9 Ice Fishing Poles: All Fishing Types & Budgets Reviewed

How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Poles

• Material – A graphite or fiberglass rod are a good way to go. A graphite rod is strong, whereas a fiberglass rod is lightweight. Flexibility and durability are important, especially for catching bigger fish.
• Length and weight – Older rods tend to be around 24” but now can be found up to 40”. Choosing the right rod length should depend on where your ice hole location isand, in a hut, or not.
• Action – You want to find a good balance when it comes tofast action. A faster rod (bends near the tip) is better for a good hook but can snap since it's less flexible. A medium action rod may be the best way to go as it bends near the middle.
• Power – This is the pressure it takes to bend. If you are going after bigger fish, use a heavy power rod. Lights are good for the smaller species.
• Line Weight and Guides - 6-pound lines are most common, but go heavier if you’re using a heavy power rod. Guides should be sturdy to prevent twists.

Best Ice Fishing Pole

Here are some the best picks for an ice fishing rod that’ll work for any ice angler.

1. St. Croix Mojo Series

This is a carbon fiber rod that has good action, moderate power and is mid-range price. The smaller models are built to have spinning reels with larger poles having the ability to have a casting one. The moderate power poles are 24 or 28” with stainless steel guides. They have a split cork handle that allows the angler to feel what's happening on the line. They have sturdy reel seats as well.

2. 13 Fishing Tickle Stick

No bobber is needed with this rod as it has a flat tip. It has clean hooksets each time. The tip is sensitive and will let you detect bites easily. It is a good rod for small or bigger catches. However, the flat tip means it is more prone to breaking so good storageis important. The reel seat is good and the handle comfortable so hand placement can be varied. It can take lots of line weight and most size lures up to mid-range.

3. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2

This a great graphite rod and a size 20 reel combo if you are heading out in search of Walleye. It is a good jigging rod as it has flex and good action for visible movement. It is lightweight and perfect for microbaits. It is extremely sensitive. This rod can be used right or left-handed. It comes in three sizes depending on what you are heading out to catch.

4. Fenwick HMG

This is a medium-heavy pole that is on the bigger side and on the lower end of the price spectrum. It is longer than most but great for catching walleye or pike. It can use multi-hook lures, includes a hook keeper and has aluminum oxide inserts that create line guides that are strong and reduce the friction on the line. The cork handle providesa comfortable grip. The pole is strong but sensitive enough to feel even small bites on the line.

5. Fenwick Elite Tech

This strong graphite medium-heavy rod is great when going for the larger fish and is not overly expensive. Its tip is fast, and you can get good clean hook sets. It works with both spoons and jigs. The tip is sensitive and will let you feel any line activity. It is a light rod even though it is longer. As a bonus, this rod can use a baitcaster reel if you want.

6. St. Croix LBI24ML Legend Black Ice Rod

The Legend graphitepole is one of the best. It is flexible and strong. It has one spring bobber to help make it more sensitive. It comes in various power ratings to suit your fishing style. It comes with a locking reel seat that helps with stability when you have a big catch.It has stainless steel guides that need a little more lubricating than usual but overall a great pole. It is lightweight but able to handle almost any type of fish you might hook.

7. Duckett White Ice Rod

This is a high-end rod that is one of the best and that is reflected in the price. It is well balanced and lightweight while being strong with good sensitivity. It is low-resin, so it has more fiber per unit, meaning the angler is going to get good strength with less weight. The handle is made from triple-A cork and has a Fuji reel seat. All rods styles have been used and tested by some of the most avid anglers. Higher price but the quality is great.

8. St. Croix CI28MLXF Custom Ice Rod

This is a series of rods that offer extreme performance. They are solid carbon with REC recoil guides that have a black pearl finish. All poles have a split grip high-grade cork handle for comfort and sensitivity. These rods have versions that will work with whatever type of fishing you are going to do. They come with a great 5-year warranty.

9. 13 Fishing AA27L-MAG Archangel Ice Rod - 27 in

An innovative carbon pole for out on the ice. It has a fox hole hook keeper, double diamond-covered guides, a highly visible tip and overall great sensitivity. The blank and handle have been merged into one piece, so vibrations are very obvious. It is durable and easily deployed.

How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Poles

Choosing the best ice fishing poles requires knowledge and research. These poles should withstand the elements and last for a long time. A pole should also have a high level of comfort and stability.

In addition, the pole should be lightweight, enabling the angler to maneuver easily.

Fiberglass

Graphite and fiberglass ice fishing poles are a great way to catch different types of fish. However, there are a few downsides to fiberglass and graphite.

The soft tip of fiberglass ice rods is less sensitive than graphite. This can make setting the hook difficult. It also makes it hard to see the bite.

Graphite ice rods are a good choice for catching large, predatory fish. However, graphite can only break if you're careful. Fiberglass ice rods are also more durable.

It can take a lot of force before they break.

If you're a beginner, a fiberglass ice fishing rod is a good choice. They're inexpensive and durable. They're also flexible and can handle larger fish without breaking.

They're also great for finesse jigs.

Graphite and fiberglass are the primary materials used in today's ice fishing rods. They're durable, lightweight, and better at detecting bites.

But composite rods also combine the best of the two materials.

The best fiberglass ice fishing rods are usually slow or medium-action. This allows you to see the bite better. They're also great for deadsticking with bait. They're also good for watching bites.

They're also great for panfish. The tip is usually a bit flexible, making them ideal for smaller fish. The tip is also durable and brightly colored.

This means you can use something other than a spring bobber.

