Ice rod advice

[syd2nd]

OK, time to start talking serious ice fishing. I want to buy a rod and reel for crappies and a little walleye action. I have many cheaper rods and want to invest in a good rod this year. I like the idea of spring bobbers, but I always had trouble with them freezing up when I was running and gunning. Need some advice on a rod, I am leaning toward Thome Bros. or St. Croix. Advice on a reel would also be appreciated.

[Shorelunch]

Both are great choices. I got a St Croix combo last year that I really like. Quite different than some of the other ones I've used.

[kslipsinker]

I have a St Croix Premier and an Avid, both ultra light. Really like the Avid for panfish. I use 2# Vanish, and have landed pike in the 30"+ range.

[harvey lee]

They are both very well built rods.I have numerous of both and since buying some Thorne Bros rods I will be keeping that trend going.

They are just awesome rods and you can have them custom build what you would like.Another one of thier rods that is something to not be without is thier deadstick rod.This was the first one I bought from them and that was the start.

As far as reels go,I started buying Tica cetus reels and have never had a problem to this date and the drags seem to be pretty good.I like the way they balance on my rods.

[DinkADunk]

Both are good choices. As for reels I like the Tica Cetus SB500 and LF500.

[Tyler Holm]

The spring bobber system on the St. Croix Legends ice rods is (in my opinion) the best on the market. It is designed as such that it won't freeze up, and it rarly has ice-up issues. The rods offer decent quality, and are super light weight.

Again, in my opinion, the Thorne rods appear to be a better physical rod and they offer a decent spring bobber solution as well. These rods have a little more backbone, but still the super sensitive tip.

I agree with the reel suggestions above. The Tica Cetus SB 500 is the only reel I'll buy.

[iland99]

I was just on Reed's HSOforum, they're having a sale on St. Croix Legend ice rods. You can get one for $29.99, 2 for $49.99, or three for $69.99 - they're usually $49.99 each. They're the top of the line St. Croix ice rods with the spring bobber. Pretty good deal if you ask me.

[syd2nd]

Thanks Pete and everyone else. I just ordered three Legends and now have to get a couple of reels. I think I will try the Tica Cetus and I should be set to go. Thanks again.