Best rod (icefishing) for panfish?

[Cove]

I'm seeking recommendations for the optimal rod for panfish, including perch.

Specifically

1. How many inches long? (17, 24, 26 etc)

2. What Power? (Ultra light (UL), light (L), medium light (ML) etc.

Those are the main two variables I can think of.

My current panfish rods, are:

24 UL

26 L

24 ML

I broke an UL recently but before I run out and replace with another UL I thought I would ask what you guys are using and liking. As you see, I have pretty light stuff. It has occured to me that since I use good spring bobbers I could stand to use a rod with a little more power (less whippy) but I would like your opinions.

[Tyler23]

i really like my 24 UL gander mt. combo. does everything i need it to do.

[riverrat56]

I really like the Jason Mitchell Spring bobber rod. It's a 24" rod, I would classify it as Light action.

Length is dependant on if you fish outside or in a house most often, I like rods under 24" for fishing in a house but 26"+ rods are nice when outside.

[TravP]

I would have to say without hesitation, either a thorne bros power noodle or quiverstick.

[harvey lee]

I hands down would go with the Mitchell MeatStick. Jason's panfish spring bobber rod is great but I simply love that meatstick for those light biters.

You could also look at the Combo's as the reels work very well.

Check out Jason's line up here.

http://www.jasonmitchellrods.com/

[holmsvc]

I hands down would go with the Mitchell MeatStick. Jason's panfish spring bobber rod is great but I simply love that meatstick for those light biters.

You could also look at the Combo's as the reels work very well.

Check out Jason's line up here.

http://www.jasonmitchellrods.com/

I agree I have both of those rods and they are great.

[TravP]

The power noodle and meatstick are the same style of rod. The reason I say go with a TB power noodle over the meatstick is because I like the taper on the powernoodle better.

[harvey lee]

Yes but the Mitchell one can purchase on a working mans budget.

The Thorne rod is considerasbly more money and maybe hardly any difference in regards to seeing the bite or catching any more fish.

[TravP]

Yes but the Mitchell one can purchase on a working mans budget.

The Thorne rod is considerasbly more money and maybe hardly any difference in regards to seeing the bite or catching any more fish.

I'm gonna guess you have both or have used both. There is a difference in these 2 rods. Everybody says Thorne Bros rods cost to much, but yet many people will spend $200+ on an open water rod. No matter what is said, I believe thorne bros rods are the best and will continue to use them until someone can show me different.

[TravP]

By the way, he said "optimal rod". That means best right.

[Sportland_Bait]

The Jason mitchell rods are really nice. Some of the best on the market. I'm sure that the Thorne Brothers rods are nice but I cannot convince myself to drop $50-$60 or more for one of their rods. I just don't see that much of a difference.

Jason Erlandson

[TravP]

Thorne bros makes a budget rod, " the hardwater series" also that is made in china. I'm pretty positive their made by the same company that makes Jason Mitchell rods. I'm not saying anything bad about JM rods. Cove asked for the best, and TB rods are.

[Sportland_Bait]

One thing that I have learned in this business is we always need to take tackle recommendations with a grain of salt. With so many anglers on company pro staffs it can be difficult to get unbiased oppinions on some product. I think there are a lot of nice ice rods out there and after handling most of them I believe it is best to buy what feels right to you the consumer. Figure out your price range and pick the feels the best within your price range. You can get some awesome rods in the $20-$30 range now days. Have fun shopping!

Jason Erlandson

[Lotwfisher]

I am not going to recommend buying a thorne bros custom rod if you don't want to spend alot of money on a rod or you are on a tight budger but I would suggest looking at the hardwater series rods cause they are 29.99 regular price and they are really great. JM rods are great too and just like thorne bros seem to have a great customer service. Be sure to take the time to feel and handle any rod you are looking at, and also to ask around to get opinions from other anglers.

[Northlander]

I would also suggest the Jason Mitchell Meatstick. I have not used a spring bobber since I got these. I like them so much I now have 6. Well 5 I broke the tip off of one being stupid and trying to snap ice off the tip.

If you take care of the tip on the meatsticks they are a blast to fish with. My favorite panny rod by far.

I have about 40 rods I can choose from and the meatsticks are the 1st ones packed for a trip.

[smeese]

I don;t like spring bobber, but the Frabill Quick Tip is a great pannie rod

[Big A]

Does the JM Meatstick come in a 24 inch length?

As some have stated before, fishing in a house, I just cant seem to get it done with a rod over 24 inches.. outside sure.. but inside I need the extra room.

I know the TB Power Noodle comes in 24inches..

But agree pricewise that the JM Meatstick is a little nicer on the pocket book

[harvey lee]

There will be 2 new sizes in the meatstick for next season. One will be able to choose from 3 different lenghts.

My Meatstick is either 24 or 27" and I use it in my portable. No issues. I simply drill my hole just a few inches farther away.

[northernsportman]

i wish i was made of money....all i use is some cheapies such as the HT ice blues. Then i dont feel bad when i snap the rod while hooking into the monsters, which seems to be quite often, lol. referring to the monsters of coarse, not the snapping.

[Cove]

Thanks Fellas,

I not only got some good answers but this discussion helped me sort out some thoughts that were just half formed about length in particular.

For instance:

There definately is a rationale for having both a short rod arsenal (17 - 24 inch) and a longer (around 26-30). Some variables are whether I am in a smaller space like my Fish Trap or outside. In addition, I have typical 59 year old guy near vision problems. Normally wear 2.25 diopter reading glasses at work, but the sonar and rod tip are past the focal length so I wear 1.5 diopter while ice fishing and try to position the sonar and rod tip where I can really see 'em.

Also, if I have to hunch over my gear for hours I have a heck of a sore back for a day or two. Situations vary.

Here is what I think I will do. I have the mid length covered (24 - 26 as I mentioned above).

I will add one at both ends e.g. a 17 inch UL or L (whatever is on sale) and a 28 L or ML. Often good prices this time of year. That would give me 5 panfish rods which is overkill but the very longest and shortest would be special purpose. I usually like to have 3 or 4 rigged and ready when I hit the ice. Also, sometimes I bring along somebody with no gear and we can both have a couple servicable rigs. Also got some thoughtful comments on the "brand" which I appreciate. Here is another rationalization: Compared to the price of my open water rods, these are cheap.

Thanks for the help.

[TravP]

As many already know, Thorne Bros rods can be made at whatever lenght you desire, at no extra charge.

[broman]

i wish i was made of money....all i use is some cheapies such as the HT ice blues.

I also have an HT Ice Blue rod. But I also have a St. Croix spring bobber rod. Guess which one I use more. Yep, the HT. I just like the action and feel. Plus you can see most some of the smallest hits. I caught a small northern on one yesterday. What a blast. But I do go back to the St. Croix sometimes as I like to see those upward bites that the non-spring bobber rods can miss. For some reason, though I seem to miss more hooksets using the St. Croix. I think I get too trigger happy.

[hunter101]

all i buy is cheapies, im comfortable with them. im sure the other rods and reels are better but i will stick with what i got. if they are cheap and i like the feel i buy it. if i break it im not out alot. thats just my $.02

[Sandmannd]

Thorne bros makes a budget rod, " the hardwater series" also that is made in china. I'm pretty positive their made by the same company that makes Jason Mitchell rods. I'm not saying anything bad about JM rods. Cove asked for the best, and TB rods are.

I'll second that. TB rods are the best you can get IMO.

[ducker]

24" HT Ice Blues Ultra light. Good rods and inexpensive.