Tickle Stick vs. Flat Line rod

[BuffaloIceMan]

I'll stick with my Celsius boiling point 30" UL can see every hit even from minnows

[flatironfisherman]

Be careful of 6061 @ half price. It's last years model and right hand. You reel with your right hand?

Yup, I sure do!!  I guess I'm one of the "backwards" folks that's right handed, and I reel with my right hand.  I have a good buddy of mine that ordered the left hand version and he got it for the sale price also, but it's backordered and he won't get it until December.  Furthermore, what's the difference between last year's and this year's model?? 

[evers21g]

Got my Flat Line rods today, and I have to admit, I was pleasantly surprised at the build of them.  The pictures on their site don't really make them look worth a crap, but they are a bit nicer than I anticipated.  Still not in the same class as the Tickle Stick by any means, but I think it will work pretty well.  Lots of backbone, but i fear if you get into a fish that requires the use of that much backbone, it may snap.  The tip is really floppy on the Flat Line, whereas the Tickle Stick is a little more solid, which seems it will transmit the feel of a bite as well as the visual cue of a bite instead of just the visual cue.  If i were worried about the price, I would feel fine with the Flat Line.  If i was worried more about quality and longevity, I'd go with the Tickle Stick.  These are obviously all preliminary reviews of course.  Once the hard water arrives, i'll be able to give a better review. 

[FISHFORPIKE]

Yup, I sure do!!  I guess I'm one of the "backwards" folks that's right handed, and I reel with my right hand.  I have a good buddy of mine that ordered the left hand version and he got it for the sale price also, but it's backordered and he won't get it until December.  Furthermore, what's the difference between last year's and this year's model??

This year's Model: Black Betty 2015



Last Year's 6061:

[kasilofchrisn]

Be careful of 6061 @ half price. It's last years model and right hand. You reel with your right hand?

I just bought 2 of them at half price from Gander mountain as well.
I could care less that it's last years model. Thats the model thats already been tested and approved by everyone.
watching their youtube video it looks like ~3  minutes to switch from right to left hand retrieve.
And really simple to do. So regardless of which hand I reel with the switch is easy.
Here is the video on how to switch it that I saw posted elsewhere on Iceshanty.

[masoneddie]

I had very similar thoughts on the FlatRod as well when mine arrived Evers. Still haven't handled the TS yet, but hopefully soon. Thanks for your early reviews! Look forward to more once the ice arrives.
I didn't expect a custom rod for $10, and comparing it to a TS or a good noodle rod was not really my objective.
 I simply purchased them as gifts so my sons could be in the new game with this type ice rod and not send out a $100 plus on something I hadn't handled. To be honest, I didn't even order one for myself....but I'm going to. 

[pete/ny]

  I just got my Tickle Stick 23"SUL from FishUsa this afternoon and out of some 35 different combos ( quite a few Custom Rods to) find this little rod is pretty AWESOME. I think a #3 Tungsten loads the tip just nicely. The quality and wormanship is very good. How it works on the ice?? I will let you know.But it will be the 1ST out of the rodbox.

[NEicebuster]

What would be the best length and power to get in the TS? I mainly fish bluegill, crappie, perch.

[Bottombouncer]

I received my ts last week, put it in a stick jacket for protection, pulled it back out a few days latter and the tip was broken off. Returned it to Cabela's today!

[GWK]

there is a  you tube video on how to store your tickle stick. https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=739948879391558&set=vb.115329578520161&type=3&video_source=pages_video_set

[Muskyrush]

I have a feeling these two rods have the same blank, there both pretty gimmicky seems like there just trying to copy the power noodle and try and make it different so everyone has to have one. For the cost of trying both you can just buy a power noodle or meatstick. I don't buy into the noodle rod I like my graphite rods and when I'm fishing lighter jigs I can watch my line coil or with heavier jigs I have a rod that can much better present my jig and feel everything as well.

[OIM]

The Flat Line was released last year by Sportsmen's and was the 1st to my knowledge to offer this type of blank. It is new blank tech to the ice market. The idea of both the Flat Line and the tickle stick is to have the blank tip act has your spring bobber. I was told by the guys at Sportsmens that they adjusted there tip to work with tungsten jigs for gills and sunnies from size 3mm to 6mm. So you can see both negative and positive bites. They also made sure it had large guides to help reduce ice up problems. This is where the ticklestick might have some issues in my eyes, for the guys that bucket fish all day. The spit and polish on the Tickle stick is a bit sharper looking but I do think its a tad over priced. I think it would be better priced at $34.99 on the high side.

