If you are ready to get on the ice and catch a slew of fish, you want to be sure you have the right gear to get the job done. You may be wondering which ice fishing rods are the best for catching your trophy fish and filling up the bellies of your family and friends at the same time.
There are so many different brands and styles of ice fishing rods that it is difficult to discuss them all; however, this article will highlight five of the most popular ice fishing rods on the market and give you a good place to get started.
If you would like to learn more about the featured ice fishing rods in this article, continue reading.
| Name | Picture | Price | Best Feature | Our rating | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 FISHING™ Wicked Longstem Ice Combo |
 
|
$$ | Instant Anti-reverse for quick hooksets | 9.4/10 | See Current Price |
| 13 FISHING™ Radioactive Pickle - Inline Ice Fishing Combos |
 
|
$$$ | Drop Speed Control | 9/10 | See Current Price |
| Shakespeare™ Glacier Ice Fishing Spinning Combo |
 
|
$ | Constructed of durable, solid fiber glass | 8.4/10 | See Current Price |
| Frabill™ Ice Hunter Predator Spinning Combo 38” Heavy Action, Black |
 
|
$$ | Solid graphite rod blanks result in superior sensitivity | 9/10 | See Current Price |
| Quantum™ Ice Spinning Reel and Ice Fishing Rod Combo |
 
