Balanced rod/reel ?

[Iceassin]

Ok, this is the only thing I don't know about ice fishing 

I hear some guys talk about "how well balanced this rod/reel is to me"...what's it mean; how's it accomplished ? Not gonna go out and replace every rig I have just because I'm out of balance...oops 

Did a search but found nothing. Just kinda' curious.

[esox_magnum]

Balance is where the rod feels nutral, no tip weight not butt heavy.. I balance all my ice rds by positioning the reel to achieve this, open water rods I add weight as needed to the butt of the rod, makes a huge difference...

[ice dawg]

I like to attach the reel to the handle with cable ties that are loose enough to slide the reel. I balance the rod by laying it on top of my pointer finger right in front of the reel support. Then I move it one way or the other until it balances. This is where I permanently attach the reel. The balance changes a bit depending on the weight of the lure being used. This is how I like to balance my rods. I did find another opinion on line which I also agree with. Now that you know how I like to balance my rods I need you to tell me how to catch fish with them. 
 

Size and Weight
Because casting is unnecessary, ice fishing rods are typically short. Manufacturers construct ice fishing rods and reels to take certain weights of fishing line. Anglers usually catch small fish, such as bream or smelt, on shorter, ultralight weight rods and reels, usually between 20 inches and 30 inches long. Heavier fish, such as walleye, require medium line and lure, so a medium-weight rod and reel is also required. These rods average 24 inches to 36 inches in length. For those anglers targeting lake trout or pike, medium-heavy or heavy rods, 36 inches to 42 inches in length, work well.

Balance
To set up ice fishing gear properly, you must achieve a good balance between the rod, reel, line and lure. Make sure the rod is stiff enough to provide sufficient strength when handling a fish, yet sensitive enough to tell when a fish strikes lightly. Size the reel to accommodate the weight of the line and lure that you plan to use. An easy way to ensure that a rod and reel are well-balanced is to purchase a combo setup, with both rod and reel together in a single package.



Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/156963-ice-fishing-rods-reels/#ixzz1goP8H9iJ

[Townie]

Example: Thorne Bros. Perch Sweetheart  & Tica Cetus SB 500= perfect balanced rig

[Iceassin]

I like to attach the reel to the handle with cable ties that are loose enough to slide the reel. I balance the rod by laying it on top of my pointer finger right in front of the reel support. Then I move it one way or the other until it balances. This is where I permanently attach the reel. The balance changes a bit depending on the weight of the lure being used. This is how I like to balance my rods. I did find another opinion on line which I also agree with. Now that you know how I like to balance my rods I need you to tell me how to catch fish with them. 
 

Size and Weight
Because casting is unnecessary, ice fishing rods are typically short. Manufacturers construct ice fishing rods and reels to take certain weights of fishing line. Anglers usually catch small fish, such as bream or smelt, on shorter, ultralight weight rods and reels, usually between 20 inches and 30 inches long. Heavier fish, such as walleye, require medium line and lure, so a medium-weight rod and reel is also required. These rods average 24 inches to 36 inches in length. For those anglers targeting lake trout or pike, medium-heavy or heavy rods, 36 inches to 42 inches in length, work well.

Balance
To set up ice fishing gear properly, you must achieve a good balance between the rod, reel, line and lure. Make sure the rod is stiff enough to provide sufficient strength when handling a fish, yet sensitive enough to tell when a fish strikes lightly. Size the reel to accommodate the weight of the line and lure that you plan to use. An easy way to ensure that a rod and reel are well-balanced is to purchase a combo setup, with both rod and reel together in a single package.



Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/156963-ice-fishing-rods-reels/#ixzz1goP8H9iJ

Thanks guys...this is what I thought it was but wasn't totally sure. Very good description Dawg (give Tawny a pat on the head for me) 

[ice dawg]

Thanks guys...this is what I thought it was but wasn't totally sure. Very good description Dawg (give Tawny a pat on the head for me) 

She liked that. Reb made her  pretty for Christmas too. Now if he could get her to quit farting.

[slipperybob]

Sometimes people confuse me when they talk about balance their rod and reel.  But I know how I like mine so I just leave it at that.  It's all about how one holds their rods in hand while fishing.  I do subcribe to that statement the article makes.

Make sure the rod is stiff enough to provide sufficient strength when handling a fish, yet sensitive enough to tell when a fish strikes lightly. Size the reel to accommodate the weight of the line and lure that you plan to use.

[Iceassin]

She liked that. Reb made her  pretty for Christmas too. Now if he could get her to quit farting. (Image removed from quote.)

Been into his chili again, ain't she?

[ice dawg]

Been into his chili again, ain't she?

That or some of his peppered squirrel.

[Iceassin]

Can I b****h about hijacking my own thread? No? Ok then. Besides, my question has been answered...let 'er rip!...........

[ice dawg]

Can I b****h about hijacking my own thread? No? Ok then. Besides, my question has been answered...let 'er rip!...........

Nothing wrong with a little hijacking and I can think of a few threads that could use some.