Selecting the Right Rod

[Bob Horn]

Sorry, I can`t show you a picture (because I don`t know how ). The rod that I am useing has a patent on it and the rights to use the patent were bought by a major rod builder. I am not at liberty to tell even though I know who it is. Fish On

[Guest]

There are a few very cool new rod systems from Frabill that are worthy of a look guys. The new kid on the block the Frabill Amplifier Ice Rod has some new qualities that will up the catch on fussy biting fish. The AMPLIFIER’s incredible sensitivity is generated through Vibration Transfer Technology (VTT). This Patent Pending design utilizes a special aluminum alloy tubular handle and internal blank support system that’s
practically weightless. An ultra sensitive solid carbon fiber rod blank is suspended inside the handle through a series of special vibration disks.

These disks transfer the slightest vibrations of the rod blank directly to the resonating handle to amplify and intensify angler feel. Angler’s can now feel the slightest bump, and even subtle changes in line tension. Kinda nifty Eh?

I used the Frabill SenSive Rod Combo's last season and really loved the package. The reels operated flawlessly even in -30 crud with tiny-tiny micro braids. The combo line has various sensitivities from untra sensitive to something with beef for a husky fish with weight.

The Frabill Arctic Fire Combos are great for more power applications, well built and durable. Very good components on the whole line and worth the bucks.

If you wish, you can look the new line over at Frabills web site.

www.frabill.com

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Ed Carlson

[fishing addict]

Is there a Genz rod that is designed to be used as a deadstick rod?

[Guest]

There is not a Genz Rod that is specifically designed for deadsticking. Although you could use them for deadsticking, but a deadstick by another company might be better.

Good Fishin,
Matt

[email protected]

[Try Too Fish]

Has anybody tried the new Buzz sticks(i think they are called)??

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Try Too Fish
Forced Too Work!!

[This message has been edited by Try Too Fish (edited 10-05-2003).]

[Wables]

I looked at them this weekend, and they were interesting. I was tempted to buy one, but I was with my non-icefishing father in law, and I got the "you're not going to spend my daughter's money on that, are you?" look, so I restrained myself.

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Wables

[Guest]

Haha. Non-ice fishing? Can't picture it

Good Fishin,
Matt

[email protected]

[upnorth]

I build my own rods, so I get exactly what I want. It is cheap and fairly easy to build something as simple as an ice fishing rod

[stoneeyes317]

MJ5, upnorth, or anyone else with prior knowledge:

Where would I get info. on building my own rod?? I broke the top section of a Quantum micro rod this summer, and I think it will make a nice ice fishing UL jigging rod. I'm sure there are enough places to get supplies, but what I'm most concerned about is moving/replacing some of the guides. If anyone has any info./suggestions I'd appreciate them...

eyes317

[Guest]

Thorne Bros in Fridley has classes on rod making. They can also help you out with any questions or problems. They have all the supplies you will need as well.

Drop me and e-mail and I can give you more details if needed.

Good Fishin,
Matt

[email protected]

[upnorth]

Stoneeyes317

Here is a link to some info, you will need to put the www in front. Browse the site and you should get the info you need to get started.
mudhole.com/docs/r101.html

If you have any direct questions email me at, [email protected] and I will try to answer your questions.

Scott

[Guest]

I picked up one of the new St. Croix ice rods this morning. A 28 inch ultralite. A pretty nice rod and should be awesome for gills.

I also checked out the buzz sticks. Certainly interesting thats for sure. I think they would work but I'll stick with my manual jigging technique.

Good Fishin,
Matt

[email protected]

[This message has been edited by MJ5 (edited 10-11-2003).]

[stoneeyes317]

Upnorth and MJ5:

Thanks for the info; now that I'm around to checking the site, I will put that stuff to some good use, I hope.

Also: MJ5, I might be sending you an email sometime; I noticed you posted in the South Central forum concerning ice fishing. I live in Faribault, about an hours drive from Mankato...

eyes317

[Dark Cloud]

StoneEyes - I build alot of rods and both Cabelas and Netcraft have good prices and a good selection. Call cabelas and ask for a Tackle Craft Catalog. Netcrafts number is 1800-638-2723....

I have many rods and reals and for small reals you cant go wrong with a tiny-20, quantum xl00 or shimanos AXULS for lower price reals. The sedonas are a next step up in price

Rods - the yads are almost as nice as thorne stuff. The yad panfish rods I have all have small ultralite guides that will ice up if not in a shelter. HTs ploar gold series are great also. When building my own panfish rods I prefer the smallest of guides ~~ im always in a shelter if its below freezing and the small lite guides dont kill the action of the blanks. Too many applications and options out there to nail down a certain rod/manufacturer as the holy grail. One can definatly build stuff as nice and specific to thier own needs if they want...

