Ice fishing rods are much shorter than rods for freshwater or saltwater fishing. Most modern ice fishing rods are spinning rods with lengths ranging from 24 to 36 inches. Ice spinning rods are often composed of fiberglass or graphite, which are both elastic and resistant to the cold. The majority of fishermen increase their power too rapidly and ignore that prizes can be caught on ultralight and light rods using 6 to 8-pound tests. Modern ice fishing rods come in a great variety, albeit sharing the same basic structure.
The range can make it difficult to choose just one or a few ice fishing rods. Picking the ideal ice rods from countless outfits is the toughest task. Anglers today have an abundance of options at their disposal. The size of the typical lure that will enable a rod to flex is indicated by the rated power of a rod, which ranges from lightweight to heavy. Consequently, a pan fishing rod with a mega-rated power will stretch with much less force than a rod with a medium or high power rating. If you are a novice or an expert, before going ice fishing you must choose the best rods.
Best Ice Fishing Rods
I’ve gone through a good number of ice fishing rods to find the best ones. I will reveal my top picks for the greatest ice fishing rods that seem to be genuinely good quality, ranging from low-cost to high-end custom. I would like to mention here some of the best ice fishing rods which are tested and reviewed by the expert anglers.
- Best Overall: St. Croix Custom Ice Perch Seeker – Medium Ultra Power Rod which provides extra fast action.
- Best Combo: CLAM Outdoors Katana Combo – A solid graphite rod built with maximum strength to target the larger species.
- Best New Rod: DAIWA Kage KAG28L – Ultra Sensitive rod with strong power and works ideally for lightweight bites like panfish or walleye.
- Best Balance: JT Outdoors Products Shiver Stick – Exceptionally sensitive rod which enables anglers to antagonize the target to take the bite. Perfect to target walleye and Perch.
- Most Sensitive: Tuned Up Custom Rods FUSION – Features a Solid Carbon fibre blank with extreme sensitivity to target panfish and walleye especially.
- Best For Big Fish: Thorne Bros. Perch Sweetheart – A perfect rod for Jumbo Perch, better quality with medium heavy power, and fast action rod.
Since all the ice rods are reviewed, I also had experience with a few of them and I ensure using these rods will surely take you towards success. One thing that I have checked during my experience with these rods was that a Daiwa Spinning reel is a good option to use with these rods. Besides this if you choose Sufix Elite-4 pound monofilament fishing line for spooling your success chances increases.
St Croix Mojo Ice Fishing Rod – Ultralight & Fast Action
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Product Overview
I have been looking for first-rate rods t make my ice fishing experience better and then I found the St Croix Mojo Ice fishing rod. I didn’t seek an ultrasensitive or the best match for slow baits than St Croix Mojo. The reason behind its sensitivity is the extremely stiff and strong carbon fiber. Although not pricey in comparison to casting rods, this is among the least cost-effective solutions we examined.
It would be right to say that the Mojo ice fishing series from St. Croix is a prime example of the company’s top-notch rods for every type of fisherman, species, and climate. I experience even the most tentative strikes with the Mojo, which gives new meaning to the phrases “firm,” “sensitive,” and “powerful.” With a cork/EVA grip that can accommodate a variety of grip types, it also gives comfort in abundance. This rod stands out because of its high-end quality that I really enjoyed.
I have bee tried for bass by using the best bass lures, you may approach it.
13 Fishing Widow Ice Maker -Balances very Well with Inline Reels
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Product Overview
Fishing 13 Ice rods work wonders! This might be the next greatest step up if you have been ice fishing for a certain time and want to upgrade from the cheap rods. It’s a very responsive blank made of graphite. The tips are Alps pieces of wire twin diamond tips, which are a considerable improvement over the basic stainless steel guides found on less expensive ice rods. The cork grip is comfy.
I have used this rod in catching perch and panfish and I would recommend you use it due to its fast action. Before using this rod I used to tackle with standard fishing rods but after choosing the 13 Fishing Widow Maker ice fishing rod I made my ice fishing spot much better than past.
Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Spinning Rod – Extremely Durable & Sensitive
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Product Overview
More force is needed for larger fish, and the Fenwick HMG Ice Spinning Rod provides it with ranges up to 38 inches and action settings starting at medium. The premium cork handle with TAC trimming makes it simple to execute a strike, even though using thick gloves. The robust graphite rod tapers at the head to provide greater movement if using lighter jigs.
Additionally, the aluminum oxide plugs in the light stainless steel guides allow the line to flow freely while casting and retrieving. This rod’s length is ideal for ice fishing because it can pick up even the tiniest nibbles. Even though I’ve only ever caught trout that weigh between one and two pounds, this rod has no trouble bringing them through the ice.
Moreover, If you are interested in trout fishing. Choose the best trout fishing rods and make you day full of fun.
Frabill Straight Line Ice Fishing Combo – Ultra Light Quality Rod
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Product Overview
The Frabill Straight Line 261 Bro Series ice fishing rod and reel set is a great choice. Whether you’re just starting out or want a lighter rod and reel made specifically for ice fishing that allows you to start fishing immediately. The 30-inch synthetic Frabill rod has features like aluminum oxide guides and an aluminum reel seat that can help boost its durability and resistance to corrosion.
The rod’s lightweight sensation may also be attributed to the aluminum elements. The hybrid reel is made to reduce how chilly it feels to the touch. It has a 2.1:1 gear ratio, four plus one ball bearings, a flat drag, and anti-reverse. Additionally, it includes an enlarged handle that may be simpler to use on the ice when wearing protective gloves.
Choose the best spinning reels for saltwater while if you are interested to fish in saltwater fishing. It will surely help you in catching fish in an easier way.
13 Fishing Microtec Walleye Ice Fishing Combo – High Quality Durable Rod
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Product Overview
The most recent model from 13 Fishing is the Microtech Walleye Combo. Four stainless steel guides with polished inlays are included with the ultra-flexible rod. The strong construction is supported by a fiberglass blank and cork handle. The matching aluminum reel seems to have a smooth handle knob, an immediate anti-reverse gear, and three stainless steel ball bearings. There are different sizes and two types of rods accessible: normal and deadstick.
What Rods are helpful to use in Ice Fishing?
A range of solutions is available for ice fishing rods. Due to the dearth of baitcasting rods designed exclusively for ice fishing. Spinning rods are perhaps the most popular form of rod in use for ice fishing. The common features that I consider about a rod while buying them for ice fishing are;
Power and Weight
While talking about lightweight ice fishing rods, I will say that they can frequently be more sensitive which is helpful. However, you won’t experience this until you take the slightest bite from the fish hiding behind the ice. But if you want to choose any versatile fishing rod for ice fishing you must go for a medium to medium light action rod. It can be perfect for walleye and perch, which are typical species for ice fishing.
Size of the Rod
A fast-action tip on a regular length is about 28 inches. Your next combination will be a medium-action rod, which is ideal for walleye, small trout, and pike. Seek for a rod that is 28 to 30 inches long and has a stable foundation in the lower 1/3. But, you can use a standard summer fishing rod, possibly one up to 7 feet in length, to ice fish.
As opposed to casting all over a lake, you will be angling vertically through the hole created by the ice, therefore you do not require a long-distance fishing rod. If you’re in a shelter or seated near the ice hole, for instance, ice fishing may be comfier with a shorter pole.
Sensitivity
Hardwater fishermen place a premium on a rod’s sensitivity. This is because many animals are far less hostile in the winter. This is primarily applicable to panfish. If you want to catch perch or crappie, you always should invest in the most flexible rod you can buy.
The more enjoyable trip you can make for you in your vacations by choosing kayak fishing. For that purpose just check which are the best kayaks and how to choose them.
Conclusion
If you are not able to go fishing in winter, ice fishing can be the best alternative for you. Ice fishing is a common winter hobby in a lot of places in the northern regions of the USA and Canada. But in order to catch fish beneath the ice, fishermen must follow certain advice. Selecting the best ice fishing rods is the most crucial consideration. I have ever used short sensitive rods that are much helpful but you should also try other vertical methods like jigging.