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Durable Ice rods suggestions


Austin12345

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Does anyone have suggestions for durable ice rods/combos in the 40-80 dollar range I had a big problem with tips snapping off last year I would open my soft rod bag and sometimes find broken rods. I overall probably broke 4 or 5 Very disappointing when you are on a budget. I might try a hard case to see how it works or mini rod slicks. Also if someone could tell me what brands seem to hold up the best. 

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5 hours ago, Austin12345 said:

Does anyone have suggestions for durable ice rods/combos in the 40-80 dollar range I had a big problem with tips snapping off last year I would open my soft rod bag and sometimes find broken rods. I overall probably broke 4 or 5 Very disappointing when you are on a budget. I might try a hard case to see how it works or mini rod slicks. Also if someone could tell me what brands seem to hold up the best. 

Dang. I would either get a hard sided rod box or buy some ugly stick rods!  Ouch.

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Get a hard case or tube case.

 

Graphite rods are pretty easily broken.  Fiberglass is more durable but less sensitive.  Solid carbon blanks are nice if they’re in your price range.

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  • 4 weeks later...

My ugly sticks are durable and works for the most part.  However when it comes to those finesse situations where the fish are nibbling or just breathing in the lure, they tend to miss.  I think overall a lot of ice rods these days are pretty good.  It goes sometimes goes back to which manufacture you might like better or staying with one to really feel the difference between each rod power.  I used a variety of rods myself from Shakespeare ugly sticks, St. Croix rods, Fenwick rods, 13 Fishing rods, Clam rods, to custom Thorne Bros. rods.  I've done well with my Ugly Sticks, but I simply just prefer my Thorne Bros. rods for jigging purpose.

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  • 3 weeks later...

Ugly Stik Elite & St. Croix rod are my best picks for durable fishing rods. You can visit fishing rods for more detailed guide, you can check more rods suitable your fishing environment.

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  • 1 month later...

The rod bag maybe part of the issue. For reasonable priced rods, I’d say Mitchell, Clam and Uglt sticks have worked well for me. I only splurged on one St Croix, which snapped on me. 

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  • 2 weeks later...
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I used an arrow case for a while for my custom rods but I upgraded to a large hard side rod case now. 

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41 minutes ago, monstermoose78 said:

I used an arrow case for a while for my custom rods but I upgraded to a large hard side rod case now. 

The only way to go!!

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11 minutes ago, smurfy said:

The only way to go!!

Agreed but the arrow case was a hard plastic as well just could only hold 2 to 3 rods

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i have 2. ones a black otter i believe the other is green, not sure who made it. on holds my wifes rods the other mine. best investment i made, but i bought them years ago there about double the price now!!!!!!!! we each have 6 ice rods of different varieties. if that aint enough rods the fish can just ignore them!!!🤪

 

which reminds me, i need to put check ice fishing lines on my honey do list!!!!!!🙃

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I am running all over right to find line now

Edited by monstermoose78
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  • 3 weeks later...

I think the answer is to go to a hard case, I have a custom aluminum one that I have had for 10-15 years and have yet to break a rod, before that it took 1 broken Thorne Brothers rod to make that change.

 

I run around on sled and pull a tube with gear and can not imagine the damage if they were not in a hard case.

 

Good luck, I know they are costly but in the long run it will save you $$$$$

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Picked up the eagle claw one two weeks ago at the Blaine ice show can't say enough about it has room for 6-8 rods and all my tackle, bait pucks, Plastics and line. 

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Shopped around the end of last season for a new case. Have had the Eagle claw  case for a couple seasons, and still use it quite a bit. Nice box for the $50 price range. 

Like I said, shopped around....looked at the Otter 40  and 40deep series. Ended up getting the big Scheels 42 case. This thing is a beast...room for all but the longest rods, and lots of storage boxes to stuff goodies into.  My only complaint is the overall size...it's really too big when your trying to pack light....lol

IMG_20211206_080613444_HDR.jpg

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