Your Rod & Reel Set-Ups

[TMF89]

Hey guys, it seems like I go through ice combos every season, so now I'd like to purchase a few high-end models, and keep them for awhile, instead of buying the $20 combos every year. So my question to you guys, is what combos do you have? What rods (manufacturer, model, size, action, taper action), and what reels (manufacturer, model,spool size, line you have on it), and what you use them for/fish for with them. I'm looking to buy at least two combos, most likely three, and maybe four. What would you guys suggest?Thanks for the help guys!

[IcemanMN]

I have 2 thorne bros rods

Perch Sweetheart 28" with a Tica Cetus SS500

Deadstick 32" with a Tica Cetus SS500

[Northlander]

There are a ton of good ice fishing rods out. Gander, Genz, Thorne Brothers, Midwest Rods,Jason Mtchell, St.Croix and many others make many good sticks. There are also a ton of good ice sized reels now.

I suggest you go to the ice show this year and check out all the different rod/reels you could partner up and get some deals at the same time.

Otherwise go see Matt Johnson at Thorne Brothers and he will hook ya up. Matt really knows his stuff and you will learn a TON if you go see him.

[hanson]

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I have 2 thorne bros rods

Perch Sweetheart 28" with a Tica Cetus SS500

Deadstick 32" with a Tica Cetus SS500

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Looks like we're fishing the same gear!

My 2 rods that get the most use are:

-Thorne Bros 28" Perch Sweetheart, Tica Cetus SS500 spooled with 4lb P-Line.

-Thorne Bros 32" Deadstick, Tica Cetus SS500 spooled with 4lb P-Line.

Those combos will set you back at least $110 a piece. I've had my one 28" Perch Sweetheart for nearly 10 years now. I've had a couple different reels on it and really like the Cetus SS500 I have on there now.

[calli4120]

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Those combos will set you back at least $110 a piece.

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There is no doubt in my mind that these are great rods and reels but can you suggest some thing in the $50-$60 range for the guys on a budget?

Sorry for high jacking your post TMF89 but I didn't want to have another rod/reel question post on the main page.

[CSP88]

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Those combos will set you back at least $110 a piece.

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There is no doubt in my mind that these are great rods and reels but can you suggest some thing in the $50-$60 range for the guys on a budget?

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You could pick up a Jason Mitchell Elite Series ice rod and pair it up with an Abu Garcia Cardinal 100U or 300U in your price range.

Chad

[gvg_uwec]

This year I will be trying out a Thorne Bros Perch Sweetheart with a tica cetus on it and last year I picked up a few gander guide series combos that I thought worked pretty well at a relativly low cost of about 40 bucks.

[Powerstroke]

My only TB rod is a heavy action solid glass rod for lakers and jigging pike.

I have a Scotty's 32" walleye rod with a Tica Cetus TL500.

For price, glass is cheaper than graphite. ALso, the Tica reels are very nice. The SS500 is $50 all by itself, while the TL500 is only $30. Its still a nice reel with a couple less bearings.

Don't buy something you won't use much. I've never had a quality walleye ice rod cause I rarely fish walleyes. Thats kinda changing so that's why I've got one walleye rod now.

I do mostly panfish so I plan on getting a TB panfish sweetheart this year. You can get a "perch" type rod that can still handle the pannies, but won't be as sensitive as a true pannie rod. It can also work for light tackle on walleyes.

Some of the 1000 series Shimano reels are very nice too.

They may cost quite a bit upfront, but they will outlast any other combo you've bought in the big box stores. Try to use equipment you already have. For my pike/laker rod, I use a 4000 series spinning reel that I use in the summer months and I was using a Shimano 1000 spinning reel that I use for pannies and walleyes in the summer. If you already have them you can use them in the winter. The summer reels aren't as well suited to winter temps and are usually larger, but it does allow you to buy a high quality rod and save (or ask for it at Christmas) towards a nicer reel.

