5 Best Ice Fishing Rods To Help Haul Up That Monster.
These 5 ice fishing rods will help your next hardwater adventure be a happy one.
One of these ice fishing rods will make your next trip WAY more fun.
Can’t decide on the best ice fishing rod that’s right for you?
There are so many choices to make, you don’t have the time to wade through the options. No worries, we have you covered with our research so you can make an educated decision on what ice fishing rod is right for you.
How We Choose
We know that the only thing better than having a quality ice fishing rod is the peace of mind that comes with it, knowing you don’t have to worry about that fish on the end of your line.
Our team has read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings to come up with a list that makes it easier for you to decide on the best ice fishing rod.
Don’t bother spending lots of time reading over tons of reviews, we’ve done it for you and have come up with the top 5 ice fishing rods to help you get the most out of your next hardwater trip.
We're confident there's a rod here that’s best for you. Read below for details and you can check the price on the one that you like.
So What Are Some OF The Best Ice Fishing Rods?
1. 13 FISHING - Tickle Stick
Why We Love It
The Tickle Stick is widely considered to be the best ice fishing rod on the market. This is largely due to its PC2 (Parallel Composite Construction) linear fibers, which allow for a completely flat tip. This flat tip drastically increases the angler’s ability to detect ascending and descending strikes, to levels never before possible with current ice fishing technology.
Additionally, the flat tip adds extreme rigidity to the blank by preventing the rod from rolling over. As a result, perfect hook-sets are virtually guaranteed every time. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a novice angler, the Tickle Stick is sure to help you up your game.
Here's What To Know
- PC2 Flat Tip blank construction
- Hi-Vis Tip
- Custom Evolve reel seat with hand selected 3A Portuguese cork
- ALPS thin wire guides
- 1 year limited manufacturer warranty
2. 13 Fishing - Widow Maker - Gen II
Action Packed Battles Every Time You Set The Hook
13 Fishing Widow Maker Gen II Ice Fishing Rod
Why We Love It
When it comes to ice fishing, having the best gear is essential. 13 Fishing's Widow Maker Ice rods are made with premium EVA handles and ALPS thin wire double diamond coated guides for precise and durable performance. They're also lightweight and balanced for maximum sensitivity, so you can enjoy an action-packed battle every time you set the hook.
These rods come with different handles depending on your comfort level. The Evolve Engaged reel seat models feature a high-performance 36 ton solid-body Toray graphite blank, while Tennessee handle hole hopper rods are made with PC2 Flat Tip Blank Technology. So whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, the Widow Maker Ice Rods are sure to give you the best possible experience out on the ice.
Here's What To Know
- High Performance Composite Solid Body Blanks
- Evolve Soft Touch Engaged Reel Seat
- Premium EVA Split Grip Handle
- ALPS Thin Wire Double Diamond Coated Guides
- High Vis-Tip
3. St. Croix Rods Mojo Series
Custom Reel Seat And Split Grip Handle For Comfort
St. Croix Rods Mojo Series Ice Fishing Rods
Why We Love It
The Mojo Ice got a face-lift in 2020. Sporting a new carbon dust blank and flat finish reel seat, this series retains the best proprietary custom reel seat and split-grip handle that ice anglers have come to love. The Mojo series is suited for a variety of fishing styles and techniques for panfish, trout, walleye, pike and lake trout.
The Lightweight stainless-steel guides provide smoothness when casting, while the new carbon dust blank ensures sensitivity to even the lightest of bites. St. Croix makes some of the best fishing rods you can buy, and has a super loyal and enthusiastic following, and the Mojo series keeps that "mojo" going for St. Croix.
Here's What To Know
- Precision-taper solid carbon construction
- Premium split-grip cork/eva handle for comfort
- Custom reel seat ideal for all techniques;
- Sea Guide lightweight stainless-steel guides
- Length – 28”; Power – M
4. Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Rod
Why We Love It
Fenwick's new HMG Ice rods are one of the best ice fishing rods on the market, hands down. The solid graphite construction ensures that they are lightweight and sensitive, while the tapered design provides more action when fishing lighter jigs. Additionally, the cork handles are ergonomically designed for increased blank contact, making them more comfortable to use for long periods of time. If you're looking for a top-quality ice fishing rod at a reasonable price, Fenwick's HMG Ice rod is a great choice.
Here's What To Know
- Solid carbon blanks for increased sensitivity and durability
- Ergonomic reel seat design
- Lightweight stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts
- Premium cork handle with TAC trim
5. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Reel & Rod Combo
Great Value In An Ice Fishing Rod And Reel Combo
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod And Reel Combo
Why We Love It
Many ice fishing hard core types say that the Ugly StikGX2 is the best ice fishing rod on the market. It is a next generation rod that combines the heritage and tradition of the original while maintaining the strength and durability that Ugly Stiks are known for. The GX2 rods offer improved balance, lighter feel, and better components. They also have an eye-catching modern look.
The GX2 really gives your best of both worlds from a strength and durability standpoint of an Ugly Stik, with the new features and look of a modern rod.
