Ice fishing rod

[Kowen117]

Any of you ice fisherman got any tips on a ice fishing rod under 40 dollars Thanks Oh and before any of you ask why I need one since I'm from Florida I use them for pan fishing it a great fight and very portable I had a st croix premier before is this my best bet

(It blew in the water :-[ :-[ :-[ :'(:-/)

[ww2farmer]

How long of a rod do you want??? I like 21" noodle rods by HT, they are only about $15, but for open water fishing ????? Hey I wouldn't do it, but if it works for you...............

[Kowen117]

Well I had a 24'' but any length is good I caught a 3 1/2 lb catfish on 2lb test last year with it what length do you recommend

[swilly78]

I use a 36" Frabill combo.  I think its called the panfish popper.  I also use it for Gills on my float tube during open water season.  It was $25 or so for the whole shabang.

[Kowen117]

What's that orange thing on the end?

[swilly78]

Its a spring bobber.  Its is a visual indicator of a bite.  Winter time Gills are notoriously hard to feel with the rod.  The bobber helps that.  The first thing I did was take the crappy spring bobber off, and put on an after market type that clips onto the end of the rod.

[Kowen117]

So you would recommend this rod is it very durable?

[swilly78]

Ive had it for two years of regular fishing with no problems.  For the price, I would absolutely recommend it.  However, get new line, the stuff that comes stock is crap. Also, change the spring bobber, or get rid of it completely.  Your looking at about  5 dollars of changes on a 25 dollar rod and reel. Its a win/win.