[Paul Waldowski]

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You could pick up a Jason Mitchell Elite Series ice rod and pair it up with an Abu Garcia Cardinal 100U or 300U in your price range.

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I agree with Chad. That combo is what we will be running on our guide trips this ice season. Nicely balanced and very reliable.

[Jim Hudson]

Lots of great rods on the market right now... Be it custom made sticks like Scottys or Thornes to ones found at various retail shops, such as Jason Mitchell Elite Series and the alike...

Rods are the fundementals to fishing success, so choose wisely and ones that will match your fishing styles. Personally, last year I switched over to the Jason Mitchell Elite Series rods as I found these rods had a custom made feel that balanced right for almost every fishing need I had. And now, with more rods in the line-up for this winter, I am pretty much covered for whatever species I might be pursuing... And the prices dont dent the wallet too hard either.. I would give a strong hard look at these rods for your new rods this winter.

[Powerstroke]

The prices on the Jason Mitchell Ice Rods are fantastic. For those who haven't checked them out yet you should give them a look.

[harvey lee]

http://www.jasonmitchellrods.com/

One could also check out Scotty Mitchell here

http://scottyscustomrods.com/

[NAMASafetyDirector]

I'm using a T.B. Walleye sweetheart w/ Citus reel. You would have to pry it from me cold dead hands!! Also have a St.Croix Avid w/ a Citus that works really well. For the $$ minded though, I would also recommend looking at some of the Cabela's XLM ice rod combo's. I was in Cabela's yesterday and checked them out and they looked like pretty nice rigs for the money. I bought my Dad an XLM last year, put a Citus reel on it and he loved it!

[calli4120]

Has anyone used the Jason Mitchell Elite Series 28MS Meat Stick rod?

It looks like it would be a pretty good all purpose rod and the price is very good. Any input or other suggestions would be great.

[hanson]

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There is no doubt in my mind that these are great rods and reels but can you suggest some thing in the $50-$60 range for the guys on a budget?

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My opinion is to spend the $$$$ on the rod, the rod is everything. Reels, especially UL style reels, have evolved greatly in the last few years, you don't have to spend a lot of money on the reel to be set up for ice fishing. A reel with a good drag that doesn't stiffen up in cold weather and you are set.

Like I mentioned earlier, I picked up a rod from Scheel's Sports in Fargo, ND nearly 10 years ago, it was a Thorne Bros Perch Sweetheart. 10 years ago, this stick was night and day different from everything else on the market... EVERYTHING! I have not changed my mind. I keep trying but I haven't.

I realize that not everyone has the money to buy the best of the best. Thats understandable. What I'm trying to do is find a really nice bang for the buck type of rod that I'd be happy with and really haven't done it yet. The "older" Genz rods were pretty nice rods for the money but they aren't available anymore. Don't get me started on St Croix. I keep looking...

I really value the opinion of some other guys I know and thats why I have a few Jason Mitchell rods coming my way. I haven't used them yet, but am excited too. They are supposed to be a pretty good stick that won't break the bank, and thats what I'm excited about. I will relay my experience.

As for reels, I love my Tica SS500s but I would definitely recommend the SB500s for those looking to save a little money, or even the LF500s. There is not much difference between the SS series and SB series if any, well... maybe 20$ in your pocket. These reels are the perfect size, have great drags, and just work great for ice fishing!

I just had a very wise man tell me that if you are going to ice fish with bobbers and bobbers only, any rod on the market will work. When you start to jig for fish, thats when the quality of the rod, line, reel, and the entire combo comes into play. Its all about feel at that point and thats where quality makes a difference.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Last year on a fishing trip up north I found a store with the tica reels in it, due to all the talk on the fourm about them, I had to buy one for a spare pole to see what the fuss was. Man do I love that little tica reel, and thanks to all who mentioned it in the fourm last winter. It was a fine ice pole to my collection of 12. I acctually like it more that the old abu cardinal. I was planning on getting a thorne brothers ice rod this year to get my ultimate rod, but with all the talk about this mitchell I wonder if i should wait. Hason will you fill me in on what you think when you get your poles.