[rdhammah]

direct from Sportsmen's:  "Yes, this model was offered last season and is being offered at close out prices.  But with all the attention it is getting this year, we will likely bring it back with a couple design tweaks."

[flatironfisherman]

The Flat Line was released last year by Sportsmen's and was the 1st to my knowledge to offer this type of blank. It is new blank tech to the ice market. The idea of both the Flat Line and the tickle stick is to have the blank tip act has your spring bobber. I was told by the guys at Sportsmens that they adjusted there tip to work with tungsten jigs for gills and sunnies from size 3mm to 6mm. So you can see both negative and positive bites. They also made sure it had large guides to help reduce ice up problems. This is where the ticklestick might have some issues in my eyes, for the guys that bucket fish all day. The spit and polish on the Tickle stick is a bit sharper looking but I do think its a tad over priced. I think it would be better priced at $34.99 on the high side.

Give it a year, I'm sure it will be.

[flatironfisherman]

The only thing I can see that's a big difference between the FL & the TS is the reel seats.  The TS had a much nicer and more solid reel seat where, from what I can see, the FL rod has the plain cork style that requires heat shrink, zip ties, etc.  What I use on this style reel seat is a non adhesive, self bonding electrical tape that I picked up at a farm show a few years back.  It just so happens that Gander sells it also.   

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Rescue-Tape&i=79994&r=view&cvsfa=2586&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=3739393934&kpid=79994&gclid=CKKwqN2o3cECFaZj7AodnRcAAA 

The more I think about the FL rod, the more I think I'll probably get one.  Heck, you can't go wrong at $10!!

[flatironfisherman]

Ordered the 32" FL rod last night!  I think I'll put the No 8 CGI reel on it that I put on my new Tickle Stick, and put the 6061 Black Betty that I just got today on the Tickle Stick.

[Big Red Shack]

I ordered two of the shorter FlatLine rods to try out, as well as two of their cheap inline reels. I figured they would probably be the same quality as the Frabill StarightLine 101 combos that cost twice the price, and if not I can just keep them in the back of my truck or something for spontaneous ice fishing oppurtunities.

[nnelzon23]

I got 2 of the shorter Flat Lines the other day. They are well worth the money and seem to be pretty decent quality. They are a very stiff, after the spring, for me, but will work great for panfish.

Again, overall they are more than worth the 8 bucks each to me.

[Mr.Seaguar]

Imagine how exuberant the reports will be when some have actually used these rods

[Joe in T.C.]

I have been using Cadillac Elite Rods for ultra light ice fishing for years. They are my favorite ultra-lite rod bar none.

If you plan on getting new ultra-lite rods you defiantly what to at least take a look at  these. 

This i s the web site http://www.pilgrimvillagefishing.com/cadillacelite.html

I copied the information below from their site, I didn't post the pictures but you can see them on the web site.


Cadillac Elite Ice Rods

Because he couldn't find an ice rod that meet his needs for panfish and the light bite of smelt,  Steve Knaisel designed the CADILLAC ELITE ICE ROD.

With a rod tip so limber, that there is no need to add a spring bobber, it is sensitive enough to detect the lite bite of a smelt.
                                                                                 
The rod guides are large enough not to freeze up, yet light enough not to slow the rods action.  The handle has the rod blank running all the way through it to keep it from getting soft and spongy after a lot of use.  The CADILLAC ELITE rod handle comes with a real reel seat, that will hold your favorite ice reel securely in place.  All have hook keepers.  All sizes balance with your favorite Hali Jig.
 
The CADILLAC ELITE ROD not only works for smelt fishing, it is also great for the ultra-lite panfish anglers.

The CADILLAC ELITE ROD comes in three lenghts, 24", 30" and 36".  They retail for:
 
24" - $14.99
30" - $15.99
36" - $16.99
 
  You can order a CADILLAC ELITE ROD by calling
231-775-5412 or email [email protected].
 
                               Cadillac Elite Rods
                           181 S. Lake Mitchell Dr.
                          Cadillac, Michigan  49601

[Agronomist_at_IA]

This year's Model: Black Betty 2015

(Image removed from quote.)

Last Year's 6061:

(Image removed from quote.)

the top silver is this years model.
the bottom black/gold is a two year old model.
last years model is black/silver and looks like black/gold one.
All previous year models are able to change the side in which you reel with.

