Not sure why there is such a dislike for taping the reels on ice rods on this particular site, I would much rather have the plain tennessee handle, no matter what the cost of the rod. Instead of a factory dictating where the reel goes, adding unneccessary weight to the rod, I can place the reel onto the handle in the postion that feels most comfortable while providing balance with the combined weight.
Is it a question of taking the time to attach the reels? Cant be, can it? Getting set up for the winter is almost like a right of passage from one season to the next. I try to find the most miserable day in the late November/early December and go up to the shop and tape up the reels. If you've got a buddy thats just as nuts about ice fishing as you are, invite he or she over. We pop in a couple of ice fishing vids, have sandwiches and some beverages and make a afternoon or evening out of it. Most of these have been sitting on the top of tackle trays since October lol, the walleye and pike rods didnt fit. To help pass the time we grab a bucket of water and try out some new jigs to see what kind of action they possess. Grab the newest plastic from Little Atom, Lindy or Maki and see how they affect the action of the jig.
As for who makes what, there are older Frabill Sensive rods, Shakespeares, St Croixs, Thorne Bros and some custom jobs as well. I even rigged a Marmish spring bobber to an older Genz Lightning Rod. Sweet Peas for sight fishing, Sensives for fishing with the LX-5, 30" Shakespeare for deadsticking pannies, Croixs for spoons and W2 jigging raps, and Power Noodles for finessing and minnow rods.
If $100 is way to much, grab a roll of 3M and have some fun. Might even have been this site
where someone wrote about putting masking tape down first to protect the cork. I've got a few more noodles on the way and cant wait to try that out. Some of the fun is just getting set up and coming up with new rigging ideas!
Merry Christmas, and a healthy and happy New Year.
Best Wishes...Charlie