Here's a story that you guy's might get a kick out of since we are talking about poles. Last year I picked up a $9 cheap wal-mart combo with a cheap reel and bright yellow pole.(needed it to go ice fishing with my nephew, was and hour away from my poles.)later that winter with my brother, We set up the shak to ice fish and had forgotten the sunflower heater in the truck. Everyone had on heavy coats except me, so I told him I'd give him a combo of mine if he got it. Thinking he would get an expensive one he ran back no problem. I gave him this pole laughing, because it is fiber glass and about as stiff a pole has a guy could get. He put a little zebco reel on it, and still uses it today. When he sets the hook on a fish it dam near flicks the fish right out of his hole. If u see it it's hilarious. Later in the season one of the rules we started was that if anyone has a screw up in the shak they would get a belly flick from the "Nanner"(Named the pole that due to it being yellow like a dam bannana)for punishment,if he has the nanner owner thought it was punishment worthy. (Punishment would be if you spilled bait,beer,food, or lost a fish in the hole etc.) The thing can leave red marks on your belly through a carhart winter coat. Now due to his hook setting show and the "nanner" belly flick rules, from the start of the season to the end of the season this cheap little $9 "nanner" pole gained enough popularity between all of our family and friends that everyone wanted one. We looked in about 20 diffrent wal-marts over the area and couldn't find another pole like it. By the end of the year my brother had a $150 offer and wouldn't sell the pole. He still uses it today. It's one of the funniest yet coolest things that has developed into a tradition for the ice house. I think this year he could get a $300 offer for the Nanner, if it does break on a belly flick punishment. LOL

[CSP88]

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Has anyone used the Jason Mitchell Elite Series 28MS Meat Stick rod?

It looks like it would be a pretty good all purpose rod and the price is very good. Any input or other suggestions would be great.

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This is one of Jason's new releases for the upcoming season so there probably is not going to be many reviews yet. I have one coming and will post my thoughts on it after I hit the ice a few times this winter. I think this is going to be a great dead-sticking rod.

[Jim Hudson]

Calli

No ice time with the Meat Stick as of yet, but I do have time going over the rod and its action when the prototypes were sent to me. As you said, very versatile rod that can be used for a wide range of things. For you deadsticking guys, this rod will be the one you want as the tip is very limber to see minute movements of minnows. Also, was designed to use Mendota rigs (Lake Mendota in Madison WI) for deep water perch fishing. Very well thought out rod and put together nicely.

[harvey lee]

I have 3 Jason Mitchell ice rods new for this ice season. I have not used these rods but thery look to be of very good quality. I will report back when I have a chance to find some ice to test them out. I have heard nothing but good from the reports I have seen.

[freezdried]

I just ordered a Jason Mitchell rod. After what I have read on here I thought I would try one. I have been using Thorne Bros. mainly and I also have two St.Croix rods. I am in love with my TB but I thought I should try one of these out can't have enough poles.

FD

[thirtysomething]

