Are you ready for your next adventure? How about we try something refreshing with some extra perks? How about we try Ice fishing today? Chances are you already indulge into the act of ice fishing as you are here to find the best ice fishing rod available in today’s market. No matter who you are- a novice or a pro- this article will help you to get an in depth knowledge about the ice fishing rods like never before.
But it is evident that finding the best fishing rod can be quite a hectic job as there are so many different types of rods available in the market. To ease your burden, we have tested a number of rods, read the reviews, spoke with the manufacturers and then came with a top 10 list. I hope this article can help you get the best rod with ease.
Best Ice Fishing Rods Comparison:
Image | Product Name | Manufacturer | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Fiblink Saltwater | Fiblink | |
 | Fenwick Elite Tech | Fenwick | |
 | Fenwick AETOS | Fenwick | |
 | BaitRunner Ice Fishing | BaitRunner | |
 | Shakespeare Ugly | Shakespeare | |
 | St. Croix Custom | St Croix | |
 | 13 Fishing Tickle Stick | 13 FISHING | |
 | St. Croix Legend | St. Croix | |
 | Berkley Cherrywood HD | Berkley | |
 | HT Enterprises | HT Enterprise |
5 Best Ice Fishing Rods Review:
1. Fiblink Saltwater 1-Piece
The number one product in our list is the Fiblink Saltwater 1-Piece Jigging Jig Spinning Rod which is also the most dynamic product in the market. This rod is specifically designed for vertical jigging. The producer used both fiberglass and graphite to make this rod, which makes it a light rod. The perks of the composition are that you can fish for a prolonged period of time using this rod.
Additionally, this rod is very sensitive to the lightest of the bites so you will not miss any opportunity to catch a fish. At the same time, it is very sturdy, you can catch the biggest of fish without the fear of breaking or losing the rod. The rod also comes with an interesting EVA grip.
The grip is very comfortable to use and gives you greater control while pulling a fish from the ice. In addition, the aluminum gimbal butt protects the rods from becoming shaky while dealing with the larger fishes. This rod is worth the money as the price is very reasonable with great features.
The unique features are as follows:
- Six guides
- Six feet in length
- Lure weight: Four to ten ounces
- Rod weight: 26.6 ounces
- Line weights: 50-80 pounds
- Eva grip
- Composite material
Pros
Cons
2. Fenwick Elite Tech Ice Fishing
The Fenwick Elite Tech Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is the best that money can buy right now in the market. It is one of the most demanded products when it comes to the ice fishing rods. It has guides which are made from smoked stainless steels. One of the features which makes this product so unique and demanding is that it has down locking reel seats.
The rod is also very useful for making the life of a novice fisherman easier. The rod has great sensitivity making your chance of losing a fish very slim. Many experts specifically recommend this rod for trout fishing.
But does that mean, you will use the rod only, no! With this rod, you can deal with most of the fishes. This rod also has great grips which will provide you maximum comfort and ease while fishing for a prolonged period of time. Moreover, the design of the rod is very commendable.
The unique features are as follows:
- Modulus graphite composition
- Stainless steel guides
- Down locking reel seat
Pros
Cons
3. Fenwick AETOS Ice Fishing Spinning Rod
Fenwick AETOS Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is quite popular for its construction materials. They use super- quality materials for the production of the rod-Graphite. As a result of that the product is usually very lightweight. But at the same time one can surely take the guarantee of the durability of the product. This rod is also known for its efficiency and performance.
The grip of the product is super comfortable. It has a cork handle which actually does the job of enhancing your comfortability. One can find Fenwick in varied sizes ranging from 18 to 28 to 30 inches.
If you fish the smaller fishes usually then you should definitely consider purchasing a smaller one and if you are someone who likes to fish the bigger fishes then go for the bigger ones. One interesting aspect of this rod is that it has great tips which makes it super sensitive.
So, you are less likely to miss a chance to catch a fish. Not to mention, the rod looks great.
The unique features are as follows:
- Split cork handle
- Graphite built
- Guides are stainless
- Varied lengths
Pros
Cons
4. BaitRunner Ice Fishing Rod
BaitRunner Ice Fishing Rod is the paragon of innovation. It is a premium product with a premium look. But the interesting thing is that it is not that pricey. The performance of the rod is in the next level. The rod is also super sensitive giving you a chance to hop into every other opportunity that comes in while fishing.
The rod is quite unique in the sense that it has a patented handle. One can easily use the rod with great ease and easily deal with the tackle and bait. The rod has a super cool cork handle which is made of pure carbon blank.
