Ice rods and reels,lets talk

[CrappieKeith]

We all have different opinions on what makes a good ice rod and reel.
Let's talk about what we like and dislike.
Of coarse there are different styles of fishing that will
dictate what gear we use on the ice.

For me....since I like to work the water column with light /small baits a good light action rod with a fast tip works well.
I'll also mount a spring bobber on the end to read the hit.
The reason for a stiff blank is so that the rod does not shake so much and that I can get a quick hookset.
Having a fast tip also helps in that endeaver,yet giving me a nice bend in my rod to enjoy the ensueing battle with the fish(pannies).
I do have a few medium action rods for heavier fish like walleyes and pike less a spring.When they bang my bait you most definitly feel and see the hit.
I'm not a big fan of the noddle rods which shake too much and when setting the hook I'll have to reach way up high to load up the rod blank.

As to reels I've found once you get over a 40$ price level you'll most likely be getting a product that has
several ball bearings ....8 or more giving you a smooth reel and a positive back stop.Second ...I find the bail springs are way more stiffer which helps in that flip flip flip of the line peeling off due to the spring lifting.
Yes you should make sure the line is in the roller guide ,but I've had reels that lost me fish due to a poor hook setting ability due to the spring opening.
Lastly the drag....it should break loose smoothly and as it rotates it still should be a constant smooth release.
You'll notice that in most cheaper reels that the drag is all or nothing .There's no in between setting and they bind up.Smooth then stiff as it plays out.
A general indicator is when you go to buy a reel in the store,turn the spool backwards. If you hear a click-click-click-click it most likely is a good drag set up.
Having 1 click adjustments also is a good sign of a better drag.
The only real way to know it to have one spooled up with line and pull the line to see if the drag release smoothly at all times instead of undulating tensions as you pull the line.

I see in the stores 20-30 dolloar combo rigs.
My advice is to stay away from these "deals"
The rods may be adequate ,but the reels are most likely very low quality.
Go to the store now and those rack of combos are almost all sold.
Ergo this post.My son just bought a combo and withing 2 hours he was having issues.

What do you guys think?

[Schoe]

Keith, I have to agree with you on the quality issue. Myself, before I was able to afford the top of the line equipment bought the cheaper products thinking I was saving money, Actually if the truth was known, over time I probably spent more than if I would have went with the higher priced quality equipment. Schoe

[Illinoisgiller]

Rod- I used to use exclusively ultralight "noodle" rods. Thanks to your recomendations earlier, I now have a couple quality light action fast tip rods. Thank you!!:icon_cool:
These are a joy to use, and the spring bobber mounted 2" to 2 1/2" from the tip detects the lightest of tics.
I also agree that the cheap reels are no good in water with any depth. Some have a quarter turn of backplay and are fustrating at best to use.
I'll have to ponder your post for a while, can't find anything to dissagree with.:confused0024::confused0024: lol. Mike

[gofish]

well.....im different lol...where kieths refined his tactics/gear ta suit him ive gone completely opposite lol.......i use the "noodle rods" up to 30 inches for panfish....the longer ones i use 2lb test on so the rod keeps me from breakin off,and the heaviest i use is 3lb on the others less im fishin deep standing timber then ill go to 4lb......the rest of my rods are graphite blanks and have multiples of the same rod so i have one with mono an one with braid..they run from ultralight to light action.....normally carry 8 rods a trip,each rigged with different baits....
im really not particular on reels since i dont use a drag ice fishin..i backreel instead....i do have the drag set so i wont break/pull off on the braid though....my main concern with any reel i buy is how well they hold up to the elements.....i use the reel itself a lot fer my retrieve/workin the bait so its gotta be smooth.ifn i got ta do the ice fishin thing as much as ya guys up there i probably git better reels though lol

[CrappieKeith]

I am thinking about longer rods myself for when I'll fish outside.
A shorter rod works better in a fish house.

[gofish]

ive got a clam style shelter but rarely use it cause i move too much.....course ya can ask giller an schoe,my idea of small baits are a lot bigger then normal lol....causes me ta move searchin fer active fish.....long rod is mainly fer real finesse presentations,2lb line,#8 or 10 ice jig.....

[kevin]

Quality is the name of the game but an angler needs to stay within their means when buying their equipment...I have started using custom built rods this winter season and this has dramatically help in my fish detecting and also in the fish fighting department...the reels make or break your outings as quality here as well pays big dividends at the end of an exhaustive fight and a good drag system is critical in the reels that we use in our fishing adventure...an angler needs to buy what they can afford and if you are able to move to that next level, by doing this it will make you a better angler as well as there are going to be things that you did not even realize that you were missing with the lower grade equipment...the old saying is that you get what you pay for and if you fish a lot you will need to take a look at the better quality equipment that is out there...:icon_razz:

[gofish]

a guy needs ta learn how ta tear down ,clean an relube his reels too..i go round 150 days a year,most of them bein on rain days or winter time....clean an relube all of em least twice a year....ice fishin reels i use a lighter wieght lube an a lil less of it too.