Fishing Poles & Reels

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I HAVE A ZEBCO 11T REEL FOR LIGHT PANFISHING, AND LOVE THE REEL. THINKING IT IS TO LIGHT OF A REEL FOR WALLEYE. ANYONE KNOW OF A SIMILAR BUT HEAVIER STYLE REEL FOR WALLEYE AND PIKE FISHING? ALSO HAVE A BERKLEY LIGHTNING ROD WITH IT, WHAT WOULD BE A FEW GOOD RODS TO LOOK AT.

[Captain B.R.K]

I'm thinking you were meaning reels?!? In any case, I'll talk about both

As you read through the forum, you probably have stumbled across the THORNE BROS rods a time or two. These rods are custom made by some of the best rod builders in the Midwest. They definately have done their homework in making the best rods for us today....hands down!

You pay a little more for them, but they are worth the money, guarenteed!

Reels, I think on three (for sure 2) of my ice-fishing combo's I have Cetus's. I believe that is the spelling Excellent drag systems and smooth reeling reels. Again they cost a little more, but you definately want something you can trust on the ice.....this is one reel you can do that with!

[Northlander]

There are tons of good rods both on the Custom end and retail.

Customs- Thorne Brothers

Midwest Rods

Engel Rods

There are more but these are rods I have bought and have experience with. All of these 3 builders know there stuff and Im happy with every rod any of these guys have built me.

Reels I like for ice fishing are the Shimano 500 series and Cetus brands. I have a couple Cardinals that arent bad either. All will work for anything from gills to eyes. For lakers I like a bigger spinning or baitcaster. Diawa, Shimano, Abu Garcia and Okuma are all good baitcasters.

Go to a Gander, Scheels, T.B., Cabelas, Marine General or any baitshop with good ice gear and try some reels on rods and see what looks best for you. I like longer rods in the 28" - 36" range. For gills Ill go 24-26" with a spring bobber. For perch and crappie I like a 28" and for eyes a 30-36" at times. This will depend on your preference and house size etc. Along with many more things I wont get into now.

Good luck and know that even some mid level retail rods are good rods.

[Bob Horn]

Just a heads up, the cetus reels are made by Tica. Most of us here know that but some of the newer people might not. And yes, tica reels are on all my rods. Great little reels.