Ice Rods

[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]Since the time is approaching for the hard water fishing, I got out my (very limited) ice gear and was getting it set up and ready to go for the winter.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Currently, I have 6 ice rods(all of them are cheapos I might mention). The longest is just about 24 inches long. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I don't really need too much as far as the fancy or expensive equipment goes, but I like the stuff I have to be servicable when put into action.[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Anyway, my quandry right now is the search for the perfect size(for me that is) jigging rod. Coincidently, I am also looking to find a new soft water jigging rod as well(I have it on pretty good authority that I might have to build one or get one built - ouch (I also have a "volunteer" that said he would build me one for a nominal fee(materials only) - but I need to get some info first)).[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]What size jigging rods do you folks use, and for what fishing application do you use it ? [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Also, does anyone have a link or connection for a good place to look for "shorter" jigging rods(3-4.5 foot in length). I want to get something that I can use to jig while standing up - not sitting in an ice shack or on a bucket. However, most of the ones I see around seem to be made for close quarters - like for use in an ice shack. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I am not looking for a panfish rod, but something a little more robust - for larger fish like walleye, cutthroats, or fish that are more or less 2 - 8 lbs(give or take). Also, I would like to find one that has a regular reel seat - not one where I have to tape my reel to the rod.[/size][/black]
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[size 3]Thank you in advance for your input.[/size]
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[duke-i]

You can go to Fishusa.com

Shakespeare has an ugley stick rod you can atach a real to and you can order the lengths you feel good with. Me I have two, one for in the shanty and one for out. Hope this helps.
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[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]Hey thanx duke-i,[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]I like Ugly Sticks(I have several, including a 2'6" med action ice rod). Currently, all of my ice rods are under 30 inches - great for sitting down either inside or outside. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]However, now I'm looking for something a little longer ( in the 3 - 4.5 foot range ) - so I can stand up and get the angle I like when I jig without hunching over.[/size][/black]
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[Coldfooter]

This is a subject that can be hashed over as long as time will allow because theres as many opinions about rod choice as there are fisher-persons willing to brave a sheet of ice.
The best advice I can give you is to spend a little time in trail mode. If possible, see if fellow Ice stroller's will allow you to test drive their extra rods while not in use.
Personally, I like a fast action rod with plenty backbone while jigging whether I'm dropping my line off the side of a boat or through a hole in the ice. It might surprise many fishermen how often they get a pickup yet the rod and line dont prove it until its witnessed on a underwater cam. Its my opinion that limp rods and line create more fishless days than the lack of fuel funds to get to the pond,lol..
BTW,,, If the person your talking about building you a custom # is who I believe it is, He'll set ya up... []
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[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]Hey Thanx Coldfooter,[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Actually, It was you and a couple of others that I saw (at Huntington and Strawberry) fishing that made me start thinking of this. [/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]Yes, I am pretty sure that my "volunteer" is the same person that you are thinking of - and, I am also pretty sure that he will get me going in the right direction. [/size][/black]
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[davetclown]

there are some realy nice products on the market today, some worthy some not so wrothy.

I am a chop and hack man my self, my steal head rod has a handle with the seat I prefer chopped off at the end, the rod is the back half of another rod that I liked but didnt like the handle seat set up. I poxied it toghethre, loaned it out and never saw it again.LOL guess some one else liked it better-n me...

I replaced that rod with this modle, when you look at the design you may like it as well, only it come in a 28 inch only lenth.
[url "http://www.peterson-outdoors.com/SlickIceRodSeries.htm"]http://www.peterson-outdoors.com/SlickIceRodSeries.htm[/url]
Fast action with a lot of backbone. buy a quality reel for this rod, it deserves it. [center][/center]


I use it for gills and crappie mostly, I have pulled in 6 pound dog fish up with it using 4 pound test line.

just be carefull of the last inch or two of the rod, it is so sencitive that you can break it if you sit on it close the hood on it. I had to put a new end on mine cause I did just that. to replace the part I lost I tied on a banjo bobber. I can use the rod with or with out the bobber depending on what I am fishing for.
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[davetclown]

I forgot to mention the rod runs around a jackson plus shipping.

I found one and only one while on a salmon fishing trip a couple years ago. other wise I would have bought two untested.

I fish with a lot of guys who too like the longer rods, I just end up breaking them in travels.
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[Fishhound]

[black][size 3]Hey thanx Dave,[/size][/black]
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[black][size 3]That link had some pretty nice looking stuff. I'll peruse it further when I have a few more minutes.[/size][/black]
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[davetclown]

ya, I know,

Your welcome,
I realy realy hate showing that site off, one because they dont advertise with us and two they are probably the best place for ice fishing supplies on the web.

I found them years ago, and have seen them on our auto feed a couple times on the left side.

fore worning, be prepaired to get lost on the site for several hours. I couldnt tell ya the number of hours I spent on it fishing around for ice fishing stuff.
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[Fishhound]

You wrote:

[size 1]fore worning, be prepaired to get lost on the site for several hours. I couldnt tell ya the number of hours I spent on it fishing around for ice fishing stuff.[/size]
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[black][size 3]No kidding ! I just spent quite some time there checking out stuff. Oh how time flies when you are having fun ! [/size][/black]
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