IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Jigging => Topic started by: ChenBassHead on Nov 07, 2005, 12:34 PM
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This winter I want to use a baitcaster for jigging up lakers and pike. I'm going to use a Shimano Curado (not sure which model)...anyway, what would be a good baitcasting jigging rod, and the real question: where can I get them? ??? I've seen a few Berkely Lightning Rod jigging rods that were baitcasters at Gander Mountain, but that's about it. :-\ :)Thanks!
-Zach
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I picked up one of those sticks last year when they closed a Dick's here. Haven't been fortunate enough to get anything on it yet.
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Thorne brothers makes their Pro Series rod in a baitcasting version, however there a little pricey. There is also a baitcasting rod in the new Genz series rod out. The Genz is very similiar to the berkley lightning rods in handle type and action. (Very Stiff)
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If I use a baitcasting reel for ice fishing I just put it on my spinning jigging rods. Works plenty good enough. The bigger guides on a spinning rod help to reduce the problem of ice buildup too.
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I looked at the baitcast combo in the Genz rod line at Bass Pro the other day and it looked real nice. Then I saw the price tag- $59.99. Ouch! Looks like I may be converting an old bass baitcaster. One small tidbit- If you try to convert a bass reel to an ice baitcast- open up the real and get the grease out by using hot water. Then put some of the HT Reel grease in there. It works much better in the cold and will not freeze.
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I just ordered an ht casting rod from the sportsmans guide yesterday.
I had a tough time finding any ice casting rods last year. Even the Berkley ones got scarce by January.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/cb/cb.asp?a=37714
Good Luck
Brian
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im a spinning reel man but i am intrigued with the baitcaster they have come along way since the first one i bought it wasnt a baitcaster it was a bird nest builder ;D
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I used to use a baitcaster for jigging up the bigger fish, but since I've gone to a spinning combo for them, I don't think I will go back to the baitcaster for many reasons.
1. The line freezes to the reel and you get backlashes
2. The level wind freezes up BAD
3. They are inherinetly heavy
4. A good casting reel costs at least 2x the price of a good spinning reel
PS: If you do decide to go with a casting reel, MAKE SURE IT HAS AN ALUMINUM FRAME!! The plastic and graphite frames break in the cold weater on casting reels.
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Well that HT casting rod just came in. It is a 28" broom stick. I don't like it.
You get what you pay for I guess.
I may try thorne bros casting rod. Does anyone have any of their rods? if so do they run heavy or is the action consistant with most other brands?
As far as the topic of baitcasters vs. spinning. Don't use a cheap reel for a baitcaster (ever) and you will love them.
Brian
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I used to use a baitcaster for jigging up the bigger fish, but since I've gone to a spinning combo for them, I don't think I will go back to the baitcaster for many reasons.
1. The line freezes to the reel and you get backlashes
2. The level wind freezes up BAD
3. They are inherinetly heavy
4. A good casting reel costs at least 2x the price of a good spinning reel
PS: If you do decide to go with a casting reel, MAKE SURE IT HAS AN ALUMINUM FRAME!! The plastic and graphite frames break in the cold weater on casting reels.
Lance,
I already have several good baitcasting reels...I was thinking about just designating one from bass fishing for icefishing, and upgrading to a better reel (or just another Curado) for open water. BUT...I like the points you bring up about the level wind freezing, and the line freezing. I think I might just stick with my laker fishing spinning combo...it should be fine for pike.
-Zach
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Zach,
A bassfishing friend of mine was having issues with his casting reel freezing up the other day, and claimed that a good spray with blakemore reel magic fixed the freezing problem