IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
Ice Fishing Tips -Check your local regulations! => Jigging => Topic started by: pete/ny on Aug 12, 2014, 01:31 PM
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Was on the Tackletour Website and saw 13 Fishings new ice rod called the Tickle Stick.I won't tell what is so unique about this rod but will have a couple in my Bag when they come available.
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I was pretty intrigued by this rod as well but haven't found much information on it. The thing that I am really interested in is the quick tip and the eyelets. I really liked the Jason Mitchell Meat Stick but what prevented me from using it in a competitive atmosphere was that the eyelets were to small and it didn't allow me to fish it out in the elements like my other rods did because they would freeze up to quick. I could only use it in a heated shack which I rarely fish in anyways.
the Tickle Stick appears to have bigger eyelets so I'm excited to have a nice quick tip pole with larger eyelets.
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Sounds interesting. I think I'd give one a try.
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Might want to pick one of those up before the season begins
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Those guys at 13 Fishing sure do know how to get attention. I started drooling when I saw those reviews. I'll definitely have one on the way as soon as it's advertised. If it's like the teardrop they'll have pre-production ordering available soon. :P
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My question is... how much do those babies cost?
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My question is... how much do those babies cost?
$ 49.99
http://www.wired2fish.com/icast-2014-13-fishing/
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$ 49.99
http://www.wired2fish.com/icast-2014-13-fishing/
Kinda figured it would be in that range... still worth it though
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a little on the pricy side
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I like the look of this rod as well. HD thanks for the heads up on the price.
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When is this rod availavble??,After going thru 2 jm meatsticks(with the bright orange and yellow tip,) I am ready to try one of these,, it looks like it has the action I like in an ice fishing rod... and I even though I really liked the jm , They just didn't hold up ....kinda not happy bout that ,,,didn't have them that long... now repeat after me,,,POLAR VORTEX POLAR VORTEX POLAR VORTEX !!!!!!!!!!!
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(http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x444/SeveraSlyth/Reaction%20GIFs/Shutupandtakemymoney.gif) (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/SeveraSlyth/media/Reaction%20GIFs/Shutupandtakemymoney.gif.html)
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(http://i1182.photobucket.com/albums/x444/SeveraSlyth/Reaction%20GIFs/Shutupandtakemymoney.gif) (http://s1182.photobucket.com/user/SeveraSlyth/media/Reaction%20GIFs/Shutupandtakemymoney.gif.html)
XD I love this meme!!! I think you're probably the first one to post this on here.
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Going to have to keep the eyes open for one of those.
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Just went on 13 fishing web page and the tickle stick is available for pre order. Got mine pre ordered.
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Just went on 13 fishing web page and the tickle stick is available for pre order. Got mine pre ordered.
Thanks -- :P
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When is this rod availavble??,After going thru 2 jm meatsticks(with the bright orange and yellow tip,) I am ready to try one of these,, it looks like it has the action I like in an ice fishing rod... and I even though I really liked the jm , They just didn't hold up ....kinda not happy bout that ,,,didn't have them that long... now repeat after me,,,POLAR VORTEX POLAR VORTEX POLAR VORTEX !!!!!!!!!!!
The JM meat stick was definitely made in China.
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Defiantly a nice looking stick. I played around with those guides on a few rods I built last winter and really like em!!!
The flat sanded concept is nice especially from a builders standpoint(easier to attach guides)... but alot of guys dont necessarily hold the rod with the guides straight up and down to jig...
Pete - funny but your jig painting buddy from CNY and I were talking about sanding rods like this last winter. I believe he did a few also...
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... but alot of guys dont necessarily hold the rod with the guides straight up and down to jig...
Oh man. I was thinking I was going to try one of these but your comment made me think...
You're right, I jig with my reel off to the side. Not sure how that would work out.
Good though.
Q
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Got mine on pre-order last night - it'll make a nice Crappie rod - just got to decide on which in-line reel to put on it. ;D
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Ordered two!
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That's the same thing I have been thinking: what reel I want to put on it and telling the wife I just spent $60.00 on another ice rod in august.
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I'm thinking it needs a new 6061
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Is cabelas going to carry them
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I'm thinking it needs a new 6061
Yeah - but I been looking at the new Frabil 371 reel. I got the 13 stuff and want to try something different this year. @)
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Is cabelas going to carry them
I believe they do have them on there website now, but are listed as "backordered". They most likely havn' recieved thier shipment of the ticklesticks yet. But you can take a look at 'em there for now anyway.
