Fishing Forum

Well I finally have my first ice rod. Had a friend give me a fly rod that was cracked near the handle so I stripped the tip down cut it to size and made it into an ice rod. Not sure how it will handle. Now I just need a reel for it. Hoping to get out this weekend and try it out if the wife hasn't gone into labor yet.
[signature]

Good looking rod .
[signature]

Tell you what. Send that rod my and I'll tell you how she handles.[:p][]. Looks really nice to me.
[signature]

Very nice as expected. I am looking forward to hear how it does, know a few people that have do this. Never hear the outcome however[:/] Fly rods really aren't made to section out specially in so called BANTY's, but maybe it will work on the ice.
Now if it was GLASS, it could be very nice as an ice pole.[]
[signature]

[#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]

Wow. Can't say I've seen that done before, but it sure looks good. If you do have trouble detecting light bites, you can attach a spring bobber. Those are ultra sensitive, but need to be watched closely. I use a homemade model of a Jigger. A fish just bumping the bait will make it bounce.
Anyway, good luck and let us know how it worked. And hopefully she won't go into labor while you're on the ice!
[signature]

I bought a two tip flyrod to do the samething. I need to get working on it as well as a couple of 30 or so inch rods. Need to start looking for blanks and handles again for a winter project.
[signature]