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Posted

Have any of you ice fishermen had problems with a noodle rod while fishing LOW? i have had some trouble catching the fish becuase setting the hook on them is the hard part but once you get one on its a blast. Tell me your opion about them

Posted

Wazup.<P>The hookset problem has sidelined all of my<BR>real "soft" ice rods.<P>I like my ice rods short (24 inches tops)<BR>and stiff. I snap about one a year setting<BR>the hook with Fireline.<P>My brother makes fishing rods including<BR>ice rods from St Croix blanks, they are <BR>real nice to fish with. He likes them a<BR>little longer than I do.<P>Good question, what does everyone use for<BR>ice fishing rods?<P>Berkley makes and awesome ice rod and you <BR>can usually by the combo with a DECENT<BR>reel for about 25 bucks. I guess there<BR>are some other good rod-reel combos out <BR>there too, but I have a couple of the <BR>Lightning Rods and I really like em.<P>------------------<BR>Curt Quesnell<BR>NorthCountry Outdoors Radio<p>[This message has been edited by curt quesnell (edited 10-12-2004).]

Posted

Yep, I stay away from noodle rods when ice fishing on LOW. I try not to go lighter than a medium/light. I want to make sure I can properly play a big fish and a noodle rod doesn't keep the right amount of tension on the line.<P><P>------------------<BR>Good Fishin,<BR>Matt Johnson<BR>Pro Staff Coordinator<BR><B><A HREF="http://fishingminnesota.com/sponsorlinks.html" TARGET=_blank>FishingMN Sponsors</A><BR></B><P><BR><B><A HREF="http://www.[YouNeedAuthorization].com" TARGET=_blank>Matt Johnson Outdoors</A></B><BR><B>mattjohnson@[YouNeedAuthorization].com</B><BR><B>Guided Ice Fishing and More...</B>

Posted

I have had good luck with Thorne's dead stick which is pretty much like a noddle rod. You have to set it hard but the tip is very limber and then it just gets fat by the handle so it is very ridged there and that is where you fight from. I use this for my set line. Then I use medium thorne's sweetheart walleye rods for my jigging they are perfect.<P>------------------<BR>Grip it and Rip it<P>IFFWalleyes<BR>I Fish For Walleyes<BR>iffwalleyes at yahoo.com

Posted

I like to use the noodle rods when ice fishing. I have a tendency to hit a fish too hard and that type of ice rod helps me with this problem. Last year, I caught a 10lb eel pout on one of those rods. It was a blast, and a friend caught an 8lb walleye also on a noodle rod. I have never had any problems with this type of rod what so ever.

Posted

When I think of a noodle rod I'm thinking about one that I can almost tie on a knot (well maybe not that much smile.gif). Deadsticking rods and noodle rods are two different rods in my book. Deadsticking rods have a pretty solid backbone but a fast tip. Noodle rods can load/bend quite a bit before any sort of backbone is applied, or might not have any real backbone at all. HT Enterprises makes a couple different noodle rods. I'll use noodle rods in deadsticking situations from time to time for panfish. The tip of these rods are so flimsy that a light biting crappie or gill can pull it down without feeling much resistance, and that will allow the angler to see the bite and set the hook. I don't jig with noodle rods, but I'll jig occasionally with deadsticking rods in between the long pauses.<P>------------------<BR>Good Fishin,<BR>Matt Johnson<BR>Pro Staff Coordinator<BR><B><A HREF="http://fishingminnesota.com/sponsorlinks.html" TARGET=_blank>FishingMN Sponsors</A><BR></B><P><BR><B><A HREF="http://www.[YouNeedAuthorization].com" TARGET=_blank>Matt Johnson Outdoors</A></B><BR><B>mattjohnson@[YouNeedAuthorization].com</B><BR><B>Guided Ice Fishing and More...</B><p>[This message has been edited by Matt Johnson (edited 10-13-2004).]

Posted

PikeTipper,<P>What species are you targeting? <P>For walleyes I like to use either a Thorne Bros Walleye Sweetheart or even a Professional. I also like the 28 inch Medium action rod from JR's Tackle. The Genz Rods by Berkley are also high in my book. St. Croix and Frabill have nice rods as well. There are several out there to choose from. I've caught some of my biggest walleyes through the ice on medium/light action rods, so don't feel like you have to go with a medium action rod. I try to stay away from heavier action rods. You can play most fish with a medium action rod, just make sure you have a good quality drag system and you are patient.<P>What type of rods are you using now?<P><P>------------------<BR>Good Fishin,<BR>Matt Johnson<BR>Pro Staff Coordinator<BR><B><A HREF="http://fishingminnesota.com/sponsorlinks.html" TARGET=_blank>FishingMN Sponsors</A><BR></B><P><BR><B><A HREF="http://www.[YouNeedAuthorization].com" TARGET=_blank>Matt Johnson Outdoors</A></B><BR><B>mattjohnson@[YouNeedAuthorization].com</B><BR><B>Guided Ice Fishing and More...</B>

