Trout Rod Recommendations

[Animal]

I am looking for a ice rod for trout fishing. I would like a rod setup for a spinning reel. I see that the trend is toward longer lighter weight rods instead of the cue sticks. What do you trout experts recommend in length and rating?

[Jim W]

What kind of trout fishing do you plan to engage in?

If it is for lakers etc, I would recommend something with a bit more hook setting capacity while continuing to utilize length in the rod.

If you plan to fish for rainbows, brookies or trout that aren't expected to be of larger weight etc, back bone isn't as much of a requirement.

I personally like a longer ice rod for most species from crappies to trout. Again, you'll need something with more back bone and endurance for a harder fighting laker.

Others?

Keep the rods bendin'!!!

Jim W

[Duffman]

Lake Trout or Stream Trout thru the ice?

[Surface Tension]

I don't like a light rod for any ice fishing. Theres not enough backbone to get a hook set. On designated trout lakes I use a 28" IM7 blank med-heavy action. I carefully match the reel to all ice rods.
Look for a reel and rod match that will give you a straight line from the spool to the rod tip. I site fish form the portable and the 28" rod is comfortable to jig will looking over the hole. Hook sets are always in the roof of the mouth and the med/heavy actions works well. This isn't a pool cue but rather a light rig with great sensitivity and great hook setting performance. Rainbows into double digits aren't uncommon and a light rod wouldn't do at all.

Lake Trout I go with a 32"-36" heavy action with a Penn 920 reel. Still not a pool cue but enough backbone to set big hooks in deep water.

[Animal]

Sorry I wasn't specific. Lake Trout is what I'm after. We take a couple of trips to the Nestor Falls in January.

[Northlander]

I like a bit lighter rod. Med action and 32". Same rod I use for bigger jigging spoons, raps and chubby darters for Walleyes. The hookset issue is negated with the use of Fireline and a mono shocker a few feet long. Less hooks torn out on fish runs too.

[Steve Foss]

If you're sure spinning is the way to go, Polar HT makes a nice heavy spinning ice rod. It's the PL-34H. Went for about $15 regular price and $12 on sale at Gander in Duluth last winter. It's 34 inches. Very nice action.

It's not as good a an S.T. custom-made rod, but it's darn nice for store-bought.

I've got the heavy action S.T. custom rod with an Ambassadeur 5500 on it (14 lb XL), a Berkley laker rod with a 5500 on it (12 lb XL), and the Polar rod with a Shimano 2000 on that one (10 lb XL).

Ahhh, lakers. When's it starting?

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"Worry less, fish more."
Steve Foss
[email protected]

[Northlander]

Steve are you still using those 2 by 4's?

[Guest]

I like a rod with a fast tip that will have some bend in it after the hookset as the macs like to roll around on their way up, especially with no stretch line. Its easier to see strikes when they come up from below your tube and inhale. I also like a 1000 size reel with rear drag to take up line quickly and make those last second drag adjustments