Walleye ice rods

[Phillip350]

I haven't fished for walleye thru the ice yet. I got into a discussion with my buddy and he thinks that a standard 26"-28" combo ice rod isn't the way to go. He suggested getting a standard fishing rod in the 4' range like he uses. Aside from that being too long to use in a shanty do you agree or should I just get the shorter medium action ice rod like I was going to get in first place. The presentation would be jigging swedish pimples, blade baits etc. Thanks.

[Drift Dodger]

There is more than one reason for an ice rod to be short, it's not just to fish within a shanty. I think a major consideration is that it provides the angler the ability to stand (or kneel) over the hole in order to help control and guide any (good-sized) fish into and up the hole as well as land it by him/herself ... much more difficult to do with a longer fishing rod.

[scmelik]

There is more than one reason for an ice rod to be short, it's not just to fish within a shanty. I think a major consideration is that it provides the angler the ability to stand (or kneel) over the hole in order to help control and guide any (good-sized) fish into and up the hole as well as land it by him/herself ... much more difficult to do with a longer fishing rod.

personally (and especially for walleyes) I like longer rods but my limit is 36" after that it just gets to cumbersome for me.  The longer rods give you a little more leverage on a fish and I feel I get better hooksets with a 30+" rod as opposed to a shorter 24-28" rod.

[hesseltine32]

I like a 26 or 28" rod. I love my fish 13 wicked rod.

[Capt J]

Love short rods but long rods have a place as well.  There great sitting outside.  I can say that they buy you time.  Its like you have more time to get the fish on the reel. If you fish one at all I think that will make more sense.

But if I had to buy one I'm buying short for sure.  28" seems to fit me good.

[UFCreel]

Hi guys. Have a chance this coming winter to head out to lake Erie to do some walleye fishing. Going with some good sticks that used to live there. The thing is I don't own a good walleye rod. Reels I have plenty of. What would you folks recommend for a good walleye rod. Needs plenty of back bone, But will be jigging big spoons with several minnows. I also like a longer rod. The fish we will be targeting range from small to 13 plus pounds. The guys I will be going with. Each have different rods and say I can borrow some for the trip. I kind of want my own. So any suggestions would be welcome.

[filetandrelease]

I like a 26 or 28" rod. I love my fish 13 wicked rod.

X2 on the 28" M ,I have 2 of those and a 31"MH they seem to do the job

[scmelik]

If you can find some 30-36" medium to medium heavy rods you will be equipped nicely for those larger fish.  I wouldn't not discount looking at some lighter medium lights and lights either for smaller lighter spoons.


 When I look at getting a new rod I look at what application I am going to be using it for.  Is it going to be a rod to run as a deadstick, a flutter type spoon, a heavier rattle type spoon, a darter/rippin rap/blade type bait.  I will choose a different style of rod for each of those applications because each of those baits require different characteristics in a rod.

If this is your first trip out there then I would talk with the guys with experience, find out what techniques they ten to use and catch fish on and then pick a rod accordingly.

[UFCreel]

I am liking the idea of a longer rod as when I crappie fish I use a rod that is any where from 48" to 52" long. Med med/ heavy sounds about right. Any brand name rods you guys would suggest? Remember I am only going there once this year for several days. So the most expensive rods are out of my budget. I am more of the middle of the road type of guys especially for a rod I will only use once in a blue moon. Again thanks UFC

[spikes]

I like a 26 or 28" rod. I love my fish 13 wicked rod.

x2

[Yankee Troller]

Hi guys. Have a chance this coming winter to head out to lake Erie to do some walleye fishing. Going with some good sticks that used to live there. The thing is I don't own a good walleye rod. Reels I have plenty of. What would you folks recommend for a good walleye rod. Needs plenty of back bone, But will be jigging big spoons with several minnows. I also like a longer rod. The fish we will be targeting range from small to 13 plus pounds. The guys I will be going with. Each have different rods and say I can borrow some for the trip. I kind of want my own. So any suggestions would be welcome.

28-32" MH is what you want. I fish the same fish, and also the ones up at Bay of Quinte. You'll be using larger jiggin raps and spoons to 3/4 of an ounce. You'll need all of a MH when using heavy lures. If your only going to 1/2oz lures you should be able to get away with a M action rod in the same length.

Thorne Bros makes a sweet rod for Walleyes. I have both their M and MH rods.

[stpaulslouch]

28-32" MH is what you want. I fish the same fish, and also the ones up at Bay of Quinte. You'll be using larger jiggin raps and spoons to 3/4 of an ounce. You'll need all of a MH when using heavy lures. If your only going to 1/2oz lures you should be able to get away with a M action rod in the same length.

Thorne Bros makes a sweet rod for Walleyes. I have both their M and MH rods.

X2.  Give Thorne Bros, DH Custom Rods and Tuned Up Custom Rods a call.  Each has a rod that will work, go with the builder you feel the most comfortable with.  You can't go wrong with any of them (I have some from each).

[mr. maloonigins]

I just bought a Wicked 25" M.  The consensus seems to be 26-28.  Think I'll be alright with the 25"?

[Uncle Al]

If you will only be going one time this winter borrow some from the guy's you're going with. You know everyone has extra, then you'll have the right stuff for what you're going after. No sense getting something ahead of time and finding out you don't like it and are stuck with it. If you don't like one that your buddy let you use give it back and ask for another.