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Ordered 3 of these. :P Thanks for the tip. ;) The next important question.... does anyone make a lightweight crossbar or something that can be added to these rods to keep them from being pulled down a 10" hole and making a $49.00 Rod+ reel donation to the snails at the bottom of the lake ? Any info. or links would be helpful. Thanks. Happy trails ! :)
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I really want one but can't swallow the 12$ shipping I think I'll wait until they are in stores or on line w/freeshipping.
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get yer buddy to buy one and split shipping! I bought one for a wedding gift for a friend of mine. I figured the wife always gets all the rest of the gifts.
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Free shipping online at Cabela's right now for anything $49.00 or more :). The rod is $49.00 at Cabela's, so it qualifies ;). Type in the words: 94 Free in the Promo box and the shipping is credited back off of your total. Happy trails ! ;D
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This so called tickle stick is a complete game changer! I cannot wait to use one....Combined with the Lowrance Elite 4x Ice Machine, them lil fishies dont stand a chance!
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Anyone had their hands on one yet? Two weeks ago they told me they were shipping in two weeks
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Warning to those of you who may have used Paypal to pre order the tickle stick! Paypal cancels the order after 30 days if money is not taken out of your account by seller. I checked my account today and saw it was cancelled. Had to reorder it. I did not use Paypal this time. Good news is I talked to 13 fishing rep and the shipment came in today and is supposed to ship within the next week or 2.
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Thanks for the heads up dab - I reordered this AM. @) I had forgotten about the PayPal time thingy.
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Then I get this - this afternoon.
"Pre-ordered items from your Order #10028652 have been released.
Note that your credit card will not be charged until the order is actually ready to ship.
The following items are now available to be shipped:
Qty Part # Name Total
1 TS23UL Tickle Stick 23" Ultra Light Ice RodUSD$ 49.99 "
They be in the stores soon.
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Ya, kind of what I ran into. I saw that the charge was cancelled on my account, called shopatron they say it shows still on order everything good. Call Paypal says it is cancelled. The first call to paypal they said they contacted shopatron took care of situation. That was at 7am when I got home from work. Looked at Paypal account still shows cancelled when I got up later. Find out it was not taken care of and had to reorder.
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Ha ha! First one on ice shanty with a tickle stick!
(http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj85/jthod/IMAG0794_zpsf01ac917.jpg)
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nice ,hows the action and sensitivity of the tip with a small 3mm fiska jig?
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Tickle your pup!!! He's cute!! What is he??
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Howdy jthod.... Bet I'm not the only one wantin a factual report on the Tickle Stick!!! Please give us your honest opinion! Thanks....O.P.
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Howdy jthod.... Bet I'm not the only one wantin a factual report on the Tickle Stick!!! Please give us your honest opinion! Thanks....O.P.
Right there with ya Ole! Very interested in this one also.
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Ha ha! First one on ice shanty with a tickle stick!
Mine's on the way - what are you planning on for a reel? I'm thinking one of the new Frabil 371s as a try out.
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Tickle your pup!!! He's cute!! What is he??
She is a miniature Australian shepherd.
First impressions, for an ultralight, it's fairly heavy, other than the tip. Seems well built, the guide sizes seem a bit odd.
I've been swamped today, probably stick a reel on it tomorrow and play with it. One is gift for a friend, so I'm going to give him pick for the two.
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I wouldn't plan on using with a round reel and palming, and the sensitivity of the tip will do it a best when the flat on the tip is horizontal to the ice.
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I have a pair ordered and hopefully will be seeing them here soon. Pairing one with #8 inline. Not sure on other. See what I can find at St Paul ice show.
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Got mine today but I was also pretty busy but did mount my trion reel to it. It is a bit stiff except towards the tip. Kinda thought it would have a little l less backbone more towards the reel seat. Guess I won't know for sure how I like it till I get a chance to try it fishing. Maybe should have spent my money on a custom rod.
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Dab65....which model rod did you purchase....27" L, UL, or the 23" UL?
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27" UL.
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Thanks....that's my choice as well.
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anyone who received a tickle stick have a chance to string it up and see how it loads with a 3mm fiska jig?
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I have, it puts just a slight load on the tip of a 27" UL with a 3mm tungsten jig. that's just in my shop, I havnt had it in the water yet though.
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I saw they also make a 23" super ultra light....you think the ultra light will be light enough to catch gills and crappie?
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just got my 23in super ultra lite today. if I had to guess with a 4mm tungsten jig it loaded the tip down about3/4 of a inch. with a 3mm tungsten jig it loaded it down about1/4 to 3/8 inch down. still waiting for the 27 ultra lite to come.