Posted

Back when In-Fish first came on TV Al Lindner<BR>said "Set the hook...hard".<P>So unless you are nearing rediculous a good<BR>beefy hookset will be your friend more times<BR>than not. Every fish I lose half<BR>way to the surface I knew right away I didnt<BR>get the hook set good enough.<P>To each his own and it is different for <BR>other species like gills and crappies but<BR>for a Walleye with the bones they have in<BR>their mouths I like to get a good jab with<BR>a nice sharp hook.<P>Medium light is fine with a 24 inch rod for<BR>my best piece of mind. I like the shorter<BR>because of the low ceilings in the portable<BR>fish houses. I havent broken a rod on the<BR>ceiling yet, but I can see it happening.<P>Good luck everyone,<BR>Thanks Matt<P>------------------<BR>Curt Quesnell<BR>NorthCountry Outdoors Radio<p>[This message has been edited by curt quesnell (edited 10-14-2004).]

Posted

I'm guilty of it on almost all species but I was referring to walleyes in this case. Seems like I didn't have as much of a problem with it when I only fished Mono but I have since switched to Fireline for the sensitivity but with no stretch I seem to pull it right out of their mouths some times.<P>Most of my ice rods are either the lightning rods or some other cheaper rods in medium action.

Posted

PikeTipper,<P>I like to use a lot of 6 pound mono when fishing walleyes. Might want to give that a try on one of your rods and see how it works out. 8 pound mono isn't a bad choice either. In recent years I've been deadsticking with 4 pound mono for walleyes and haven't had any problems with break offs. Medium/light action rod and 4 pound mono works pretty good for a deadstick walleye rig. Plain hook and a splitshot about 10 inches up. Emerald shiner seals the deal. <P>Only time I use Fireline or other braided lines is when jigging for pike or lakers using 10 pound test or more. Other than that I mostly stick to mono out on the ice. I guess I'll use light Fireline jigging for perch in deep water once in a while too.<P><P>------------------<BR>Good Fishin,<BR>Matt Johnson<BR>Pro Staff Coordinator<BR><B><A HREF="http://fishingminnesota.com/sponsorlinks.html" TARGET=_blank>FishingMN Sponsors</A><BR></B><P><BR><B><A HREF="http://www.[YouNeedAuthorization].com" TARGET=_blank>Matt Johnson Outdoors</A></B><BR><B>mattjohnson@[YouNeedAuthorization].com</B><BR><B>Guided Ice Fishing and More...</B>

Posted

Matt,<P>Thanks for the tips. When Deadsticking what do you do with your rod? Leave it sit on a bucket or rod holder?

Posted

Couple of years ago I was using one of those dang ultra light ice rods and it seemed everytime I hooked a decent walleye I would loose it after just a couple of feet up. One day I lost 3 in row and almost threw the dang thing down the hole. Needless to say I only use those real light rods for crappy now.

Posted

PikeTipper,<P>I use the Rod Strap by <A HREF="http://www.todaystackle.com/rodstrap.html" TARGET=_blank>Todays Tackle</A> quite a bit for deadsticking. Its basically a piece of heavy duty fabric that velcros around your rod and around a pole in your portable fish house. A very handy tool.<P> RSOtter.jpg <P> RSside-pail.jpg <P>I like the Rod Strap because when a fish bites it can pull your rod down without feeling much resistance. The rod tip just drops as the fish pulls. Then all you have to do is unvelcro the rod and set the hook.<P>I also set the rod over a bucket from time to time too, depending whether or not I'm inside a portable.<P>------------------<BR>Good Fishin,<BR>Matt Johnson<BR>Pro Staff Coordinator<BR><B><A HREF="http://fishingminnesota.com/sponsorlinks.html" TARGET=_blank>FishingMN Sponsors</A><BR></B><P><BR><B><A HREF="http://www.[YouNeedAuthorization].com" TARGET=_blank>Matt Johnson Outdoors</A></B><BR><B>mattjohnson@[YouNeedAuthorization].com</B><BR><B>Guided Ice Fishing and More...</B><P><p>[This message has been edited by Matt Johnson (edited 10-13-2004).]