I have a variety of rods and reels. Like the original post, I had a rough two year run where I'd break a lot of rods and reels various ways. Sometimes in travel, sometimes sh*t happens. If you're budget conscious, I've come to really like the Gander Guide reels. My problem is I'm buying a rod here and a reel there and it takes a while to match up the right combo. I'm a cork handle man, that's what I look for first. Second as you are out and about, hit small town bait shops and hardware stores. I've found some ridiculous deals on late season combos. Sometimes I feel guilty, because I think they're pricing it wrong, or don't know or care. Three years ago I scored an awesome rod at the bait shop in Grand Marias'. The combo was priced 9.99. I set it down with all my stuff, it actually had three tags on it. I'm guessing one for the rod, reel, then they made it a combo. I told the gentleman I'd take it off his hands if it was really ten bucks. He looked at all three tags and scanned the deal one. We smiled at each other but with bait, "hot gotta have them lures'" trout stamp, gas, ice and such I didn't feel to guilty that time. A buddy of mine works northern MN and finds steals all the time. I've got good credit with him, two years ago Reeds was closing out a lot of rods and they were packaged something ridiculous like the more you buy, the cheaper they were. I don't remember the final price but I know we all bought some off his hands next trip. The key to rod life I've found is transport. There's some great threads on rod bags. I'm as bad as a bass fisherman, I've got many rods rigged many ways so I don't have to mess with tying when the bite is on. I'm using two bags, but will add a third, maybe forth this season. I sort by style, line weight, and preference. My gunflint bag only gets used once but it's worth it. As I've duplicated set ups, this winter I'm going to try leaving gear where I fish. We only use our big house up north, got a set up in my car, and a package of stuff at my buddies on the lake.

[Reynolds]

-Thorne Bros. 28" Perch Sweetheart Plus with a Tica Cetus LF 500

-Thorne Bros. 32" Walleye Sweetheart with a Tica Cetus LF 500

-Thorne Bros. 19" Finesse Plus with a Shimano AX-ULS

[slipperybob]

25" Ugly Stick light, Shimano 750 Sahara, 3 lb Fireline Crystal

26" Ugly Stick light, Shimano 750 Sahara, 6 lb Fireline Crystal

27" Ugly Stick med light, Shimano Coriolis 100E, 14 lb Fireline Crystal

4'6" St Crox Primiere UL, Shimano 150 Symetre, 4 lb Fireline Crystal

25" Shakespeare Cajun Ice combo baitcast real, 4 lb Cajun Red line

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I haven't gotten to the point of treating my rods with care yet. Rods were going in a bucket. Maybe after I get a nice carry case, I'll get a Thorne Bros. rod. Buddy of mine close car door already on the ugly stick rod tip and crushed the tip guide. I had to use pliers to open the guide back up. Looks ugly but still works. The ugly sticks are not close to any finesse type of fishing, but they all feel like med to med heavy action type rod. I'm using the regular ultra light spinning set up for my lazy lounging fishing with the lounge chair when action is really light, so if I fall asleep then it I'll still have a chance to catch fish. The Cajun Ice rod is way too flimsy, but if a fish really hits hard then a hook up is possible. Other than that you'll have to really yank hard to just get a decent hook set on it if you're down more than 10 feet. I did only once hook a perch being down in 20 fow after losing like 15+ fishes, so I find that almost useless for hook up percentage. Switched to the Ugly Stick and hooked up 9 out of 10 tries.

[MASON38]

So many rods, so many applications. Then the reels to match up. Most of the rods, I have more than one of, its just because of the tournaments and I hate to waste time tieing on the ice

(6) Thorne Bros Sweet Peas,

6 Cardinal 300's/5lb Pwr Pro

(7) Thorne Bros Power Noodles,

7 Daiwa Caprice 1000/2&4lb gold Stren

(4) St Croix Avid 24" UL, with 1000 and 500 Caprices

(2) St Croix Avid 28" ML with AGULFS

Thats Panfish (gills crappie and perch)

(2) St Croix Avid 28" Med with Caprice 1000

(2) St Croix Avid 32" med with Caprice 1000

(1) St Croix Avid 32" Heavy with Caprice 1000

(1) Ugly Ice 30" Med for slip bobber, with AG1F

(1) 52" Ugly Stik UL for a dead stick rod with Tourney 1000

Thats for walleye.

(1) Thorne Bros Pro Plus 36" and 5500 C3

(1) HT Polar Ice 34" Heavy with AG2F

[Borch]

Has anyone tried the Mitchell Avocet II 500UL reels yet? I think I may try one this winter as it reeled as smoothly as any that I've tried and had the smoothest feeling drag as well. Not a bad price either.