According to many experts this rod is great for the bass, perch, and walleye. Without any doubt this rod is going to give you great performance and it will also increase your productivity.
The unique features are as follows:
- 28 inches in length
- Cork handle
- Removable bait cup
Pros
Cons
5. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Ice Fishing
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Ice Fishing rod is a super popular product and definitely one of the greatest of all time. The rod is especially popular for the varied types of angling techniques. While fishing the fishermen usually commend the balance it has. The product feels very premium with a sleek look.
The building of the product is ultra modern as it uses fiberglass and graphite both in its construction. The product is also very sensitive. But don’t worry about its durability because it is super durable.
With this rod you never have to worry about pop outs as it is made of a single stainless steel guide. To add to its durability and sensitivity the rod has a clear tip. The handle of the Shakespeare Ugly Stik Ice Fishing is also very lightweight and it has a sturdy EVA.
Which means this rod is built to give you an awesome experience fishing. The super sensitivity will allow it to catch all that comes and its durability will ensure that you can easily deal with the biggest of the fishes. At the same time, most of the people find it to be quite affordable.
It also lasts for a prolonged period of time. So, what are you waiting for, let’s check out the specifications.
The unique features are as follows:
- Has a clear tip
- Made of fiberglass and Graphite
- Single stainless steel guides
- EVA grips
Pros
Cons
6. St. Croix Avid Ice Jigging
St. Croix Avid Ice Jigging is a premium product which is also very affordable. The rod is designed for the jigging spoons, rapalas and for the different types of walleye jigs. The construction of the product is commendable. The producers used solid carbon blanks for it’s construction, which makes the product naturally very durable.
Therefore, if you purchase this product you do not have to worry about its strength and durability. It is also ultra-sensitive so you will be less prone to missing out on a prey. The handle of the product is also a unique part of the sale. The handle is very comfortable.
As a result, you can fish for a longer period of time without worrying about anything. Even if you are someone who doesn’t like to wear gloves the St. Croix Avid Ice Jigging will just work fine for you. Experts have praised the maker of the product for its super performance.
The maker of the product takes great pride for its origin. The product is made in the United States of America. But the materials are from all over the world making it a premium product.
The unique features are as follows:
Carbon Handle
Solid built-up
Pros
Cons
7. 13 Fishing Tickle Stick - Ice Rod
This product is known for its superior design as it is designed with PC2 construction. It is designed to have a flat tip and great rigidity. As it has a flat tip, it is super accurate when it comes to identifying ascending and descending strikes. This product is also there to make sure that you get the correct hook-sets perpetually.
The experts recommend this product because it’s construction can deal with the cold temperature easily. The lightweight and sturdy design makes it a perfect product which anyone can enjoy and use. The level of comfort one will feel while using this product is unprecedented.
This rod comes with an assembled reel which goes with the rod perfectly. Even under extreme pressure this rod can work just fine as it has a reel seat lock. The reel seat lock is there to keep the reel and rod secure.
It also has high-end ball bearing which reduces friction to a greater extent. It can also handle the vast majority of the fishes with great ease. The aluminum reel handle makes it quite unique and useful which can be useful for both left and right-handed people.
At the same time, one will enjoy great comfort using the reel as it has a soft touch knob in the handle.
The unique features are as follows:
- Graphite construction
- Soft touch knob
Pros
Cons
8. St. Croix Legend Black Ice Fishing Rod LBI30L
This product is quite popular for its durability and great flexibility. The rod can detect bites with great ease which makes the product quite efficient. The product is highly sensitive as it has a spring bobber. One of the things that make the product quite unique is that it comes with a locking reel seat.
This makes the product very stable and it can deal with the larger fishes. At the same time, the fact that the product is made of carbon makes it a great fit to fish in the cold. This product is a perfect fit for anyone who is looking for an ice fishing rod that has a great design, comes with great look, durable and has super sensitivity.
The St. Croix Legend Black Ice Fishing Rod LBI30L is durable enough to catch both the medium and small-sized fishes. However, if you are someone who likes to deal with the bigger fishes, then this product might not be a good fit for you. There are a lot of other products listed in our list, you can and should definitely check one of those.
The unique features are as follows:
- Stainless steel guides.
- Graphite construction
- Spring bobbers
Pros
Cons
9. Berkley Cherrywood HD
Although we have Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Spinning Rod in the later part of the list, the performance of it is not at all, will come late. Manufacturers take great pride in its design and durability. It is made of one hundred percent fiberglass.
