The Best Ice Fishing Rods for Snowy Adventures

The Ultimate Buying Guide to the Best Ice Fishing Rods

What is Ice Fishing?

Ice fishing is an age-old activity where people gather to catch fish through frozen bodies of water. It is much like an expedition, and fishers often come fully prepared with basic amenities and gather in hut-like enclosures commonly referred to as ice shanties. 

These ice fishing sheds can be quite rudimentary, with most using just a mobile ice fishing tent arrangement made using a tarp to keep it more economical–or, they can be structurally sound bunkers usually made out of wood or metal that is properly heated.

Ice fishing can be done with any budget and it is a beloved leisure activity for anyone, from experts to beginners. The method for ice fishing starts by carving out a hole into the ice that is large enough for the fish to pass out of it. Sometimes, it is also necessary to carry a heater with you so that the hole doesn’t freeze over again. 

The Purpose of an Ice Fishing Rod

Ice fishing has come a long way since it was first practiced by hunters for sustenance. The primitive form of ice fishing required long intervals of waiting and a careful study of the waters to predict where high populations of fish resided. These days, modern equipment can find the best spot, plus there’s the availability of maps and GPS tracking systems. 

The latest fishing rods have many features that make them highly sensitive and require little effort to catch the fish. Most commercial ice fishing rods are made out of advanced materials like graphite, metallic alloys, stainless steel, fiberglass, and other composites. These materials come with different properties that make them more durable, flexible, and sensitive to slight changes in applied force from the fish bite. They are also made for specific provisions, like fishing from longer distances.

So whether you are just going on your weekend getaway or looking to up your angling game, there’s a fishing rod out there for you!

Types of Ice Fishing Rods

Graphite rod

Graphite rods are known for their greater sensitivity. Higher sensitivity means it can detect even the slightest fish bites more quickly, which makes it the right fit for beginners who are not well trained to look out for a catch. 

Since carbon is a more malleable material, the rods can be made into a greater variety of shapes and sizes. Graphite fishing rods, on the other hand, can easily be made into a thinner and longer design. Graphite also typically has a faster response while jigging, as it is lighter. 

On the downside, the material is more brittle so it is prone to breakage. 

Fiberglass rod

Fiberglass rods are favored for their strength and durability and carry a lower price point compared to the more expensive graphite rods. Fiberglass rods are highly resistant to breakage, which makes them a good option for those looking for a big catch on a lower budget. 

Since the action you get on a fiberglass rod is softer and slower, certain fiberglass rods make up for this aspect with a parabolic arch, giving them the name noodle rods. 

Factors to Look For 

Power rating

The power rating on the rod refers to its weight and determines the responsiveness of the rod. It comes in many options including light, heavy, and medium. The power rating you need will depend on its usage, so if you’re just looking to catch a small panfish then a rod on the lighter end will do the trick.

Similarly, you’ll need a higher power rating for a bigger catch. There is no gold standard to this, and for the purpose of practicality, any rod will catch a fish. 

In the case of lighter rods, these are generally more responsive. On the downside, a heavy fish might break a flimsy rod, so it’s important to opt for a heavier one in that case. 

Action

Action determines how much a rod bends and twists with force. An effective catch will be based on how quickly the rod will come to its original position after being thrust. And since this action will depend on speed, a rod with a faster action rate should be cast to longer distances.

Meanwhile, slow-action rods are used for smaller distances. 

Price

Fishing rods are thankfully affordable. The price depends on the material and the additional features, some rods will even come with add-ons and unique design features. For example, while the most expensive rods are the ones made out of graphite, cheaper rods are made out of fiberglass. 

Both offer different benefits and drawbacks, so it’s best to consider your needs. Some rods are also made out of graphite and glass composites which are sourced from a mixture of properties. 

On the downside, these variations tend to be more expensive than a fiberglass rod.