[Guest]

stoneeyes317,
Sounds good. Just let me know when you are going to be in the area and we can head out on the hard water. Any more questions about rods or anything let me know.

Dark Cloud,
Is there a HSOforum for yad rods? I'v heard a lot about them and would like to take a look but don't know where to find them. Drop me an e-mail. Thanks.

Good Fishin,
Matt

[email protected]

[Dark Cloud]

MJ5 - My e-mail is acting up so i'll just say it here. I tried looking for a YAD web site and no luck yet. Im gonna keep trying.
I have a YAD-irg24 and it a thorne looking knock off at 1/3 the price. Nice backbone and a super soft almost spring bobber tip. Id love to get some of these blanks to put my own touch on....
Im not too familar with thier other rods...
I'll let you know what I find....

[slick2526]

I seen some YAD rods at fleetfarm in Fargo,ND this past season. Sure of that, bu I dont know if they are the models you all are talking about. Might have to try one out.

[Guest]

Dark Cloud,

Thanks for the info. Sounds like its a nice rod for a good price. I'll keep my eyes open.

Good Fishin,
Matt

[email protected]

[Guest]

I had a chance to look at the Cabela's rods today and they look pretty nice. Made from high quality parts. Just another option out there.

Good Fishin,
Matt

[email protected]

[stoneeyes317]

MJ5:

Yeah, those Cabela's ice rods are nice; I have a couple that were made 1-2 years ago. I think they are as nice as Genz rods (I have 2 of those, too). The only thing I didn't like about the Cabela's rods were the small guides. I noticed the other day that they have used bigger guides on this years model. Unfortunately, they upped the price $10, too . They are a very sensitive rod, though...

eyes317

[iffwalleyes]

How do the Cabelas HML rods compare to Thornes Bros? You guys say they are similar to a Genz rods huh. They look pretty decent but I am just looking for some input.

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Grip it and Rip it

IFFWalleyes
I Fish For Walleyes

[Guest]

Ice rod break down....

If you can afford Thorne Bros rods then they are some of the best around. Made from top quality products and have great sensitivity and backbone. I choose Genz Rods as my number one pick right now because, one, they are relatively priced, and two, you are getting a great rod for that price. I use Genz Rods every time I step on the ice. I've fished with most types of ice rods and thats the conlusion I come to. Genz Rod is my top choice and if I have a few extra bucks to spend then I look at the Thorne Bros rod. Don't get me wrong, there is a reason why you are spending the extra cash for a Thorne Bros rod, they are awesome, but if you are looking for a great rod at half the price then check out the Genz Rod.

Cabela's ice rods are nice as well. Great sensitivity and fast action. Look for a lot of these to show up in ice anglers arsenals.

The Buzz Stick should be a hot item this year too. The automatic jigging seems like it will trigger fish. Interested in seeing the results come hard water.

St. Croix also has a new ice rod out this year. I picked a 28 inch light action St. Croix the other day and from the looks of it I think it should do just fine for crappies and gills. Other size St. Croix rods are available as well.

Frabill still has their rods as well. The Amplifier is new and looks to have some real marketing value. I'm anxious to check these out.

Good old trusty HT rods are also another option. I own several HT's ranging from noodle rods to heavy action.

From what I hear, YAD rods are quite the rod as well. I haven't had the chance to fish with one but if the opportunity arises I will.

And then there is custom/homemade ice rods. These can be the best rods out there depending what you put into it.

There are a lot of other rods out there but these are the most common from what I've seen as of recent.

I had a chance to sit and talk about rods with a guy from Thorne Bros this morning and we went over a lot of the ice rods that are out this year. Being partial to Thorne Bros, he explained the quality and craftsmanship of their rods first, but then he also added that the Genz Rods are great too. Says a lot about the Genz Rods coming from a Thorne Bros rep.

It really all depends on what you like out of an ice rod. So many models and makes that it can cause your head to spin, but the key is to just check out different rods to see what best fits you. A lot of options out there and I think that just about any situation has a rod for it.

Any other rods out there?

Good Fishin,
Matt

[email protected]

[Guest]

If you're after a rod to do a particular chore have one made to do it. Thorne Bros makes excellent rods to do specific fishing tactics. It's akin to golf clubs. You need a wedge to get out of the sand a driver to tee off a five wood for fairway shots etc. Call Bill or Pat at Thornes they will help you out.

[CNY Tim]

My 3 set-ups for rods/reels for panfish, perch, bluegill, crappies would be TB Sweet Thing 24", TB Sweet Heart Plus 28", and Genz 28L-R
Combine the 28" rods with Shimano Sedona 500FA reels and the 24" rod with Quantum XL00 series reel and your set.

[This message has been edited by CNY Tim (edited 10-24-2003).]

[EBass]

I have some of the frabil rod n reel combos, and one HT rod for my bobber rod. No complaints, yet.