Ice Fishing Rods – 2 Tips To Select The Proper Rod
Selecting the proper ice fishing rod is essential as you would not want to have problems with your tackle while you are on the water. You should take your time to select the rod as this is one of the most important parts of your fishing gear and will help you in getting your fish.
1. What do you need in an ice fishing rod?
Unlike summer fishing rods the ice fishing rods do not have to be very flexible or strong as you do not have to cast them. However, you should select one that is strong enough to withhold the pull of the fish which might be big and strong. In an ice fishing rod you will have to look out for a drag that is going to be vertical and not the same as a traditional rod. So you have to ensure that it is strong and does not snap off at the end.
Normally most anglers who are very much into ice fishing favor a ice fishing rod that is 28 inches and with a average action and is thought of as a jigging rod. This sort of a rod will be ideal for trout, whitefish and walleye. A rod with a lighter action is suitable for smaller varieties of fish like perch, and a heavier one will be more suitable for the bigger fish like pike or some of the weightier lake trout.
2. Why do you want flexibility in your rod?
If your ice fishing rod does not have enough flexibility and is stiff, you will not feel the bite of the fish on the bait. A sluggish action rod is usually stiff and will have little bend or flexibility. Fish will nibble at the lures and bait during winter and will strike less, and it is essential to feel the fish nibbling on your line. Again if there is too much of flexibility in the rod it will not be very ineffective in hauling the fish towards the top of the lake.
For the use of jigging and artificial bait, the fishing rods are normally mega or fast action rods which allow the fisherman to feel the catch on the line and set the hook. Rods that are made of graphite give a firmer and stronger resilience to reel in the catch with not much bending or the risk of breaking. However, the angler should remember that in very cold temperatures the graphite will become brittle and fragile, so it is wiser for fisherman to get ice fishing rods that are made of fiberglass. They may have to forfeit on sensitivity but get a much more durable tackle.