[Big Red Shack]

I got two of the 24" flatline rods. They seem to be pretty nice quality, however the backbone is very stiff.. Like medium-action rod stiff.. However, with the soft tip that might help combat the stiffness, time will tell

[jww311]

Just ordered my super ultra light tickle stick.   It should arrive by Friday! 

[rdhammah]

ordered flat line rods last sat night and had them at my door Thurs. a little stiffer than expected, but hope they do their job without breaking the tip off.

[flatironfisherman]

I also got the 32" Flatline Rod.  It's nice, but I like the Tickle Stick better as far as quality.  But for $10, you can't go wrong with this pole!

[VTWoodchuck]

Just in case anyone is interested I saw this deal on Ebay that seems pretty good .  Eagle Claw 24" Cold Smoke Ultra Light Rod w/ 5 Bearing Inline Reel for only 19.99 plus shipping.  I think I've seen just the reel go for almost $50?  It looks like there are 6 left...  http://www.ebay.com/itm/121443696464?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Elrik]

Just in case anyone is interested I saw this deal on Ebay that seems pretty good .  Eagle Claw 24" Cold Smoke Ultra Light Rod w/ 5 Bearing Inline Reel for only 19.99 plus shipping.  I think I've seen just the reel go for almost $50?  It looks like there are 6 left...  http://www.ebay.com/itm/121443696464?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I picked one up from that sale a few weeks ago when someone posted it. Even shipping to canada and conversion it came in cheaper than it sells for here. Came packed well and in beand new condition. Highly recommend for anyone interested.

[OIM]

I have been using Cadillac Elite Rods for ultra light ice fishing for years. They are my favorite ultra-lite rod bar none.

If you plan on getting new ultra-lite rods you defiantly what to at least take a look at  these. 

This i s the web site http://www.pilgrimvillagefishing.com/cadillacelite.html

I copied the information below from their site, I didn't post the pictures but you can see them on the web site.


Cadillac Elite Ice Rods

Because he couldn't find an ice rod that meet his needs for panfish and the light bite of smelt,  Steve Knaisel designed the CADILLAC ELITE ICE ROD.

With a rod tip so limber, that there is no need to add a spring bobber, it is sensitive enough to detect the lite bite of a smelt.
                                                                                 
The rod guides are large enough not to freeze up, yet light enough not to slow the rods action.  The handle has the rod blank running all the way through it to keep it from getting soft and spongy after a lot of use.  The CADILLAC ELITE rod handle comes with a real reel seat, that will hold your favorite ice reel securely in place.  All have hook keepers.  All sizes balance with your favorite Hali Jig.
 
The CADILLAC ELITE ROD not only works for smelt fishing, it is also great for the ultra-lite panfish anglers.

The CADILLAC ELITE ROD comes in three lenghts, 24", 30" and 36".  They retail for:
 
24" - $14.99
30" - $15.99
36" - $16.99
 
  You can order a CADILLAC ELITE ROD by calling
231-775-5412 or email [email protected].
 
                               Cadillac Elite Rods
                           181 S. Lake Mitchell Dr.
                          Cadillac, Michigan  49601

Those Cadillac elite rods are nothing more than ice blue blanks in the same colors has schooley makes there identical rods. All three are basically the samething.

[rdhammah]

Just in case anyone is interested I saw this deal on Ebay that seems pretty good .  Eagle Claw 24" Cold Smoke Ultra Light Rod w/ 5 Bearing Inline Reel for only 19.99 plus shipping.  I think I've seen just the reel go for almost $50?  It looks like there are 6 left...  http://www.ebay.com/itm/121443696464?_trksid=p2060778.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

with the shipping, is about he same price as buying from Dick's ...and if you don't like it, you can return to store.

[Joe in T.C.]

Those Cadillac elite rods are nothing more than ice blue blanks in the same colors has schooley makes there identical rods. All three are basically the samething.

I just happen to have a HT Ice Blues Rod and several Cadillac Elite Rods, lets compare them.


Ice Blues 24" Rod


Cadillac Elite 24" rod


At first glance they don't look like the same thing. the Elite has a different diameter blank that runs through the handle. it also has more backbone and a faster tip, at least from my experience with them. They even appear to have different colors from butt to tip


The Elite has a real reel seat and a hook holder.


The Elite has a slightly larger diameter handle that is far more stable.


The Elite has larger eyelets to help eliminate freeze up.

I have used both and caught lots of fish with both. But I prefer the Elite rods over other ones I have tried.

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I think this is one of the best lite rods for the money.