Rod Question

[IcemanMN]

I've been looking to get a new ice fishing rod for some time, and finally decided I'd spend the money and buy a Throne Bros. Rod. But I've noticed they have several handle types, the Reel seat, Straight Cork with Tennessee Hande, and Hidden Hood Handle.

Any advice on which handle style to go with? I plan on pairing it with a Tica Cetus if that makes a difference or not I'm not sure.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Welcome to Iceleaders and FishingMinnesota...

As far as handle pref. Its all up to you.. The reason Thornes makes that many rod handles is that different people prefer different handles. I would suggest you go in and see what feels best for your hand..

Enjoy the new toy and good luck this ice season!

[MASON38]

I prefer the TN handle whenever possible. Its far more convient for me to be able to place the reel on the rod in a posiition that fits my hand and feels the most comfortable. With the Sweet Pea sight rods, balance doesnt play that much of a factor, but where the reel allows me to set the hook on with a flick of the wrist with the most ease. The Power Noodles have a bit longer handle compared to the 4" Sweat P's, but the rods are only 24", so again its more of a question of comfort and ease of setting the hook. I cradle the reel from underneath, with my thumb and index finger forward over the rod (genz method), so its easy for setting the hook with a quick upward flick. If you want to look into the spring bobbers, the TB's sb's are made to fit the Sweat Peas and Finesse Plus (19") rods, so its easy to convert the set ups from shallow clear water to deeper flasher fishing.

Definitely go in ask questions and get a grip on the rod that best suits you, ask Pat Smith and the crew if you have any questions, they are pretty good bunch.

[IcemanMN]

I'll defiently go in and test them out and get a feel for the rod.

This will defiently be a good season lots of new toys to play with, ordering a flasher soon, I finally caved after watching all my buddies out fishing me with their flashers.

[Northlander]

I prefer a Ten handle because I can adjust a reel of my choice anyplace on that handle to get the balance I like. You cant do that with a reel seat.

[DEADhead]

anyone have a good way of removing the graphite reel seats found on many ice rods? It seems to me like a pain to remove them, just wondering if anyone had a better way of doing this without destroying the cork.

[deepportage01]

The dremel tool works good for me, every time I cut a set off I wonder why do they put them on... it will smoke a little when ya cut, put the rod in a vice with a little presure on the seat and when you get close to the end of the cut it should just crack off.

[DEADhead]

thanks for the tip; beats a hacksaw...