Thorne Rod for Crappies?

[Fishin Beast]

I have been thinking about getting one of the rods from Thorne Bros. I am mostly fishing crappies with this rod, but while catching crappies, walleyes and big sunfish are also around. What rod am I looking at buying?

I haven't tried any of the Thorne rods, but pictured a panfish rod as a little too light of a setup to handle the larger sized fish.

(I am also posting this in here just in case someone else was thinking the same thing.)

[harvey lee]

You are making a wise choice in looking for a Thorne Bros rod.I have a few but I am not a expert on which model would suit you best.Matt Johnson will see this and add a post with the best all around rod for you.

If you have a chance to get to the Ice show this weekend you could stop by thier booth and talk to him and hold and feel all there rods.

[Trouthunter]

Fought with the same question myself this weekend. I already own an all-star panfish line up - 2 power noodles, a 24" panfish sweetheart and a sweetpea. After tackling a some larger crappies last year, was looking for something with a little more tussle to it...

I ended up with the 28" perch sweetheart. I think that rod will be heavy enough for the big panfish and occasional walleye that I run into, yet, still short enough to fish comfortably in the portable or with a thorne spring bobber.

Fishing out of the portable is pretty much my full time activity, and I needed a rod that I could still get a good hookset from the fishtrap pro (short ceiling, low seat).

I'll probably look at a longer panfish (or perch, if I decide I really like it) sweetheart for outside fishing, but since I rarely hole hop for anything more than locating a hot hole, I can do that perfectly fine now with any of the above rods.

Another factor was using heavier line. Last year I broke off a number of fish on 2lb P-Line, so I wanted to upsize the line for landing the heavier fish, whereas if I wanted to stick with the lighter line I might have gone with the lighter, longer panfish rod.

I speak mainly from my past experiences, but since I have never fished with this rod before, I cant say that I chose correctly.

My top factors in choosing a new Thorne rod (of the same fish class) were:

1) ability to fish bigger baits and not impair the strike detecting mechanism be it the rod or the spring bobber

2) length - fishing out of a lower profile shack vs. outdoors

3) ability to leverage the rod when fighting bigger fish (power noodle wont break, but at some point the rod is not a factor and it's just your arm pulling on the fish)

I'm sure at some point I'll end up finding a new void I need to fill(I really like that finesse, but that's on the other end of the spectrum), but last season showed me that I really needed to top out the heavier end of the panfish lineup - like you mentioned.

BD

[Matt Johnson]

Fishin Beast,

Trouthunter hit it right on the head... I would go with the Perch Sweetheart. It will handle any walleye, yet it still performs very well on panfish and perch. I would consider the Perch Sweetheart as one of the most versatile rods that Thorne Bros makes for ice fishing. It's very sensitive with a quick tip and a solid backbone. You can also put a spring bobber in the tip of it for days when you need to put a whoopin on those finicky pannies and perch

You'll probably want to stick with the 28-inch version. It also comes in 32-inch (both inside and outside versions), but the 28-inch is more versatile and will suit your needs much better.

Add a Tice Cetus LF500 with 3 or 4 pound P-Line Floroclear and you're good to do. Set-up will cost you about $80 when all is said and done, and you'll be ready to tackle a wide-variety of conditions and fishing situations...

[Deitz Dittrich]

From what you have stated, I'll throw another vote for the 28" perch Sweetheart... It should be fine with the smaller walleyes and such yet have a soft enough tip for the panfish.

IF I were you, thats the one I would get.

[hanson]

TB Perch Sweetheart is my "all around", pretty much do everything ice fishing stick. I love that rod and will be picking up another one in a few days.

Its an absolutely great rod for ice fishing Upper Red Lake crappies. And is also my go to rod on Lake of the Woods unless I start fishing heavier spoons and swimbaits, then I grab a walleye sweetheart.

This rod has landed a few walleyes in the 7-9lb range and one big slimer pushing 20lbs. It can handle big fish. It is also sensitive enough to fish small baits effectively.

I would probably look to a different rod if it would be strictly for bluegills though. But like the others have mentioned, put a spring bobber on the tip and you'll be good to go for gills as well.

[Fishin Beast]

I ended up going into Thorne Bros and got the Perch Sweetheart with the Cetus LF500 and #4 Floro. Looks like an awesome setup. I am itching to get the Panfish Sweetheart also but that might have to wait until next year. The gf asked if I had to spend that much every year for rods and reels. I just smiled and said yes

[Matt Johnson]

Have you had a chance to use the Perch Sweetheart yet?

[Borch]

I picked up a TB Sweet Thing at the show and have stuck a few crappies with it so far. I'm thinking a 28" Perch Sweetheart will be my next purchase.

[hanson]

Quote:

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I'm thinking a 28" Perch Sweetheart will be my next purchase.

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I picked up another one of those a few weeks ago. Did I say another one? Yikes.

[harvey lee]

I have bought three new ones this year and a Perch Sweetheart coming. There is one problem with these rods, you keep wanting more.

[Corey Bechtold]

32" Sweetheart Plus Outside rod for me!!! Can't wait till Christmas!

Good luck,

Corey Bechtold

[Fishin Beast]

The Perch Sweetheart has been a great rod for those big crappies. I can honestly say it is the best rod I have ever used for ice fishing.

[Ole the Guide]

Question? How does the Thorne Bros. rod compare with a St. Croix rod? Are they similar or, no comparison? I have a couple of St. Croix's and they seem to work just fine. They weren't too expensive either, maybe $20-25 bucks. How much is the Perch? Am I missing out on something?

Ole

[harvey lee]

I will say this in all honesty. I have bought and used many different rods and the St.Croix also. I have numerous Thorne Bros rods and they are the only ones I have not had a problem with. Some the tip tops have come loose or off.

Yes, the Thorne rods are very sensitive rods and the St Croixs are not bad either. I have decided that I personally will buy all the Thorne Bros rods as I have not had any problems and they are well built along with very sensitive.

The tip of the rod is soft enough to play with the pannies with a spring bobber and the backbone is firm enough to pull in those eyes. Very versatile rod.

I believe the price on the Perch Sweetheart is 51.99 plus shipping.

[hanson]

Quote:

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Question? How does the Thorne Bros. rod compare with a St. Croix rod? Are they similar or, no comparison?

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Personally, I don't think they compare at all. St. Croix is a good rod but Thorne Bros is a step above.

I'm not quite sure how to describe it but the "feel" of a Thorne rod while jigging can't be matched by any other rod. They are very sensitive, very smooth, and it feels like I have control over the rod. Worth every penny.

[Ole the Guide]

Thanks guys!

It sounds like I'd better get me one of those Jr.'s... Merry Christmas to me! Ha!

Happy New Year to all!

Ole