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Buying the Right Ice Fishing Rod
from: Maxx Sports GuidesChoosing the correct ice fishing rod is important since it's no fun having to deal with equipment problems when you're out on the lake. Spending some time getting a rod that will meet your needs is a good idea since they're undoubtedly one of the most important factors in being able to bring in the big fish.
Ice fishing rods, since they aren't required for casting, don't need to be as flexibe or as strong as typical summer fishing rods, but they do need to be sturdy and strong to support the drag of the fish on the end of the line. Remember, there will be more of a vertical drag on the end of the ice fishing rod than in traditional fishing, and the last thing you should have to worry about is the rod breaking or the end snapping off.
Most ice fishing enthusiasts tend to prefer a 28 inch ice fishing rod with medium action and is considered to be a jigging rod. This rod is perfect for walleye, whitefish and most types of trout. A lighter action is excellent for smaller species such as perch, and a heavier action will be ideal for the larger species of pike and even some of the heavy lake trout.
Another important consideration for an ice fishing rod is the action along the blank. A slow action rod is very stiff with little flexibility or bend, and typically won't allow enough sensation for the angler to feel the fish nibbling at the lure or bait. Remember, fish tend to strike much less and nibble more at bait and lures during the winter, so it's important to be able to feel the action on the end of the line. Rods that have too much flexibility will be ineffective at bringing the fish towards the surface.
Ice fishing rods for jigging or using artificial bait are often fast action or ultra-fast action rods that allow the angler to feel the fish on the line and set the hook. Graphite rods offer a strong enough backbone to reel in the fish without bending too much or breaking. It's important to remember that graphite becomes more fragile and brittle in really cold temperatures, so many ice anglers choose to use a fiberglass ice fishing rod and sacrifice a bit on sensitivity to get increased durability in their equipment.
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