7 Best Ice Fishing Rods for Extreme Weather in 2024 | Review
If you are into ice fishing you must have an idea about the difference between freshwater/saltwater rods and ice fishing rods. Of course, not every rod is perfect for ice fishing, and this is because the type of fishing is somewhat demanding and quite complicated.
There are certain important features that make the fishing rod perfect for ice fishing experiences. If you want to get the right product, you need to make sure the fishing rod you’re purchasing is short in length, high quality in construction, flexible, and sensitive enough to make it possible for you to feel even the slightest movement underwater.
You have to keep the cold water environment in mind and focus on what would be the basic requirements of the fishing rods to make them perfect for ice fishing experiences. This guide covers everything related to ice fishing including the features that make the rod perfect for ice fishing and the 7 best choices. Let’s, without wasting any more time, look at the guide below.
7 Best Ice Fishing Rods
The guide talks about the 7 best ice fishing rods and their relevant information, including advantages, disadvantages, and key specifications. It also elaborates on the features that make the fishing rod perfect for ice fishing. Let’s see what we have in the details below.
1. St Croix Legend Black Ice
Best Features:
St Croix has been a well-known company manufacturing fishing gear for decades. The company is renowned for its products and affordable prices. Undoubtedly St Croix manufactures the world’s best fishing rods and makes the target-specific rods.
This legendary black ice fishing rod is one of their best products. It is renowned for being the best choice for ice fishermen. The rod is highly recommended for ice fishing and has won over many fishermen’s hearts.
It is small in size and is ideal to catch crappies, Bluegill, and Perch. Well not only this but it can also handle aggressive fish like Walleye too. With outstanding sensitivity and other smart features, the fishing rod is exceptional in its performance, ensuring you can get the most out Of it.
The blank of the fishing rod is constructed with the use of graphite construction material, and its handles are made up of EVA foam, making them ultimately the most lightweight and comfortable to hold. Well, the overall length of the fishing rod is only two feet, and it comes in only 0.30 pounds of weight making it the lightest in-weight fishing rod on our list.
It is a well-controlled, stable, strengthened, and strong fishing rod with high durability and high-quality construction components. The features present in the fishing rod are worth the money. I will recommend you to go with this product if you have no restrictions on budget.
Pros
- Small in size
- Exceptionally sensitive
- EVA foam handle
Cons
- Not for beginners
St Croix Legend Black Ice Is one of the well-known fishing rods that is made up of high-quality premium construction components. It is light in weight, exceptionally sensitive, and designed in a way that makes it highly appropriate for ice-fishing adventures. With only two feet in length and EVA foam construction in the handle, the fishing rod is one of the best fishing rods you can go with.
2. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
Best Features:
Introducing here another best ice fishing rods, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2, which is another best choice for most fishermen who want a versatile fishing rod for catching multiple fish species. It is popular and famous among professional fishermen due to its performance and the possibility of catching various fish types, including trout, panfish, and walleye.
The design is particular and made with only 2.2 feet in length and 0.5 pounds in weight. The fishing rod is known for providing optimal control and promises to give you comfort and ease while fishing. You can also Best Ice Fishing Reels.
It has a clear tip design and delivers outstanding sensitivity with high responsiveness, making it the perfect choice for fishing on smaller fish species under ice. This is because only the sensitive rod can sense the bites of smaller fish that are barely noticeable.
Important
Must focus on the length of the fishing rod if you have to go on an ice fishing adventure. This is because if your rod is longer it will only be effective for deep water fishing and not really for ice fishing. so you have to keep in mind that you are going to fish on the shallow surface of the water beneath the ice so you have to get the rod that is of appropriate size and small.
So if you are looking to fish on smaller fish species in ice, you can reliably select this Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 to have optimum fishing experience. One of the most adorable features of the fishing world is that you can handle it all day long without feeling tired.
It is made up of fiberglass and graphite construction, and its grips are secure and comfortable. They don’t slip even if your hands are wet.
Pros
- High-quality constriction
- Lightweight design
- Sensitive and highly responsive
Cons
- Not long-lasting
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 fishing rod is another best fishing rod for both small-sized and large fish species. It is sensitive and responsive enough to sense the feel of small fish bites. It is lightweight, extra durable, and premium in its construction, making it durable and ideal for professional anglers.
3. 13 Fishing Widow Maker
Best Features:
13 Fishing Widow Maker Is the next best fishing rod with three feet of length and medium power. It is made up of graphite construction material that ultimately makes it lightweight and versatile to use for catching multiple types of fish rods.
With merely 0.1 pounds of weight, it is designed in a way that makes it comfortable to hold for longer. One of the best things about the fishing rod is that its hook setting is as easy as tip lifting. I love this feature because it is effortless to do and makes the fishing rod one of the best rods for novice fishermen.
Since the very start of my ice fishing experience, I have been using the rod, and it is still providing me with outstanding performance. Furthermore, with cork handle construction, the rod is comfortable to hold and grip. One of the reasons why I do not prefer this fishing rod for every fisherman is that it can only be held in the right hand, so those who are left-handed cannot use the rod.
