Ice Rods for Lake Trout

[Dan668]

Im looking to purchase or make a pair of ice rods for lakers/whitefish, even though i catch lakers off my plain ht rod. I was considering a thornebros rod. Does anyone from the board have experience with these rods? Are they worth it? I could probably build some nice ice rods for the same price, just unsure of what blanks to use.

[Fang]

I built mine from 9' - 6 wt fly rod top pieces. They're too long for use inside a hut. I like medium to medium light still and something with a fast action with backbone

 

I do like the new St Croix rods I saw at Sail the other day

[DRIFTER_016]

I build mine from cut down solid fiberglass saltwater blanks.

They are IMHO the best big laker and pike rod around.

 

 

 

 

[bare foot wader]

I have a few thorne bros, best on the market IMO but you do pay for that...if you build your own, better off to build

 

my next laker rod will be another baitcaster but with spiral wrapped guides, also contemplating ordering blank/components or just ordering a thorne bro again

[Fisherpete]

I picked up a couple of the Fenwick Elitetech Ice rods last year, just over $30 each. If I recall they are medium heavy action - worked great for Simcoe lakers

[manitoubass2]

I picked up a couple of the Fenwick Elitetech Ice rods last year, just over $30 each. If I recall they are medium heavy action - worked great for Simcoe lakers

same rods I use for lakers walleye and panfish

 

the 28" is my fav and yes there medium heavy at that length

 

very nice rods

Edited November 28, 2014 by manitoubass2

[Acountdeleted]

I was using a Medium ugly stick last year which worked ok but I was losing a lot of fish I hooked into. This year I upgraded to a 32" medium heavy ugly stick. Should help

 

Then again, last year Chris K was landing all his lakers with what looked like a wet noodle so I dunno.....

[Fisherpete]

LOL Jeremy

 

Was it al dente?

[RickOnt]

Send Spiel a message

 

Chris will build what ever ya need

 

The one he built for me is going into its 4th season, It has been flawless!!

[Christopheraaron]

LOL Jeremy

 

Was it al dente?

LOL, maybe. It was a 36" UL frabill. But those were small northern lakers on a set line. I'm planning on getting a 42" M (more like MH) st croix this year...

[MJL]

I'm also looking for a new set of ice rods for my laker fishing. I used the 36" Med-Action St. Croix Premier ice rods the past 4 seasons. Love the length and the fact that it has a reel seat. Not a huge fan of the action or the fact that there really isn't any fore or butt grip to hold on to when fighting large fish.

 

Might be finally time to build myself a set of custom rods

[Beavertail]

I picked up a 32" Berkley Lightning Rod last season for Simcoe Lakers in Medium Heavy. Nice, fast action with some serious back bone. Also has fairly large guides and a decent reel seat. I was very pleased with it...works great with big swim baits, lipless cranks or spoons.

[manitoubass2]

yeah beavertail that reminds me one issue with the fenwicks is small guides

[Beavertail]

It's crazy, I don't know why more ice rods don't have larger guides...seems like a no brainer.

[jeffw]

I have a 36" med hvy jason mitchell makinaw rod. Its a baitcaster withe the spiral guides and its hands down the best big laker and whitefish rod i have ever used. Everyone of my friends that have tried it have gone out and bought one. Cheers jeff

[irishfield]

I use the heaviest rod...out of the 4 rod interchangeable (30 buck set) from Canadian Tire. Hasn't let me down yet....

[manitoubass2]

It's crazy, I don't know why more ice rods don't have larger guides...seems like a no brainer.

id bet money its just for looks

 

big guides are waaay more functional but look odd lol

Edited November 29, 2014 by manitoubass2

[BillM]

St.Croix makes a nice ice rod, get the M/H 32 or 36in model. Perfect for lakers.

 

I use a custom made one from the top section of a GLX float rod, lol.

[SirCranksalot]

I build mine from cut down solid fiberglass saltwater blanks.

They are IMHO the best big laker and pike rod around.

 

Might be OK for those smallish lakers, but not for the ones in Simcoe!!

[Dan668]

Thanks for the opinions. Main reason im looking to go custom or thorne is because i want a 36" rod. Have a lot of space now with my clam 1660. Not to many stores have much over 28.

[BillM]

Thanks for the opinions. Main reason im looking to go custom or thorne is because i want a 36" rod. Have a lot of space now with my clam 1660. Not to many stores have much over 28.

 

http://stcroixrods.com/products/ice/premier-ice-rods

[chris.brock]

St.Croix makes a nice ice rod, get the M/H 32 or 36in model. Perfect for lakers.

 

I use a custom made one from the top section of a GLX float rod, lol.

 

my favorite ice rod is the top section of my most sensitive 2 piece jigging rod, no reel seat needed, just electrical tape

[Joeytier]

32" st. Croix MH casting rod is an excellent choice

[Dan668]

Decided to make my own, stumped on the guide size to use. Dont think ill go to small because of potential icing issues.

[Acountdeleted]

Can't wait to see how it looks when you're done Dan.