Posted

Matt,<P>In your opinion what are some good rods on the market that have a fast tip but still have some back bone? I have a tendancy to pull up just lips from setting the hook way too hard. Any recommendations?

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Lets not forget the absolute best deadstick tool out there. The T-Bone Rockn Reel. It is great in my mind. I used that in conjuction with my Thorne Bros Dead stick it has been a great combination for me.

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • leech~~
    • smurfy
      🤣 did your nose just grow a bit!😏🤭
    • Wanderer
      I hope to be fishing….  It’s so rare that I get to go, I hate passing up the opportunity. 😉   
    • leech~~
      Since the Vikings are never in it. We use it for an excuse to make some fun stuff!  Last year was a bit light. Hot cheese bean dip, hot wings and pepperoni cheese bread! 😋
    • Hookmaster
      That snow and the 15-25 mph winds on Thursday with higher gusts will be nasty drifting. I didn't go to LOW (can I say that in the this thread?🤫) this week because of it.
    • smurfy
      Who's watching the big game Sunday? More importantly what's ya'all cooking!   I like good football si I'm tuning in. Food... yea no clue yet 
    • Wanderer
      Hard to see em well enough to tell.
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  Ice fishing is strong across the south shore of Lake of the Woods out on Big Traverse Bay.  Most anglers are targeting deep mud with others fishing structure if available where they are going out of.  There are fish in both areas.     Some ice roads are now extending more than 16 miles out, with over two feet of ice reported in most areas. Resorts and outfitters continue increasing weight limits. As a rule, fishing continues to be very good with consistent action for anglers.  Most fishing activity is taking place in 26-32 feet of water.  Anglers are finding a healthy mix of walleyes and saugers, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy fresh fish frys and bring fish home.   On the jigging line, jigging spoons with rattles tipped with a minnow head have been consistent.  Lipless crankbaits and jigging rap style lures also doing well.   On the deadstick, a plain hook or a small jig with a live minnow 6 inches to a foot off of the bottom.    You never know when the fish will move through.  Anglers fishing the entire day normally have success.  Electronics are a big help as well. On the Rainy River...  The morning and evening hours are the best for fishing walleyes. A jig and minnow combination has been a good presentation.  A jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head is also producing some fish. Catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is still producing some big fish through the ice.  There are two sturgeon seasons on Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River, a catch and release season and a harvest season in which you can keep one fish per calendar year.    The harvest season runs from April 24th – May 7th and July 1 – Sept. 30. The catch and release season runs May 8th – May 15th and Oct. 1 – April 23rd.    Although ice conditions on the river are good, they can vary significantly due to the current, so anglers should always consult local resorts or outfitters for the most up-to-date safety information and fishing advice. Up at the NW Angle...  Ice fishing remains good at the Northwest Angle.  Resorts continue to move their fish houses staying on fish.  Some fish houses are set up on structure while others are targeting deeper mud flats.    Anglers are catching a nice mix of walleyes, saugers, jumbo perch, pike, and tullibees.  Good numbers of big crappies are still being caught in select areas and hard sided fish houses are available to target them.  Check with a NW Angle resort for info.   Jigging one line, deadsticking the second is effective.  Some days the jigging line is hot, other days the deadstick.  Some good colors have been gold, glow red, glow white, wonder bread, pink, chartreuse and orange. Lake of the Woods enjoys an extended ice fishing season with fish houses on the ice through March 31st and walleye and sauger seasons open through April 14th. Perch, crappie, and pike seasons remain open year-round.  
    • JerkinLips
      Same story, different day (Monday).  Caught several small walleyes (biggest were 14 and 15 inches) with the best bite from 2-5pm.  Caught my record walleye this winter at 6½ (inches, not pounds).  Was wondering why the bobber kept going down a couple inches for several minutes until I finally reeled it up.  Fortunately it was just hooked in the lips.  Having a lively minnow definitely improved the action.  I put down a pike sucker for the first time this winter and got an immediate hard bite.  When I went to set the hook, the line broke just above the hook.  Don't know if it was a northern bite-off or just weak line by the hook.  May try some pike suckers next trip.   Ice conditions were very good except for heavy drifting (even with very little fresh snow).  Didn't see any vehicles traveling off road except for snowmobiles and a tracked SxS, although there weren't many people out on the lake.  Water came up around my house about 1½ inches but froze very quickly with the cold weather and no snow on top.  Will probably have to block it up again next time up.   Good luck fishing and be careful of severe drifting of snow, especially with the 3-5 inches they are predicting for Wednesday night.  
    • leech~~
      Why, do they all only wear Sitka camo over there? 😏
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