Pros
- Ideal for all-sized fish
- Extra sensitive in its design
- Quality construction
Cons
- Tip can crack
13 Fishing Widow Maker Is one of the best fishing rods that comes in 0.1 pounds of weight and is only three feet in length. It is high quality in its construction and is made with graphite material, making it lightweight, sensitive, and high quality. Moreover, the presence of a core handle allows you to use the rod for as long as you want without compromising your comfort zone.
4. St Croix Mojo Ice Fishing Rod
Best Features:
St Croix Mojo Ice Fishing Rod Is another amazing fishing rod that I have selected from St Croix. As I have explained above, St Croix is the world’s famous fishing rod expert, manufacturing world-renowned high-quality products.
This model from the company is only 0.2 pounds in weight and comes in two feet size. It is ideal for ice fishing and promises to provide exceptional sensitivity and outstanding performance, which makes it a perfect choice for most fishermen.
The St. Croix Mojo Comes with a carbon fiber construction material and is fast in action. Its hooks are easy to set up and it has a comfortable EVA grip handle, making it one of the best choices for most of the fishermen.
Important
Never go on ice fishing Adventures without a fish finder. Ensuring you can have the right kind of gear with you, particularly the best fish finder. This is because fish finders can help you detect the exact location of the fish, ultimately enhancing the chances of catching more fish at the end of your fishing day.
Furthermore, stainless steel guides add strength, durability, and precision to the product, making it reliable for ice fishing experiences. I have used the rod, and I can say that if you are looking for a high adrenaline rush while fishing, this rod is no less than perfect for you.
Pros
- High-quality construction
- Flexible
- Exceptionally sensitive
Cons
- Unreliable customer service
St Croix Mojo Ice Fishing Rod Is another best walleye fishing rods that belongs to a reliable company. It comes in two feet long and is only 0.2 pounds of weight. The rod is a short rod, so it is best for congested areas.
5. Fenwick HMG
Best Features:
Fenwick HMG Is a fishing rod made mainly for ice fishing experiences. It comes in 0.4 pounds of weight, is 2.4 feet in length, and has high-quality pole construction, making it ideal for delivering exceptional performance while fishing on the ice. The product also has carbon fiber in the blank construction which makes the product high quality, lightweight, and durable to use.
Until you willingly want to change the rod, I can assure you you will not need to because of its outstanding performance. One of the best things about the fishing rod is that it has stainless steel guides in addition to zirconium inserts that ultimately minimize friction and deliver unparalleled performance.
Moreover, this fishing rod is rated medium heavy in power, ensuring you can catch multiple types of fish conveniently, from panfish to trout. Fenberg itself is one of the most reliable companies, so I can say that you will have endless fun and adventure while fishing with the use of this ice fishing rod.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- High-quality construction
- Minimize friction
Cons
- Not safe for transportation
Fenwick HMG is another high-quality fishing rod that delivers exceptional performance due to the presence of top-notch products. It is lightweight and strong in its manufacturing and is ergonomic in its handle, making it ideal to use all day long without tiring yourself.
6. PLUSINNO Ultralight Winter Ice Fishing Rod
Best Features:
PLUSINNO Ultralight Winter Ice Fishing Rod, as the name suggests, is an ultra-light fishing rod made particularly for ice fishing experiences. The fishing rod is designed in a way that makes it the perfect choice for fishing in winter.
It is lightweight and is available in only 26 to 28 inches in length. The fishing rod is constructed with the use of durable and solid glass construction blank, making it the top choice for those fishermen looking for quality products.
It has ceramic guides and is perfect for use by both right-handed and left-handed people. The fishing rod is sensitive, strong, comfortable to hold, and ultra-light in weight due to the presence of EVA grips.
Pros
- Ideal rod length
- Super smooth guides
- Sensitive and responsive Comfortable to hold
Cons
- Expensive
PLUSINNO Ultralight Winter Ice Fishing Rod Is one of the well-known fishing rods with high-quality construction, ultra-lightweight design, and medium-light fast action. It is ideal for catching multiple fish species, including Walleye, Panfish, Bluegill, and Perch.
7. Fiblink Travel Ice Fishing Rod
Best Features:
Fiblink Travel Ice Fishing Rod is the last best fishing rod on our list that I like a lot because it is compact and highly portable. You can easily handle it if you are on your way to a fishing game. It is 2.1 feet in length and is designed in an attractive look.
With light power and 0.3 pounds of weight, the fishing rod is perfect for most of the fish to catch in multiple locations. And because the product is lightweight, it is best for catching Bluegill, Crappie, and Perch.
With better construction, high versatility, lightweight design, and durable e-glass carbon composite, the fishing rod makes itself one of our top choices for most professional fishermen. It is made up of EVA handles that ensure a firm grip even if your hands are all covered in ice and snow.
Moreover, another feature that makes me a fan of this fishing rod is that it comes with a carrying case. This carrying case makes it ideal to transport from one place to another, and similarly, it makes it perfect for storing the fishing rod safely.