Therefore, you do not have to worry about its construction materials. It is quite flexible while in action. Which will give you plenty of ease dealing with it. The handle of the product is another miracle.
It has a full cork handle which makes the holding of the rod very satisfying. The selling point of this rod is its affordable price with ultra-weight design. The fishermen love this product and hopefully, you will love this too.
The unique features are as follows:
- Graphite sliding ring reel seat
- Full cork handles
- Fiberglass construction
- Stainless steel guides and inserts
Pros
Cons
10. HT Enterprises Ice Rod
HT Enterprises Ice Rod, 18-Inch, Ultra-Light, Blue is the last pick because we cannot simply put 10 products in number 1 position. This is a superior product which comes with great design.
The sensitivity of the product is commendable. It has fluorescent orange tips. So, you never have to worry about missing on to something. The Corkalon handles will make your fishing experience exceptional as the handle is quite comfortable.
Therefore, if you are someone who fishes for a long period of time, this is the product for you. This product is 18 inches long which is good enough for most medium sized and small fishes. So, what are you waiting for!
The unique features are as follows:
- HT IB-18 ice blue rod
- Black Rings and Corkalon handle
- Custom guide wrappings in dark blue
- Comfy Corkalon grips with rings for reel mounting
Pros
Cons
How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Rods - Buying Guide
As we might already know that Ice fishing is quite different from the traditional freshwater or saltwater fishing. In order to get the best out of ice fishing and have the best experience you need the best of the tools or gears.
And, it is without any doubt that finding the best Ice fishing rods can be quite hectic as there are abundant numbers of gears out there in the market. The things get worse for an angler.
But don’t worry, I am not here to make you scared or make the task more difficult than it already is, I am here to help you with a comprehensive guideline, which, if you follow, will help you get the best of the gears.
Material of the Rod
It is without any doubt the first and foremost of all characteristics. The way the rods will perform is heavily dependent on the material it is made of! In general composites, graphite's and fiber glasses are used to make any quality rod and all of them perform differently and with different levels of efficacy.
The most expensive of the three is the graphite ones. It is comparatively lighter and durable than the other two. It is also the strongest in the market. It is also the fastest to perform while in the action.
But the caveat is you have to pay more to purchase it. But if you purchase one it is likely that the graphite rods will be reliable and will give you a long service. The tips of the graphite rods are sensitive which allows you to act quickly and you can easily handle the toughest of the fish in no time.
On the other hand, if you purchase a fiberglass rod, it will bend easily giving you ease while dealing with hooksets. Moreover, if you fish for a long period of time on a regular basis then the fiberglass rods are more likely to last long as the graphite rods cannot withstand the cold for a prolonged period of time.
Interestingly, it is not unusual to find people who like to deal with the traditional ice fishing rod. Those rods show great craftsmanship and are made of sturdy wood. It has a nice grip or handle also. You will get a couplet of line guides and two hooks with these types of rods. In order to do the fishing you will be needing an ice saw and auger to dig the surface of the ice.
Action
The better the action the better it is for you to deal with all sorts of fishes, especially the bigger ones. In general, you need to be able to distinguish between the action and power of the rod. The action determines the place of the flex on the rod which is quite essential because the way fish see the baits is dependent on that. Which can be a great determinant of your success as a fisherman.
The action of the rod is important in the sense that if the action is slow then you are more likely to miss the little bites of the fishes and if the action is of full-swing you will be able to catch the biggest of the fishes with a little bite.
You may also check our surf and telescoping fishing rod guide here.
Weight and Size
The use of the ice fishing rod is totally different from conventional fishing. The length of your ice fishing rods should ideally be between 16 to 40 inches and it usually is. The length is pretty short because in general you will not be needing it. All you have to do is dig a hole in the ice and the dump the bait and in the hole.
Although, it is true that the rod size depends on the technique you use and on the different aspects of your shelter. The rule of thumb is if you like to fish the bigger fishes then you should have long rods and vice versa because the longer rods will give you more power.
At the same time, it is recommended that you buy a lightweight rod because you will be able to handle it better and will not feel too heavy when you catch a big fish. But do not forget to prioritize the quality of the rod because with time you are more likely to be habituated with the weight but not with the quality.
Type of the Rod
The type of rod you choose should depend on the manner of your fishing. In general, if you fish in the area where bigger fishes are available then you need to have the best of the rods. You need the strongest of all which needs to have the most accuracy as well. On the other hand, if you fish in the areas of smaller fish then, spinning rods are a better fit. Those are also great fit for the novice fishermen.
