Ready to catch some fish?
Ice fishing is a popular winter pastime for many anglers. It can be a great way to spend a day out on the ice and catch some dinner too! In this article, we will take a look at some of the best ice fishing rods on the market and help you decide which one is right for you.
With the right equipment, ice fishing can be a lot of fun. If you're looking for an enjoyable experience and want to make sure you have the best chance of catching fish, then you need one of these top-rated ice fishing rods.
Keep reading to find your new ice fishing rod today!
How We Choose The Best Ice Fishing Rods
Ice fishing can be a really fun and rewarding experience, but if you don't have the right gear it can also be frustrating.
You've probably seen a lot of different ice fishing rods out there, and it can be hard to know which one is right for you.
After reading through thousands of reviews, I've found the best ice fishing rods for panfish, trout, and walleye. My recommendations are based on factors like price, durability, and fishability.
Why It’s On Our Best List
The 13 FISHING Tickle Stick Ice Fishing Rods are the perfect choice for anglers of all levels who want to enjoy a great day out on the ice. These rods offer a very sensitive tip that is perfect for detecting even the smallest bite, and a good backbone that is ideal for battling larger fish.
They are also great for panfish, as you can really see the bite when using these rods. Whether you're an experienced ice fisherman or just getting started, the 13 FISHING Tickle Stick Ice Fishing Rods are sure to give you a great day out on the ice.
Highlights
PC2 (Parallel Composite Construction) linear fibers allowed designers to create a completely flat tip, which increases the angler’s ability to detect strikes. The flat tip also adds extreme rigidity to the blank, making it ideal for larger fish.
The Hi-Vis tip makes it easy to see even in low light conditions, and the custom Evolve reel seat provides a comfortable grip. The ALPS Thin Wire guides are designed for durability and performance, and the overall length of the rod is 28 inches.
4.7/5 - 644 ratings - 55 verified purchase reviews
Why It’s On Our Best List
Are you looking for a versatile and affordable ice fishing spinning rod? Look no further than the Berkley Cherrywood HD! This rod is super sensitive, so you'll be able to feel even the lightest bites. But it also has enough backbone to bury the hook on the hookset.
So whether you're targeting panfish or pike, this is the perfect rod for the job. Plus, it's very durable, so you can count on it to last season after season. This rod is such a great value, you've got nothing to lose!
Highlights
The Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is a great choice for those looking for a durable, reliable ice fishing rod. The 100% fiberglass blank is very strong and the durable finish will protect it from the elements. The full cork handles provide a comfortable grip even when the weather is cold, and the graphite sliding ring reel seat ensures a smooth, responsive action.
The stainless steel guides and inserts are both durable and corrosion-resistant, making this an excellent choice for ice fishing. Overall, the Berkley Cherrywood HD Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is a great option for those looking for a high-quality, durable ice fishing rod.
4.5/5 - 159 ratings - 32 verified purchase reviews
Why It’s On Our Best List
Are you looking for a reliable and sturdy ice fishing rod that won't let you down? Look no further than the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod. These rods are built to last, with a great feel and sensitivity that will help you land even the biggest catches.
The Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod is perfect for those who want the best of both worlds - a light and responsive rod that can still handle big fish. With durable construction and reliable components, this rod will be your go-to choice for ice fishing season after season.
Highlights
The Ugly Tech construction of the Ugly Stik Clear Tip rod is designed for increased strength and sensitivity. The graphite and fiberglass construction make the rod lightweight and durable, while the Ugly Tuff guides eliminate insert pop outs.
The Ugly Stik Clear Tip design also increases the sensitivity of the rod, allowing you to feel even the lightest bites. The EVA grips are comfortable to hold and help to reduce fatigue, making this an ideal choice for anglers who spend long hours on the water. Overall, the Ugly Tech is a great choice for anglers who demand performance and durability.
4.4/5 - 119 ratings - 48 verified purchase reviews
Why It’s On Our Best List
Looking for a top-quality ice fishing spinning rod? Look no further than the Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Spinning Rod! This rod is extremely sensitive, giving you plenty of power and backbone to handle even the biggest fish. The cork grips are well-made and comfortable, making it easy to keep hold of your reel even in the coldest conditions. With its medium-flex design, this rod is perfect for ice fishing and is sure to give you the edge over your competition!
Highlights
A solid carbon blank provides the foundation for a lightweight and sensitive rod, while an ergonomic reel seat design ensures comfort during long days of fishing. Stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts provide durability and smoothness, and a premium cork handle with TAC trim offers a comfortable grip. This rod is designed for both strength and sensitivity, making it a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.
4.6/5 - 262 ratings - 58 verified purchase reviews
Why It’s On Our Best List
Looking for a top-quality ice fishing rod that won't let you down? Check out the 13 FISHING Widow Maker. This rod is designed to turn heads both below and above the ice, with its great action and excellent backbone. It's sensitive enough for a perch bite but also big enough to handle 10lb walleyes and 6-20lb lake trout. So whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, the Widow Maker is a great choice for your next ice fishing adventure.
Highlights
The blank is the foundation of any good rod, and this one is made with Japanese 36 Ton Toray Solid Body graphite. That means it's strong and durable, able to stand up to the demands of even the most serious anglers.
The cork handle provides a comfortable grip that won't slip, even when wet, and the ALPS Thin Wire Double Diamond Coated Guides are designed for maximum performance. At 28" long, it's the perfect size for a wide range of fishing styles, and with such attention to detail, it's sure to give you years of reliable service.