Pros
- Portable
- Comes with a carrying case
- Offers greater control
Cons
- Compromised quality
Fiblink Travel Ice Fishing Rod Is the next best fishing rod for most fishermen looking for top-notch rods with high-quality construction. The rod comes with a carrying case and is perfect for traveling purposes because it is portable, and you can easily shift it from one place to another.
Guide To Pick The Best Ice Fishing Rods
Here is the guide to let you know what features you should focus on when purchasing the best ice fishing rods. Not every fishing rod is perfect for ice fishing, so you need to make sure that the one you are purchasing is the one that is appropriate for your needs. Let’s look at the specs that make the rods ideal for ice fishing.
Length
Length is one of the most important features that depicts whether the fishing rod would be ideal for ice fishing or not. You need to make sure that the fishing rod you are purchasing Is not less than 24 inches and no more than 48 inches.
Make sure to purchase the shorter ice fishing rods to get more fish at the end of your fishing day. Since shorter rods are ideal for shallow fishing and jigging, you have to keep in mind that the rod you’re buying is small in length.
Pro Tip
When choosing an ice fishing rod, match the rod’s action to the species you’re targeting, ensuring it’s well-suited for the specific fishing technique needed for that species.
Specie You Are Going To Catch
Another important feature that you need to pay attention to is the fish species you are going to target. Different species need different fishing gears and different fishing techniques to get caught up. So, you need to make sure to focus on the species you are going to target to get the compatible product.
For example, if you are ice fishing for crappie, the best rod length would be 2 to 2.6 feet, and It should be extra light in weight. Alternatively, if you are ice fishing for trout, the length between a 3- and 4-foot rod is perfect for catching trout.
Action Of The Fishing Rod
Action is bending of the fishing rod. The fishing rod comes in multiple action types, including moderate, slow moderate, fast, extra fast, and fast.
You should also focus on the action of the fishing rod before finalizing the fishing rod for ice fishing. Consider the species you are going to catch and then focus on what kind of action It will need to get caught up.
Construction Materials And Quality
The next important thing that you cannot ignore is the construction material used in the manufacturing of the fishing rod and its quality. Look for a fishing rod that is made up of high-quality construction material, and that belongs to a reliable company because brands manufacture good quality products that are durable in their performance.
Never ignore the construction material and its quality If you want to get a durable and long-lasting product. Moreover, since the temperature under the ice is quite high, you need to get a fishing rod that is resistant and strong enough to tolerate extreme weather conditions. So always make sure to purchase a fishing rod with high-quality construction and durable manufacturing.
FAQs
How much should I expect to pay for a multi-purpose ice fishing rod?
High-quality multi-purpose fishing rods are somewhere between $100 to $150, but several companies are manufacturing fishing rods beyond these ranges. You can also get affordable products and more premium ice fishing rods at high prices depending on what company you prefer and what type of material you need for your rod.
What are the important things that you should focus on when purchasing a fishing rod for ice fishing?
When purchasing a fishing rod for ice fishing, you need to make sure that you are spending money on a small-sized rod. It should be of high quality in its construction, durable in its manufacturing, and should deliver next-level performance. The fishing rod you are purchasing should be strong enough to tolerate extreme weather conditions because the temperature under the ice is quite low.
What is the best available Fishing rod for ice fishing?
St Croix Legend Black Ice Is the best available, high-quality quality, and premium fishing rod made up of quality construction components. It is light in weight and is made exceptionally sensitive to deliver next-level performance when it comes to ice fishing. With a small, compact structure and durable manufacturing, this fishing rod ensures you an amazing experience Of fishing under the ice.
Why should you get a small length for ice fishing when it comes to rods?
When it comes to ice fishing rods, most professional fishermen prefer using fishing rods that are shorter. This is because the short length of the fishing rods is ideal for shallow-water fishing. And when it comes to ice fishing, the fish is usually available just beneath the ice layer. For that, you should get a rod with a short length.
Final Thoughts
Ice fishing is fun and adventure only if you have the right gear with you. When it comes to fishing gear, the fishing rod is of the utmost importance. Make sure you are purchasing the right fishing rod to get the desired performance.
You need to focus on the length, quality, construction, durability, and strength of the rod before finalizing the rod for ice fishing. Moreover, you also have to look for the sensitivity and stability of the handle.
Hopefully, you have gone through the above-mentioned article, and everything explained above about the best fishing rods. We have tried our best to let you know about the seven best fishing rods and the important features that you should pay attention to before finalizing the ice fishing rod. Pay attention so you don’t skip anything Important.
Moreover, as a reviewer, I will recommend you to go with,
- Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 is extra sensitive, small, lightweight, and highly affordable in its construction. Its handles are comfortable to hold and are anti-slip in their design.
- St Croix Mojo Ice Fishing Rod Belongs to a highly reliable fishing gear manufacturing company. The rod is two feet in length, has carbon fiber in construction, and has EVA foam in its handle manufacturing, making it comfortable to use for longer without tiring yourself.
- PLUSINNO Ultralight Winter Ice Fishing Rod Is an ultra-light fishing rod made for catching multiple fish species. It is medium-light In its action, light in weight, high quality in construction, and has an EVA handle and ABS reel seat. The rod is strong, durable, and perfect for ice fishing experiences.
