Ice Rods

[Raven]

I will second that on the Genz rods by Berkley. I have two of them and the are the best I have used. I like the larger ferrels and the rod can take a beating as well. Very sensitive to the bite. You can get some real buys when Reeds have their fall ice fishing sale. A $30.00 rod ended up costing only $13.00 (Reeds sale price plus the rebate)

[WallEYES]

ICE RODS
1. TONY ON ICE/DARK CLOUD custom rods
2. Thorne Brothers rods
3. Y.A.D. solid carbon graphites
4. St. croix

[Guest]

I figured since we have a topic going on ice reels that we should have a topic on rods. Here's my favorites:

1)Genz Rods by Berkely
2)Thorn Bros
3)HT Enterprises

I built one rod last year myself and it turned out ok as well, but I still prefer store bought so far. I need some practice on building my own. I don't wanna lose a fish because my "crafty" rod fell apart.
Good Fishin, Matt.

[Crappieman]

I have used all the types mentioned above and for the price Throne Brothers are the best AND they give great info

[Jim W]

Don't give up on Custom made rods quite yet.

Store bought rods can be nice, but for all around fishing enjoyment, the custom rods I have used top the cake!

Blanks that are separated/cut from longer blanks have bend/sensitivity through out the whole rod, instead of just half, like in a lot of store purchased varieties.

If you know of a good custom rod maker have them make you a couple. You'll love them!!

Go a tad longer than you would typically think as well.

Keep the rods bendin'!!!!

Jim W

[Guest]

Genz Rod by Berkley is all I use right now. They are relatively cheap (when you think about it). They are graphite, very durable and have big enough eyes that they don't freeze up near as fast as the rest. I like the feel of the YAD but the eyes are WAY to small for me. I had one, I broke it-and I wasn't sad. The eyes were always freezing up.

I would be interested in hearing what others like. I know Fuji guides don't freeze up as fast but I am having trouble getting everything I want in a rod. Plus, I am very hard on my equipment in the winter so I don't want to spend $75 on an ice rod. Scott Steil

[Seabass77]

I use YAD, GENZ, and Thorne Bros. I do like the Thorne bro. rod a lot but it is hard for me to spend that kind of money. Definately the best I've seen though. The one I use is for walleye jigging.

The genz rods are great because they have all the features I like, plus they aren't that expensive. Definately a good value.

The yad is nothing special.

[Jim W]

I spent 30-35 dollars on my custom rods.
I specified larger eyelits/guides, cork or hardwood handles. I have a rod bag that "prevents" breakage. Of course, night fishing, throwing stuff in the back etc. could lend to a few mishaps.

Not saying, don't look at mass produced rods. SOme are sweet, but so are custom rods.

Not too many store bought(that I know of) have 30 + inch rods. I like a longer rod(no pun intended).

I don't think there will ever be a rod that never freezes. I usually fish in the "open air", often in sub-zero temps. Like ScottS suggests, get large eyelits. At least you won't have to blow on them as much!

Jim W

[slick2526]

Speaking of custom rods where can i purchase one at? Im looking for a very light action noodle rod. As for my store bought rods i tend to stick by ht rods, havent let me down yet. Any thoughts on frabills jigging rods?

[chunkytrout]

Whatta ya guys think about the HT Polar Golds? I've been impressed.

[Guest]

Jim W,
I bought all of my parts at Capra's in the Twin Cities. They had everything I needed. Fuji eyelets, graphite blanks, cork handles, etc... It was my first time building my own rod so I had a few starter mistakes. I plan on trying it again soon this year (I have ice fishing fever so probablly sooner then later). If you have any tips I would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Good Fishin, Matt.