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@GWK how does the super ultra light compare to other normal ultra light ice rods? From what others have said the regular ultra light version of this may be a bit stiff for what i am looking for
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I am still waiting for the ultra lite one, was still backordered. I will say from this 23in super ultra lite if you use 3 and 4mm fiska jigs this is the rod you would want. I myself always want the tip preloaded to see if the fish lifts the bait. In terms of comparing it to other ice rods it loads just like a jason michell meat stick but the tip is a ton softer. I would say the first 4- 5inch is very soft then loads hard after that. kinda reminds me of a schooley spring bobber made into the rod. cause it is tip is flat just like one.
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thanks for the response! I think I am going to go with the super ultra light then...i really don't use tungsten because the lake i fish is very shallow only usually 6-7ft max where i fish and i do better with lead ratsos and gill pills than any tungsten i have tried.
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the cabelas in hoffman estates should have the 23 sul in stock since those are the only ones that came off back order. cabelas emailed me that they expect the 27ul in toward the end of oct. I would call first to see if they have stock
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Thanks for the info! I'm just going to grab one online...Tax free!
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jww311, I don't think the UL is to stiff for small jigs. It just has alot of backbone from the real seat fairly up the rod. The last 4-6 inches is very sensitive. I haven't had a chance to do much with it yet. I just thought it would have a little less backbone. Think it may grow on me but have to have a chance to try it first.
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Sounds good I do not plan on purchasing one for a few weeks anyways so Ill have time to read more about what others are saying before i decide to purchase
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I ordered one each of the L and UL 27'' from Cabelas and one was delivered broken, after looking at the other rod it looked like it would not last very long out on the ice so i took them back.
The tip is very soft and the rest of the rod seem to stiff for fishing for crappie and gills, I like a rod that well load up nicely
Hope to here how they hold up, maybe I will reconsider
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What would be the best length and power to get in the TS? I mainly fish bluegill, crappie and perch. I would like to be able to use jigs and spoons with one rod. ???
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I would say a 27" L. I have the UL and I think spoons will be too heavy for it.
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Do you think that will be to stiff for small jigs? Th spoons would be panfish spoons like the smaller Swedish pimples.
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I'll try and get a picture later. A 3mm tungsten jig puts a slight load on it, with the jig out of water.
I'm guessing even a #3 pimple will make it curl.
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OK Thanks for the info.
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Got my hands on one last night at a Gander Mtn. I think it's worth every cent of $50. I wanted to try a Thorne Bros or TUCR rod but they cost too damn much! :'(
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I agree with it being worth every cent of $50 bucks as well. The quality of the rod is amazing. And rods do break in shipping. You should see how the UPS/Fedex people handle packages. Your mouth would drop they just toss the packages around like footballs. That is why things break in shipping. Ice rods and tiny and fragile. If one is handled wrong of coarse it is going to break, you cannot judge getting something broken in the mail on the quality of it's build. As for ones people are seeing in the store broke, that is because other people are going and bending them to much in the stores and breaking them because its a new product and people are testing it out. The real test won't come until people are actually catching fish with them.
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I just received a rod from Cabela's and it was broken. It was packaged terribly, sent it back hopinng they take care of it. Mine was a McGill Wright and was surprised how easily it broke due to the poor packaging. :tipup:
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See not just the tickle sticks. I received a rod from fishusa last year that was broke because of bad packaging. They sent me a new one and had me send back the broken one, they even included a return packaging label. FISHUSA is a quality company with excellent customer service. But honestly there really is not good way to package ice rods besides maybe vacuumed sealing them in a hard plastic package to prevent the rods from being able to bend and then packaging that with plastic air bags in a box and foam peanuts, but those things are just horrible for the environment so i frown upon companies that use them.
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I was packing a brand new Tickle Stick 23SUL, ready to fish, into my pack and somehow the line got caught up into another setup. The last 2-3 inches got bent so severely that the tip was touching the rod in the first 2-3 inches! Hard to explain, but the rod tip formed a loop about 1" in diameter. I shrieked as I knew I had broken it for sure since it is so sensitive. I got it out of the bag and the tip end just sprang right back to normal! I could not believe that it was not damaged! In the tradition of "you can't fixed stupid", I actually did the same thing a second time when repacking it!!!!!!! Still no issue. And no, I did not take a picture of it as I could see a $50 bill going away without my even using the rod. It did bend in the intended direction which might have been the only saving grace, but I have NEVER seen such a tight rod bend without breaking - in fact I have never seen such a tip bend that much in my life. It was like wrapping the rod tip around your finger like a ring. If this is how durable the rod tip is, I am sold. Still have not used it for fishing so can't comment further on durability or sensitivity. The factory packaging for the rod is less than ideal for sure - should be suspended inside a tube like the St. Croix Legends were(are?). Just sayin'.
