The Best Ice Fishing Rods
Cold weather brings a slew of challenges, but there's always one great upside as well. We are talking about ice flying of course. Now as you plan to travel to some frozen lakes for your next fishing trips, you must be prepared with the proper equipment. Ice fishing rods will make catching fish easier than ever and way more exciting. Yet, with so many different ice fishing rods available, it can be tough to narrow down your options. Luckily, we’ve done that work for you already by making a list of the best ice fishing rods. Keep reading to see which ice fishing rod is best for you.
Sougayilang Spinning Ice Fishing Rod
Keep on catching
There’s nothing worse than ice fishing for hours with no results to show for it. We all want to be able to catch multiple fish and improve our fishing skills in the process. Luckily, this spinning ice fishing rod from Sougayilang can help you do just that. It has a light and durable spinning reel which creates a lot more line capacity. Additionally, the smooth ball bearing of the reel ensures that this ice fishing rod provides an ultra-smooth performance. If you want your fishing trips to be more fun, this is the best option for you.
Pros:
- The interchangeable handle provides flexibility and versatility
- Light and portable design makes it very easy to travel with to your favorite fishing spots
- Made with fiberglass to make it stronger and more durable
Cons:
- Not suitable for lure spinning
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Ice Fishing Rod
Reeling and dealing
Everyone wants to get the best bang for their buck. Affordability and quality don’t always go hand in hand, but you can’t pass it up when they do. Just like you can’t pass up on this Ugly Stik ice fishing rod from Shakespeare. Since it features a simplistic yet strong and stylish design, this ice fishing rod gives you the best bargain we could find on the market. Best of all, this rod is made with an aluminum spool for a more lightweight design, which makes traveling with it easier than ever.
Pros:
- EVA handles provides a non-slip and comfy grip
- Ported spool provides more flexibility and durability
- Clear tip design gives it a cool modern look
Cons:
- It is a little bit shorter than your typical rod
Radioactive Pickle Ice Fishing Rod
Flexible fishing
Those of you that are left-handed might have felt forgotten when it comes to high-quality ice fishing gear. As a large amount of ice fishing rods don’t feature interchangeable handles, it can be hard to find rods that accommodate lefties. Fortunately, you came to the right place. This ice-fishing rod from Radioactive Pickle is the ideal choice for lefties. This is mainly due to its convenient and versatile split grip handle, giving lefties a much firmer and stronger grip. With the flexible design along with the speed drop control, this ice fishing rod is a must-have.
Pros:
- The instant anti-reverse feature is useful when the fish is fighting on your line
- Smooth drag makes it easier to reel fish in
- The tip is sensitive which makes it simple to detect when a fish is biting
Cons:
- The reel needs to be adjusted to the weight of your lure and bait
Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Rod
Back to basics
The tough part about ice fishing is being able to recognize when a fish is nipping on your line. If you’re tired of reeling your line up to see another fish stole your bait, this is the rod for you. This ice-fishing rod from Fenwick is made with solid carbon which improves the sensitivity of the tip. Now you will always be aware of when a fish is on your hook. Not only will you catch more fish but you’ll also save more bait as the fish are less likely to get off the hook after taking the bait.
Pros:
- The comfortable reel seat makes it more convenient to reel in your line
- Premium cork handle provides a strong and sturdy grip
- The tip has a high level of sensitivity which allows you to catch fish more frequently
Cons:
- It could be a bit more durable
St. Croix Mojo Ice Fishing Rod
Catch them all
The great thing about ice fishing is how many different kinds of fish you can catch, though different fish require different techniques to catch. So instead of getting separate rods for separate fishing styles, why not get one rod that does it all? This ice-fishing rod from St. Croix does exactly that. With its custom reel seat, this rod is ideal for any kind of fishing technique. This includes catching panfish, trout, walleye, pike, and lake trout. Now with access to so many different fishing styles, this ice fishing rod will significantly enhance your overall fishing experience.
Pros:
- The comfortable cork handle ensures you always maintain a strong and secure grip
- Tapered solid carbon construction provides superior performance and durability
- Efficiently handles different sized weights and lures which provides further versatility
Cons:
- It is a bit too expensive
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a longer ice fishing rod better than a short one?
Not necessarily, there are pros and cons to using either kind of rod. Longer ice fishing rods will cast much farther than a shorter rod with the same power and action. Longer rods also give you more leverage on your hook set. However, shorter rods are more accurate at casting and don’t take up much space which makes them the better option for fishing in a tight area like a dock.
What is the best bait to use for ice fishing?
We would strongly recommend using live bait such as wax worms, maggots, or minnows for ice fishing. You should also slowly jiggle your bait around to attract fish nearby.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.