Togue rod opinion

[lunkahville]

I bought a frabil perch/walleye jig rod kit. The walleye rod is a 26" medium action. Is that to small for togue? Or will it be ok as long gone as I don't horse them too much? Not many days of fishing left so I don't want to dump too much more money this winter.

[Anomaly]

I bought a frabil perch/walleye jig rod kit. The walleye rod is a 26" medium action. Is that to small for togue? Or will it be ok as long gone as I don't horse them too much? Not many days of fishing left so I don't want to dump too much more money this winter.

Personally, though I don’t really target lake trout, I’d go with a longer rod, like 36” in medium or medium  light. Mediun light wold give you more ability to play the fish and be less inclined to break off or pulling the hook.

[JDK]

I bought a frabil perch/walleye jig rod kit. The walleye rod is a 26" medium action. Is that to small for togue?

No.

[TwoLightsKid]

Depends on the lake you are fishing.  Probably fine for a place that is mostly smaller fish, but you would be better off with a 28" or longer M to MH rod for Sebago.  Lots of good deals on ice gear this time of year, so you might be able to pick up a nice rod for a very good price right now.

You can certainly land big fish in a small rod, mostly just a question of matching your gear to the fish and not fighting a fish to exhaustion that you may want to release.

[woodchip]

Your reel is more important than rod length. just get a rod that is not to stiff or too soft. Rods too long are more difficult to carry with your ice fishing gear.

[JDK]

Your reel is more important than rod length. just get a rod that is not to stiff or too soft. Rods too long are more difficult to carry with your ice fishing gear.

Holy crap, I'm worried.  I find myself agreeing with woodchip more and more.

[MAINETROUTWHISPERER]

It will work. I use the JT Customs Rods "Blackout" its their lake trout rod and comes in 2 lengths (34" M and 38"MH). I use the 34" only because I jig from a shack sometimes and shorter is a little better for that.

Also I would recommend using Braid on your lake trout rod. Otherwise, if your fishing deep, mono will stretch way to much on the hookset. I have found that Nanofil actually works better than braid for ice rods. Doesn't hold water like braid, but still strong.

[woodchip]

I find when using braid you need more weight to reach bottom in deeper water, if quality mono like Sea gar  Gatsu  it is a lot more money but you get what you pay for. Braided line is good for backing because of its bulk.on a trap braided will freeze to the ice fast because of its porous  quality. it is tough to in tangle when frozen.

[JDK]

woodchip

your inbox is full.

[lunkahville]

Holy crap, I'm worried.  I find myself agreeing with woodchip more and more.

It's ok Jay. Sit down have a glass of water and let it sink in.

Thanks everyone for your opinion. It is helpful that you explained yourself also. I'll be looking for a longer rod in the off season in MH. And maybe couple a decent Baitcaster to it. Or might take a yard sale find rod and make on?

It will work. I use the JT Customs Rods "Blackout" its their lake trout rod and comes in 2 lengths (34" M and 38"MH). I use the 34" only because I jig from a shack sometimes and shorter is a little better for that.

Also I would recommend using Braid on your lake trout rod. Otherwise, if your fishing deep, mono will stretch way to much on the hookset. I have found that Nanofil actually works better than braid for ice rods. Doesn't hold water like braid, but still strong.

You have a YouTube channel with the same name?

[weskeagclouser]

I've heard good things about the Jason Mitchell Mackinaw series. They have a baitcaster model.

[StolenB8]

for a bargain price ~$30... clam/genz split handle in medium (30") and/or med heavy (36") are decent rods, durable finish and guides. if you have the bills, go custom as mentioned earlier.

x2 on reels. quality a must have here.

[TwoLightsKid]

I've heard good things about the Jason Mitchell Mackinaw series. They have a baitcaster model.

Probably overkill for most Maine waters, but great when you hook into a mid 20" or up fish.  Also great for fishing deep water.

[woodchip]

JDK  Full of what?

[cap]

I don't think the length of your ice rod is a problem as much as the action and power (and I would say you have enough for togue with m power walleye rod)  and where the guides are placed are.  If the line does not follow the rod because there are too few guides you are missing out on the rod's power...and you can have plenty of power in a shorter rod....and if you are jigging in a shack the shorter rod is way more handy.