4.6/5 - 88 ratings - 14 verified purchase reviews
Why It’s On Our Best List
If you love to fish, then you need a St. Croix rod! The Mojo Ice Fishing Rod is perfect for anglers who want to feel everything going on with their line. With its sensitive tip, you'll be able to easily detect bites from panfish, trout, and walleye.
Plus, the Mojo's action is perfectly designed for precise presentation. So whether you're a novice angler or a seasoned pro, the St. Croix Mojo Ice Fishing Rod is the perfect choice for your next fishing adventure!
Highlights
St. Croix's Mojo Ice Fishing Rod is perfect for those who want to ice fish with precision. The solid carbon construction and custom reel seat help make this rod ideal for all techniques, while the premium split grip cork/EVA handle ensures a comfortable grip.
The Sea Guide lightweight stainless-steel guides are also perfect for preventing ice build-up, and the 24" length is just right for most ice fishing applications. St. Croix has thought of everything with this great ice fishing rod, and it's sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
4.5/5 - 171 ratings - 18 verified purchase reviews
Best Ice Fishing Rod FAQs
Ice fishing can be a lot of fun, but it's also a new experience for many people. If you're not familiar with the sport, it can be hard to know where to start when choosing an ice fishing rod.
We've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about ice fishing rods to help make your decision easier.
What is the best all around ice fishing rod?
The best all-around ice fishing rod is the one that is most comfortable for you to use. Some anglers prefer shorter rods, while others prefer longer rods. It really just depends on what you are most comfortable using.
That being said, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing an ice fishing rod. For starters, you want to make sure that the rod is strong enough to handle larger fish. You also want to choose a rod that is sensitive enough to feel the smallest nibbles on the end of your line. And finally, you want to make sure that the rod is flexible enough so that you can easily maneuver it in tight spots.
What size rod is best for ice fishing?
Generally, 24 to 32 inches, however, it depends on the specific fishing conditions and the preferences of the angler. However, a general rule of thumb is to use a rod that is shorter in length and has a smaller diameter when ice fishing for panfish (i.e. bluegills, crappies, etc.) than when fishing for larger fish species.
What rod do you use for ice fishing?
When ice fishing, you will need an ice rod. There are a few different types of ice rods on the market, and the type you choose will depend on the type of fishing you plan to do. The most common type of ice rod is a jigging rod. Jigging rods are typically made from graphite or fiberglass, and they are designed for casting light lures or jigs.
Another popular type of ice rod is the tip-up rod. Tip-up rods are designed for use with live bait, and they feature a spring-loaded mechanism that sets the hook when a fish bites. Tip-ups can be used in conjunction with spincast or downrigger reels, and they are
What is the best ice fishing rod for panfish?
There is no definitive answer to this question since panfish can be caught with a wide variety of ice fishing rods. That said, a good all-around option for panfish is a 24 to 28-inch light action rod. This type of rod is sensitive enough to feel the slightest nibbles from panfish, but also strong enough to handle larger fish.
How do I choose an ice reel?
When choosing an ice reel, you'll need to consider the type of fishing you'll be doing, the size of fish you're hoping to catch, and your budget.
For panfish or trout, a small spincast or baitcast reel is adequate. If you're targeting larger fish such as bass or pike, you'll need a heavier-duty reel with a higher gear ratio.
An ice fishing rod and reel combo may also be a consideration that fits your needs and your budget.
Why are ice fishing rods so small?
There are a few reasons for this. For one, when you're fishing through a hole in the ice, you have less room to work with and need a shorter rod.
Additionally, when fishing in cold weather conditions, an ultra light rod is preferable because you don't want to have too much extra weight since it will make it harder to keep control of your bait in the water.
Finally, most ice fisherman prefer using smaller lures and bait when ice fishing. All of these factors together result in the need for a shorter, smaller ice fishing rod.
What kind of ice rod do you use for lake trout?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best ice rod for lake trout will vary depending on the specific fishing conditions. However, a medium-light action ice rod is generally a good choice for targeting lake trout, as it will provide enough power to fight big fish but also be sensitive enough to feel the lightest bites.
Can I use a regular reel on an ice fishing rod?
Yes, you can use a regular reel on an ice fishing rod. You'll just need to be careful that the line doesn't freeze solid, which could cause it to break.
If you're using a spincast reel, make sure you keep the bail open when the line isn't in use. This will help prevent the line from freezing solid. If you're using a spinning reel, you can either keep the spool spinning or wrap the line around a piece of Styrofoam to keep it from freezing.
Can you use normal fishing line for ice?
You can use normal fishing line for ice, but you need to be careful. The thinner the line, the more easily it will break. You might also want to try a line that is specifically designed for ice fishing. Either way, it's important to test the line before you go out on the ice.
What do you need for ice fishing?
Depending on where you ice fish, you may need different gear. In general, you'll need an ice auger to drill a hole in the ice, a spade or chisel to break the ice, a fishing rod and reel, line and hooks, a bucket or cooler to keep your catch in, and clothing suited to cold weather. Some anglers also use tip-ups, which are devices that hold the bait in the water and signal when a fish takes the bait.
The Best Ice Fishing Rod For You
When looking for a new ice fishing rod, it's important to consider the type of fish you'll be targeting and the conditions you'll be ice fishing in. Make sure to also think about your budget and level of experience.
Some other factors to keep in mind are the material and construction of the rod, as well as its length and action. The length of rods made for ice fishing doesn't vary much, but a big consideration is if you will be using it in a shelter on the ice. As for action, fast action rods are better for catching smaller fish while slow action rods are ideal for larger catches.
verall, it's important to choose a high-quality ice fishing rod that will work well for your needs and allow you to have a successful ice fishing trip! Happy fishing!