Fiberglass ice rods are also ideal for deadsticking with bait, which is a great way to watch bites. They're also great for catching small, stocked trout. It's hard to beat a full fiberglass rod for panfish.

They're also the cheapest way to get started. You can find good quality rods for $15 or less.

Graphite

Anglers use graphite ice fishing poles to catch a variety of fish. They offer an advantage over fiberglass due to their faster action. They are more durable and sensitive.

Graphite ice fishing poles also provide an advantage over fiberglass for the bigger fish.

They are ideal for snappy jigging in deep water.

Graphite ice fishing poles have fast action, so the tip will recover quickly from bending.

This action is ideal for jigging spoons, finesse jigs, and artificials.

Graphite ice fishing rods can be purchased in a variety of power ratings.

Some rods are ultralight, while others are medium to heavy.

They are available in a range of lengths from 24 to 32 inches.

They are a great choice for a variety of species, including trout, walleye, perch, and pike. They are also a good choice for smaller panfish.

Graphite ice fishing gear has a long history. They are a popular choice for anglers because they offer fast recoil and the ability to detect bites. Graphite ice fishing rods are ideal for stocked trout and walleye.

These types of rods are also popular with anglers who target monster pike.

Graphite ice fishing tools are also available in a variety of budget-friendly models. These are generally less expensive than fiberglass rods.

They offer less sensitivity and are less durable, but they can be spooled with line from a fiberglass fishing rod. The disadvantage of this is that it can break with enough force.

Fiberglass rods offer a few advantages, including durability and stability in cold weather. They are also cheaper than graphite rods, but they are not as sensitive.

Fiberglass rods also have a greater range of power, making them ideal for larger fish.

Length

Unlike regular fishing rods, ice fishing rods are much shorter. This allows the fisherman to fish within close proximity to an ice hole or shelter.

There are many factors to consider when deciding on an ice fishing rod. The size, design, and functionality of a rod all play a role. Typically, the ice fishing rod is made from fiberglass or graphite.

The best ice fishing rods will have a firm backbone to lift big fish out of the water.

Some ice fishermen prefer to use an inline reel instead.

The length of a rod is also a factor. The average ice fishing pole is about 18 inches long. Some ice anglers prefer a rod that is longer to allow them to fish further out.

The most effective length of a rod is 36 inches.

The best ice fishing rods can be purchased at a low price, or you can spend a small fortune on a custom-built one. A short ice fishing rod will be able to catch most of the smaller fish, while a longer rod will allow for a more effective fight with larger fish.

The best ice fishing rods are also very durable and will last for years. Choosing the right rod is a great way to start a new ice-fishing adventure.

The best ice fishing rods have a few key features that make them stand out from the rest. Some rods feature soft noodle tips that make it easier to see a bite.

In addition, a good ice fishing rod should be able to lift a big fish out of the water without breaking a sweat.

The best ice fishing rods will also feature a clever design that allows for easy access to the reel. This will keep the rod from getting snagged in the ice.

Action

Choosing the best ice fishing poles is a good way to get more fish and make fishing more enjoyable. There are many different types of ice fishing rods, but you should choose one based on your fishing style and species.

Depending on your style, you might want a longer rod action for fishing inside a shelter or a shorter rod action for fishing outside of a shelter. You should also consider the type of rod material used and the rod action.

This will determine how easily you can detect bites and set the hook. Choosing a rod that is made of graphite will help you feel the bite and set the hook quicker.

Other factors to consider are the power rating and the action rating. Most ice fishing rods have an action rating, and choosing a rod based on this rating will help you find the best fishing rod.

Graphite rods have fast responses to set the hook and are often preferred for jigging walleye lures and small spoons for jumbo perch.

There are also several different reel mounting options. You can choose to mount the reel on the rod handle using adjustable rings or locking seats.

Some ice anglers also use electrical tape to fasten the reel to the handle.

The sensitivity of an ice fishing rod is also important. For instance, a rod that extends from the handle to the blank will allow you to feel the bite more easily.

This will help you set the hook quicker and transmit vibrations better.

The speed of the taper is also important, as it adds more noise and water displacement to your lure. You can also choose a rod with a fast taper for more flash and faster retrieval.

Handles

Buying a good ice fishing pole handle is an important step when you're shopping for a new ice fishing pole. Ideally, you want to find a handle that is comfortable and easy to hold. You'll also want to look for features like a full cork handle.

However, if you're on a budget, you'll also want to avoid rods with flimsy handles and poorly painted rods. These rods will have inadequate strength and could break under strain.

There are many ice fishing rods that are made from fiberglass. These rods can be found at a very affordable price point. However, many of them are made with poor-quality materials and have defective handles. You should beware of these rods, which are widely available in the ice belt. This is especially true of rods that are priced under $60.

You should look for rods that have quality parts like premium cork handles and aluminum oxide guide inserts. These rods will be stronger and will stand up to the pressure of a quality fish.

One rod that stands out is the HT Enterprises Ice Rod.

It has a blue color and an orange tip, which is ideal for jigging bait to target fish. It also has rings for reel mounting, a corkalon handle, and a high-tension stainless-steel strike indicator.

The rod also comes in 18" and 30" lengths.

Another rod that is popular among anglers is the St Croix Legend Eis Rod.

This rod is popular for its sturdiness on the ice, as well as its flexibility. It features a solid cork handle, which is very comfortable to hold. You can also choose an EVA handle for added comfort.

Conclusion

Ice fishing is a great winter activity that isn’t overly complicated, so long as you’re using the right gear. Buying the right fishing pole is important though if you are going to have a successful time out. Make sure you find one that is strong and comfortable that fits your budget. There is something for everyone, no matter how big or small the gear budget is.