So actually with a well designed shorter rod you can put more of a hurt on a fish because the lever is shorter...this is shown in big game ocean rods for Tuna and Marlin and yellowfin...a shorter rod allows you more leverage....a longer rod give the fish the advantage (at least as far as the physics)....

I will say however that my son bought one of those Mackinaw rods and it is really a great togue rod.....his is 28" but sensitive enough to feel the bite...

For panfish and brookies.... I use cheap stuff as far as rod and reel....but I use expensive line......

For togue I use standard line in higher pound test but better rods and reels....

FWIW, I use the shorter rods like yours because...1) I like them and am use to them...2) I think I can put the hurt on the fish...I always just haul them in...I don't hardly ever "play" them and 3) I like to be n top of the hole and the shorter rods allow that and they work better inside a shack, and 4) i often see that the longer rods usually scrimp on the number of guides and the line doesn't follow the curve of the rod....of course there are longer rods with more guides and you will pay for them...but in general they don't have it...

...but to each his own...I'm sure there are way better anglers than I that use all kinds of different stuff than me....

I think what you have is fine...just fish it and see where it works and where it doesn't and adjust accordingly.....

 

[JDK]

JDK  Full of what?

Your inbox is at capacity for messages.  I tried to respond to your PM this morning but can't. 

[lunkahville]

I don't think the length of your ice rod is a problem as much as the action and where the guides are placed are.  If the line does not follow the rod because there are too few guides you are missing out on the rods power...and you can plenty of power in a shorter rod....and if you are jigging in a shack the shorter rod is way more handy.

So actually with a well designed shorter rod you can put more of a hurt on a fish because the lever is shorter...this is shown in big game ocean rods for Tuna and Marlin and yellowfin...a shorter rod allows you more leverage....

I will say however that my son bought one of those Mackinaw rods and it is really a great togue rod.....his is 28"

For panfish and brookies.... I use cheap stuff as far as rod and reel....but I use expensive line......

For togue I use standard line in higher pound test but better rods and reels....

FWIW, I use the shorter rods like yours because...1) I like them and am use to them...2) I think I can put the hurt on the fish...I always just haul them in...I don't hardly ever "play" them and 3) I like to be n top of the hole and the shorter rods allow that and they work better inside a shack, and 4) i often see that the longer rods usually scrimp on the number of guides and the line doesn't follow the curve of the rod....of course there are longer rods with more guides and you will pay for them...but in general they don't have it...

...but to each his own...I'm sure there are way better anglers than I that use all kinds of different stuff than me....

I think what you have is fine...just fish it and see where it works and where it doesn't and adjust accordingly.....

Thanks. Don't wanna drop big bucks on a rod I think I need when I can "learn" to get by with what I have. The frabil medium is a stout little rod. So I may try it later in the week. See what time I have

[cap]

yeah I kinda edited my post to clarify and you quoted the original.....check it out....either way your medium power 26" Frabill ice rod is fine for vogue in Maine....sorry for any confusion...I posted and then read it and spell check changed a lot of my words ...so I added some other stuff too when I changed the spelling....I was fishing yesterday in the sun....it was awesome.....but still cold...I want sun...thick ice and 40+ degrees...these are the best times for ice fishing IMHO...

[cap]

vogue? **censored**...that should be togue....and not rogue...or whatever....see...I hate that spell check thing...

[joefishmore]

Why don't you just try it ?  What have you got to loose. you might not get bites anyway.

[lunkahville]

Oh I'm still gonna send it. Just wanted some input as to it being a good idea or not

[StolenB8]

I'm still gonna send it.

80ft lip to lip... Tell ya that for free!!!

[lunkahville]

80ft lip to lip... Tell ya that for free!!!

Haha the sperm that survived.

[nbg]

I remember when a jigging stick was just that. A wooden stick lol

[JDK]

Oh I'm still gonna send it. Just wanted some input as to it being a good idea or not

If'n it were me, I'd spend the future $$ on a good reel, line, and jigs.  Then I'd go learn how to jig.  But that is just me.

[muskyfan51]

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shops-Graphite-Series-3-Casting-Rod/product/2284200/#desc-tab

this  is the rod that I bought this year for jigging and paired with a abu Garcia ambassador reel works great so far. I also bought a rod case from cabelas to keep it from breaking during travel. 

[woodchip]

 
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