring bobbers. They work exceptional. I've yet to see a better system on the market for light bitting fish.

When you order the rods, they come in a plastic sleeve as show above. I've also cut my sleeve such that the rod slides in there and it protects the rod and spring bobber system as I transport my rod in my rod bag.

One thing about Thorne is that you can get a custom rod that has a reel seat (rather than taping on a reel). I wish St. Croix had that option. I also wish you could get a St. Croix that is 26-28" but its not available in the Legend series.

The Legend is the best ice rod I've ever owned and I'd recommend it to anybody.

[duckman5547]

I have 5 thorne rods, 3 walleye sweethearts, 1 pro graphite 42", and a perch sweetheart. As far as I'm concerned these are the absolute best rods a person can buy. I also have a St. Croix legend and hardly ever use it, it seems like I always have a thorne rod in my hands.