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I just picked up a Tickle Stick UL for perch and paired it with a Abu Garcia reel - pretty sweet set up! This is gonna be a great rod if it lasts. I gave the display model a good "in-store bending" and it does seem very well made. The only that I don't like, not that it's bad, but the handle set up - I wish instead of the hard plastic they would have made it exactly like the Wicked13 rod and reel combo. I have that one too, and it's just perfect IMO. My St. Croix rods may not get used much this winter.... ::)
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For that doubt the strength of the Tickle Stick:
http://www.in-depthoutdoors.com/community/forums/topic/early-ice-man-how-nice/
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I myself picked up the 27'' UL ticklestick this year, I stated once in a different post that its no custom by any means but im still impressed with it, not real fond of the small eyelets though, its not going to be an outside shrieking cold kind of rod IMO. But nonetheless i purchased it for the girlfriend to use when she goes on outings with me. Will be a great first rod for her, and Im excited to test it out haha. Its definitely going in the rod case and on the ice with me every time. I do think it will be very durable, EXCEPT.... If you notice how the rod is shaved.... if there is too much inadvertent side load on the last 4-5 inches I feel thats whats going to cause breaks. But normal loading as an awesome action. Cant wait to see how it performs for the woman!!
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Got myself the same. I had too much other gear to buy this year to afford buying a nicer custom rod. Maybe next year.
The eyelets are somewhat concerning, but we will see how they work out. I have a Thorn Bros rod on usually use for hole hopping, so it may end up being used as a hut rod if I have problems.
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Well, I used the Tickle Stick yesterday - very sensitive, good back bone for a UL. Problems: guides did ice up outside, looks to be a heated shelter rod only, no biggie as that's where I am most of the time. Also, the back 1/3er'd of the reel seat (the part you twist to tighten the reel) is hollow, I can feel the cork want to push/crush in. So I compared my Wicked13 rod (same reel seat design), it was solid. Maybe it's just my rod, check yours. Bummer as this is a good rod but I don't think the twist part of the reel seat will last too long...
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Well, I used the Tickle Stick yesterday - very sensitive, good back bone for a UL. Problems: guides did ice up outside, looks to be a heated shelter rod only, no biggie as that's where I am most of the time. Also, the back 1/3er'd of the reel seat (the part you twist to tighten the reel) it hollow, I can feel the cork want to push/crush in. So I compared my Wicked13 rod (same reel seat design), it was solid. Maybe it's just my rod, check yours. Bummer as this is a good rod but I don't think the twist part of the reel seat will last too long...
I just checked mine and it sure is hollow in the last third. Like you, I don't think this will hold up. I wish I had noticed this before I bought it. Very disappointing, especially compared to the Wicked 13 which I really like.
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I got one too, haven't used it.
I vote recall ;D
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Just got the 27" L today. They didn't have theUL just the SuL. And that seemed way to flimsy. Hope toy it out tomorrow
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So its been more than a month now. What are the opinions from people who've fished with them. I saw one today at Fleet Farm. This seemed more like a dead stick for walleye instead of a panfish rod to me.
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It's a perfect rod for fishing in general, i caught a ton of panfish on it and a few trout here and there! Gets the fish right away!
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Haven't used mine much, too paranoid about breaking it.
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Haven't used mine much, too paranoid about breaking it.
I have two of them and I am in the same boat...I use rod sleeves to cover them but still not real confident............. ......
Not so sure if I am 100 percent sold on them or not.......I think it is a good dead stick rod but the soft tip takes away sensitivity when jigging...
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Managed a beast on this rod the other day paired with a shimano sienna 500 and 3lb fluro. I have came to really enjoy this rod as my #2, you have to set the drag correctly or it will snap the rod in half. As for panfish, I think the lighter tip help sets the hook slower. In other words it doesnt rip your jig out their mouth.
Most of my rods would break in transport. See the method below i use to store my UL rods, paired with any storage case.