Here's What To Know
- Size 20 spinning reel suited for ice applications
- Genuine ugly Stik blank with clear tip design
- Twist-lock reel seat with EVA handles
- One-piece stainless steel guides
- 20 size spinning reel with 1 ball bearing
- Ported aluminum spool for lighter weight and added durability
What To Look For When Deciding On Your Ice Fishing Rod:
- Power - When it comes to choosing an ice fishing rod, power is one of the most important factors to consider. The power refers to the bend of the rod and how much pressure is required to make it bend. Heavy power rods are typically used for large fish, while light power rods are ideal for panfish and small trout. Not only that but how you like to fish should also be a consideration when selecting the right power. If you prefer using large lures and jigs, a stiffer power is better. Prefer finesse tactics instead? Consider a medium light or light rod. With so many factors to consider, choosing the best ice fishing rod can seem daunting. But if you keep these factors in mind, you'll be sure to choose a rod that's perfect for your needs.
- Length - When it comes to choosing the best ice fishing rod, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best rod for you will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of fish you plan to catch, the size of your bait, and the overall style of your fishing. That said, most experts agree that the ideal ice fishing rod should be between 28 and 36 inches in length. shorter rods are easier to control and can be more versatile when fishing in tight spaces. They also tend to be more sensitive, making them ideal for smaller fish. Longer rods, on the other hand, offer more power and are better suited for larger fish. Ultimately, the best ice fishing rod for you is the one that best suits your personal preferences and fishing style.
- Type Of Fish - When it comes to ice fishing, the type of fish you're targeting will have a big impact on the kind of rod you need. For example, panfish like perch and bluegill tend to be small, so you'll need a rod that can handle light line and small lures. On the other hand, northern pike are large and aggressive, so you'll need a sturdier rod that can handle heavier line and bigger lures. Once you've decided what fish you want to target, you can begin narrowing down your search for the best ice fishing rod.
- Fiberglass or Graphite? - Fiberglass is softer than a graphite rod, so it depends on your situation and the type of fish you are targeting.
- Do you need a Walleye Rig? - Walleyes are one of the most popular fish to catch, and for good reason. People mainly feel they're some of the best tasting fish you can eat. In order to best target walleyes, you need a good rod and reel. Look for a solid backbone rod with a quality reel and drag. This will allow you to achieve a good hookset and play the fish properly. Additionally, make sure you have a properly sized hole in the ice or use an ice chisel to make an opening wide enough to get your catch out.! With the right setup, targeting walleyes can be a lot of fun.
Best Ice Fishing Rods FAQs
We’ve created a buyer’s guide of frequently asked questions to help you choose the best ice fishing rods for your needs. Hopefully one of these questions is one you've already asked yourself about the right types of rods.
What size rod is best for ice fishing?
Generally, ice fishing rods around 28 to 30-inches are the best rod size for ice fishing. Look for a rod of around 28 to 30-inches in length, with a solid backbone throughout the lower 2/3rds of the rod.
What type of rod is best for ice fishing?
Here are our recommendations for best rods for ice fishing:
- 13 Fishing Ticke Stick
- 13 Fishing - Widow Maker - Gen II
- Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Rod
- St. Croix Mojo
- Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod And Reel Combo
- Berkley Cherrywood HD
Are longer ice rods better?
The more distance you have from your rod tip to the ice, the more the wind has a chance to play games with your feel for what's going on under the ice. Otherwise you're going to be hunching over all the time and you'll wear out your back quickly, no matter your age.
What is a good ice fishing rod for walleye?
The Clam Ice Team Professional Series 26” Medium Action Walleye Rod and the JT Outdoors 30″ Gold Digger are great all-around rods. If you're going after bigger walleye, (Lake Erie, anyone?) the JT Outdoors 34″ Black Reign is a good choice.
Do you need special rods for ice fishing?
Yes you do. There is no reason a regular sized fishing rod won't work for ice fishing. But, an ice fishing rod and reel setup will have advantages that will help, for one thing, getting closer to the hole.
Why are ice fishing rods so small?
Ice fishing rods are so small because they are designed specifically for use in ice. For ice fishing, you need to be close to the hole, so a standard open-water fishing rod is too long. You also need a more sensitive rod for ice fishing, so the ultra light size of ice fishing rods helps with feeling the fish.
What action rod is best for walleye?
In deep water or a river with heavy current, use a medium heavy or medium action rod. If you are fishing lakes in 5-12 feet of water, the medium-lite to lite action will work best.
Can you use ice fishing rods in the summer?
Yes! Ice fishing tactics are dynamite for bluegills and crappies, even during the warm months. The same gear that is used in December, January and February is often a great choice for the dog days of summer.
The Best Ice Fishing Rods - The Last Cast
So what’s the best ice fishing rod? The answer to that may vary from person to person but we’ve tried to provide a variety of best options for you based on thousands of reviews. We hope you find this information helpful to find the best rod you deserve.
All you have to do now is just click the orange button to check the price on the best ice fishing rod for you. Thanks!
Cheers to the outdoors,
Bert
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Bert Martin