12-04-2013, 04:17 PM
[#0000FF]Lookin' good. A good place to start for an ice rod. But if you really get serious there will be several factors that should be considered before building your next rod(s).
1. Fishing inside a tent...or outside. No need for very short rods outside. A little extra length helps in bite detection, hook setting and fish control.
2. Action. A lot of iceaholics prefer a fast tip...to better feel light jigs and light bites. But it is good to have more beef in the lower rod to be able to handle larger fish. If you fish only for perch, bluegills and crappies then that is not as much of a consideration. Still, you will get better hooksets with a rod with some authority...especially in deeper water...and/or if you are fishing with stretchy lightweight mono.
3. Guides. Guide placement is ultra critical on ice rods. They are usually shorter and lighter so the flex needs to be controlled with proper guide spacing. Also...using a large single foot guide for the rod tip, instead of a regular tip top, can help reduce ice-up problems.
I have built and used a whole lotta different ice rods over the years...for multiple waters and multiple species. After you fish a few rods you tend to find what suits you and your style of fishing best. In the end, it is your choices that matter. Whatever works best and provides the most fish and enjoyment is exactly right...no matter what everybody else says.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]
1. Fishing inside a tent...or outside. No need for very short rods outside. A little extra length helps in bite detection, hook setting and fish control.
2. Action. A lot of iceaholics prefer a fast tip...to better feel light jigs and light bites. But it is good to have more beef in the lower rod to be able to handle larger fish. If you fish only for perch, bluegills and crappies then that is not as much of a consideration. Still, you will get better hooksets with a rod with some authority...especially in deeper water...and/or if you are fishing with stretchy lightweight mono.
3. Guides. Guide placement is ultra critical on ice rods. They are usually shorter and lighter so the flex needs to be controlled with proper guide spacing. Also...using a large single foot guide for the rod tip, instead of a regular tip top, can help reduce ice-up problems.
I have built and used a whole lotta different ice rods over the years...for multiple waters and multiple species. After you fish a few rods you tend to find what suits you and your style of fishing best. In the end, it is your choices that matter. Whatever works best and provides the most fish and enjoyment is exactly right...no matter what everybody else says.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]