(http://i1382.photobucket.com/albums/ah263/gregbadkins/IMG_3289_zps58cd8507.jpg) (http://s1382.photobucket.com/user/gregbadkins/media/IMG_3289_zps58cd8507.jpg.html)
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Used mine several times now. Caught panfish with it and some 18" trout, it works well. Only con I see is the eyes are so small if you are not in a heated shanty and ice gets on your line it will not go through the eyes. This could be a big problem. Not sure why they made the eyes so small. Had this happen one day we did not have the shanty and the temp dropped, had to hand line some fish. :%$#!:
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I can't imagine why anyone designing an ice rod would put those eyelets on a rod!
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I checked them out at the store and 2 on the rack were broke :-\
I'll stick with my meat sticks!
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I can't imagine why anyone designing an ice rod would put those eyelets on a rod!
That's exactly what I said! Makes ya wonder if the guys that designed it have ever ice fished??
Other than that, they're pretty awesome rods. A little overpriced but they're my go-to when fishing in the shelter. I have the L and UL 23". I use the L for small spoons and heavier jigs and the UL for small jigs. I haven't experienced any of the durability issues that some people are concerned with. Guys....its a panfish rod with a sensitive tip....you can have sensitivity or durability, you can't have both!
They need to make a tickle stick 2.0 with bigger guides and a $40 price tag instead of $50. That'd be tough to beat
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this rod is garbage had 2 break on me at the tip...of course fish usa replaced the first one and refunded the 2nd one no questions asked. which is why i will continue to buy from them, its not their fault 32 degrees made a garbage product, but to everyone else dont waste your money. #winteriscoming
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Got two of 'em last season and used both quiter a bit on pans, great Crappie rod. I like them a lot but I fish in a shanty nearly all the time. I like it warm ;)
I can see where some folks would not like the eyes and they are fragile, especially at tip - definittly not a rod for everyone.
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Well I picked up two of them is ultra light and super light I used one yesterday in the boat seem to work good can't wait till ice
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13 has changed tip design this year , I pick a 27" light up at the Dakota Angler show the rep explain the deal with the tip saying they took away one guide and changed the spacing plus guides are larger .
Paired it with a 6061 Betty
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Love these rods. I'll have a video posted at the end of this post.
Used a 23UL as my main last year with a quantum reel and 3 lbs mono and slammed everything up to several 17 inch channel cats. ( not saying that the rod couldnt handle anything bigger) Caught on of my biggest crappies under ice with it also last year.
I was semi-rough on this rod. should have never carried it the way I did ( in a bucket, threw it in the back seat of my truck with junk piled on top) but I never broke it. Will definitely be buying a better carrying system for this upcoming season.
Yeah,the eyes would freeze up when fishing outside in -20 wind chills but that never bothered me to stick the tip of the rod in my mouth for a whopping .05 of a second to thaw it out.
The cold wont hurt it. Could there be a possibility that the new 27"UL and the new 38"L that I just bought could have manufacturing defects...sure.
Only time will tell on those rods.
Now I have an arsenal of tickles ;D.
Paired the one up also with a 6061 betty. Looks awesome.
TIPS for TICKLE STICK:
#1 Get a good REEL!
#2 Make sure to set your drag correctly.
I have ripped this little rod with 3lb test and never broke off once all season. Drag is key.
#3 Light, small diameter, tough line.
Dont put 7 lb test on a 23UL. Youll have freeze ups more often and if you dont have your drag set, yes, you could snap your rod.
#4 Store and Carry correctly.
Anything is better than carrying them in a bucket like I did last season and that was a stupid thing I did, yet, I got away with it.
I hate seeing bad reviews of something when 1 if not all of these things were not applied to the rod.
Watch this video then click the video at the end for more footage of me using my tickle stick last season.
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I have been really temped to try one of these. They just seem a little over priced to me. I saved $15 and went with the snitch, the meatstick is also a great rod for $15 less. Or you can spend about $15-20 more can start getting into custom rods.
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exactly. I just didn't think it was worth the $50 I spent on it.
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I have the 13 fishing tickle stick rod and love it except that its only for more shack fishing than hole hopping because the guides freeze up! :tipup: :) :tipup: :)
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Just got my tickle stick, sooo sensitive, suxs that it ices up when outside but other than that its amazing. caught over 40 perch my first time using it. Had some guys I met fishing right outside my hut and they caught 10 between the 3 of them, even gave em the bait i was using.
Was really surprised at how light the bite was from the big fish, caught about a dozen 10-13".
Its expensive but after using it im going to pick up another one.
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I got mine last year and just used on a local pond to try. Caught a 3 inch crappie on it, man its a great rod for the light bites.