Light action rods

[bassbull]

Thinking of getting a light action rod (tuck) for fishing gills. BUT it seems like on TV these guys have to bend over and pick the fish up out of the hole. After old man time and 2 back surg. this isn't possible anymore. I sit on a bucket (no kneeling on ice). So is the tip on these types of rods going to break easy on me ?? I just pick up and swing the fish to me to take off. Thanks a head of time. steve

[slipperybob]

Fiberglass rods are less likely to break than graphite or carbon rods.  I've never had a pole tip broke on me while fishing.  I don't angle my rod pole upwards that much like how you see in many fishing shows.  And I tend to use 4# test lines so that I can lift or drag the fish out of the hole.  Save myself from getting wet hands.

[Dave R]

You could also get a medium light action rod and put a spring bobber on it.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Thinking of getting a light action rod (tuck) for fishing gills. BUT it seems like on TV these guys have to bend over and pick the fish up out of the hole. After old man time and 2 back surg. this isn't possible anymore. I sit on a bucket (no kneeling on ice). So is the tip on these types of rods going to break easy on me ?? I just pick up and swing the fish to me to take off. Thanks a head of time. steve

The fiberglass rods can & do take a beating, but over time they can and will break........With what you are doing you are going to put a lot of stress on the rods. Regaurdless a high end or cheap Rod......they will end up breaking from stress......For what you are wanting to do, I would look into a Schooley Artic Blue or an HT Ice Blues. They run from $7.99-$12.99 are a fiberglass Rod. You'll get the sensitive spring type tip, then if they break with swinging the fish like you want to do you can pick up another rod.

[ice dawg]

I usually use a light or ultralight rod when fishing for perch or panfish. I pull the fish onto the ice using the rod and lift them using the line. I also don't use expensive rods. I spent many years using ice rods I had made from broken soft water rods. I'm an old coot who has been through the mill too.

[IrishnId]

I use a Fenwick IM6 Ultralight and never have bent over in the hole to get the fish. Drag them all up and thru the hole. Its my favorite Bluegill, and Perch rod. Its handled small bass and some trout with no problem.

[Big Ice Hole]

I've got a tickle stick with the flat tip and I lift my fish out of the hole with no trouble.

[UFCreel]

How many of you just lift Crappie out of the hole? Remember they do not call them paper mouths for nothing. I use my skimmer, get it under the fish and then lift/flip them out.

[Gills4me]

I picked some up with the rod....I some pulling them out with the line......I dragged some out.........put I never put my hand in the water theres stinky fish in there ;