Handle of the Rod
The handle of the rod is important because the grip can determine the level of comfort you have during the fishing time. Even if you wear gloves, you need to find a rod which has a great grip. There are different types of rods with varied grips available in the market and among them plastics, cork and foam handles are more prominent.
The cork ones are lighter and very sensitive which will give you warmer feelings. On the other hand, foam ones are durable and even lighter. The rods which come with graphite handles are very expensive but a good purchase as it is very sensitive as well. You should also consider split handles rods because it gives you a chance to directly contact the pole for the fastest and easiest detection.
Spool Size
The spool size is also an important aspect of a good rod size. The better ones have the capability to hold the lines efficiently. In general, this should not be a hassle because in most of the cases the spool has antifreeze oils which as the name suggests will protect it from the freezing cold. At the same time, it will also protect different moving parts from falling.
Bearing Rating
The simple trick to determine the high quality rods is by looking at the bearing ratings. Usually the high-quality rods have higher ratings. The more bearing your rods have the smoother it is on the go and will give you the ease of operating. It will also help you to deal with any unnecessary frictions.
Fish Species
It is quite essential to keep in mind the kind of fish that are available in your area or the types of fish you would like to fish. To understand the power of the rod you can look at the marking in the rod body which tells you whether the rod is heavy or light. If you usually fish panfish you should have an ultra-light rod and if you deal with trout or pikes you will be needing a heavy one.
Ease of Use
The interesting thing is that once you purchase a rod, you are more likely to be habituated using that irrespective it is easy or difficult to deal with. Depending on the line guides quality the easiness of your rod use can be determined. The rule of thumb is the more the number of guides the easier it is for the fishermen.
You can easily bend the rod with those kinds of rods which will be able to deal with the greatest of the shocks from the fishes. It is recommended that you buy rods which have large guides as they are easy to use and one will find it really efficient. You should have a rod which has a minimum of 4-6 guides at least.
And, as it goes without saying that if you would like to catch heavy fishes you should have at least 12 guides. According to experts, you should always have a carrying case while dealing with the fishing rods to put it in it’s destination. This will more likely protect the rod and give you prolonged service.
Price
Well, it is quite subjective. But we recommend that you do a cost and outcome analysis. If you fish once in a while then purchasing a high quality expensive rod will not be feasible. But if you are pro and enjoy the great activity of ice fishing you should definitely consider putting a higher price on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: What are the benefits one can get from ice fishing?
A: Ice fishing is exciting and very refreshing. Some people consider ice fishing to be the coolest outdoor activity. It will definitely refresh your mind. At the same time, you eat the fish and even sell them. Although it is somewhat risky, I think that little risk makes ice fishing exciting.
Q: What is the right fishing rod size?
A: Well, it varies from individual to individual and according to their fishing places. At the same time, the kinds of fish one catches can be also a deciding factor. For example, if you would like to catch the bigger fishes then you should have a long rod in comparison if you like to have smaller fishes.
Q: How Can I rest my rod?
A: Well, if you are purchasing the product from online then you can definitely look up for reviews, like the one we did in the above section. On the other hand, if you go to a store, then you can try out yourself and have a little discussion with the salesman.
Well, you should get the feeling of an actual adventure when you hold the rod in your hand and get an idea how it would work in real life. But if you are a first time buyer, then you should take the help of a friend. Nevertheless, there are many YouTubers who test the rods live, you can watch those as well.
Q: Which types of fish I can catch which types of rod?
A: Well, first of all, you need to determine which type of fish you usually catch or which types of fish are available in your area. Depending upon the size of that fish you can choose a rod.
Usually, the pro fishermen have both types of rods:
1. For catching smaller or medium fishes
2. For catching large fishes. But not all of us are pro, and maybe we don’t need to be.
The rule of thumb about the rod is that the longer rods can deal with the massive pressure of a big fish better and for a shorter rod works just fine for the medium and small sized rods.
Final words
The ice fishing rods can be vastly different from the regular fishing rods and it needs to be! If you have seen a used ice fishing, you probably have noticed how powerful and damaging the cold can be. And then add the pressure of the fish, it becomes a mess. So, it is imperative that you have a rod which is sturdy, sensitive and efficient.
In our top 10 list we tried our level best to pick the best in the market. But the call is yours; you are the one who has to pay for it. I think you should take a moment in retrospect to think about what you are looking for and what this product has.
Then I think the call will be more appropriate. But then again, all these products are there in the market for a reason. I hope you have a wonderful time fishing. Happy Fishing!
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