|
$$ | Can change from right to left handed without tools | 8.8/10 | See Current Price |
Do You Need an Ice Pole for Ice Fishing?
Ice fishing poles are different from other poles that you might use for ice fishing. They are shorter, thicker, and have a straight line rather than being bent. Ice fishing rods can be as short as a few feet.
You can also use tip-ups when ice fishing. These are used to detect the presence of a fish that is biting. They can be as simple as a flag with a line attached to it or they may have a ratchet system.
Ice fishermen set up tip-ups to catch multiple fish without having to manually reset them after each catch. You can buy all types of retail rods and reels, but for the purpose of ice fishing, a simple device with a long line is ideal.
When selecting an ice fishing pole, you should make sure that it is a super strong and lightweight pole.
How Long Do Ice fishing poles last?
Ice fishing poles are made to withstand much more pressure than a field or fly fishing pole because they must be able to bear a large amount of weight at an angle straight down through the ice.
If you take care of your ice fishing rod then it should last for a minimum of 5-10 years but can last even longer.
How many Ice Fishing poles do you need?
This depends on what type of fish you are going for. If you are fishing for panfish vs pike vs walleye then you’ll have the best luck with having a rod set up for each individual species of fish.
Each of these fish is going to be found at different depths and needs different rod/reel/lure combos.
Some of the serious ice fishermen will have 4-6 rods set up for different fish and simply grab and go to get on the ice faster.
What Else Do you Need for an Ice Fishing Rod Setup?
Along with the ice fishing pole, you will need an appropriate reel. You will want to select a reel that is light enough so as not to add too much weight on your line but heavy enough so that it does not spin out when reeling in the fish.
The length of the line depends on your preference and depending on if you are fishing deeper water or not. You can generally go with just short enough of a line so that your bait is in the water but long enough of a line for you to be comfortable.
You’ll also need a lure or bait for ice fishing. Some of the common baits include minnows, leeches, maggots, worms, and a gambit of artificial lures
What Else Do you Need for an Ice Fishing Rod Setup?
Along with the ice fishing pole, you will need an appropriate reel. You will want to select a reel that is light enough so as not to add too much weight on your line but heavy enough so that it does not spin out when reeling in the fish.
The length of the line depends on your preference and depending on if you are fishing deeper water or not. You can generally go with just short enough of a line so that your bait is in the water but long enough of a line for you to be comfortable.
You’ll also need a lure or bait for ice fishing. Some of the common baits include minnows, leeches, maggots, worms, and a gambit of artificial lures
What is the Weight Limit for Ice Fishing Poles?
The weight limit depends on the pole and what’s called the power rating of the fishing pole. Each fishing pole will have a series of numbers written on it that tell you how heavy of fishing line you can use, the power rating, and even the weight of the lure.
What is the Power Rating of Ice Fishing Poles?
The power rating and the strength of each pole are measured in pounds. The power rating tells you how much weight you can pull before the tip bends or breaks and allows your line to break being pulled on.
Power ratings are also called test ratings or breaking strength ratings. In general, most ice fishing poles will have a power of 10 – 30 lbs.
Power ratings are determined by the length, brand, weight of the pole, and the amount of line. Usually, when you buy a fishing rod many manufacturers also include some fishing lines with it. The manufacturer will have a recommended power rating based on how much they are included in your ice fishing setup. A good rule of thumb is to only buy a power rating that is one or two above your ice fishing line listed power rating.
5 Best Fishing Poles for Ice Fishing
Here are five great options to help you catch that trophy fish you have been after for so long and finally earn those bragging rights.
This ice fishing rod may look nice, but it also offers a performance that is sure to get those fish interested. You will be pulling them through that hole in no time.
Product features overview:
- Comes pre-lubricated with anti-frost lubrication to keep your parts moving as they should even when it’s freezing
- Features a spinning combo for a smooth performance guaranteed to work every time
- Has a lightweight spool made of aluminum with a fat bail design made to last
- Made from high-quality graphite and fitted with lightweight evolve performance guides, as well as an, evolve carbon divided handle for a comfortable grip all day long
Reviews
On average most people who purchased this ice fishing rod have been satisfied and are happy with how quickly it arrived after ordering. Adversely, some customers had issues with the product being damaged upon arrival and a few reported some construction issues which led to the tip falling off.
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You won’t have to worry about losing this fishing pole. Its bright green color will definitely let it stand out against the ice. Super sensitive so you can feel what is happening below the ice.
Product features overview:
- Allows you to control the drop speed
- Comes with a high-visibility tip and thin wire guides
- Comes with instant anti-reverse
- Sensitive so you can feel what’s happening under the ice
- Three-in-one ball-bearing inline reel with a 2.5:1 gear ratio
Reviews
Overall customers are pleased with this ice fishing pole. They like the color and how sensitive it is. Some customers have commented that the original version of this pole had some different features that they preferred and felt that the older version was more comfortable.
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This ice fishing rod made by Shakespeare has everything you need to get the job done so you can bring that trophy home and fill up some bellies.
Product features overview:
- Has an EVA handle with smooth graphite sliding rings
- Has the ability to be tilted at a 15-degree angle to create the best line flow
- Incorporated with stainless steel guides and inserts
- Made from high-quality fiberglass materials that are made to last
- This pole has an extended stem that allows for more clearance
Reviews
Most of the people who purchased this ice fishing rod have been satisfied with its quality and performance. It has been said to be a good first rod for younger children who are just starting on the ice. Some downsides according to some are that the loops to secure the reel are not effective and the reel has come off when a fish is on.
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Frabill™ Ice Hunter Predator Spinning Combo 38”
Frabill has been a trusted name among those who fish since 1938, so they know how to make a good quality rod that will get the job done. If you are looking for a rod that will be comfortable and productive throughout the entire fishing trip this is an excellent choice.
Product features overview:
- Comes with stainless steel ice guides
- Five-in-one ball-bearing reel with an aluminum spool; left or right hand retrieve
- Heavy action with a 38” length designed to catch the trophy fish you have been dreaming of for so long
- Infinite anti-reverse
- Made by a company who has a long history of making quality products
- Made from high-quality solid graphite for extra sensitivity so you can feel the slightest nibble
- The cork is made of rubberized cork for a super comfy grip all day at any temperature
- The full-length reel seat adds even more power
Reviews
This rod has not received any bad reviews except for one that was damaged during shipping. Overall it appears that customers who purchased this rod were very happy with how everything worked and the comfortable grip of the handle.
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Quantum™ Ice Spinning Reel and Ice Fishing Rod Combo
This premium ice fishing rod and reel combo will surely get the job done and your belly full. It is made of high-quality materials and designed with the serious ice fisherman or woman in mind whether you are left or right-handed this rod will be a great addition to your gear bag.
Product features overview:
- Aluminum spool with a ball bearing drive
- Can be easily changed from the left or right-handed retrieve; no tools are necessary
- Comes with a 1-year warranty for manufacturing defects
- Designed for fast action with a 28”, 1-piece rod made from high-performance solid carbon
- Has multi-stop and anti-reverse for a solid hook every time
- Ultra-sensitive so you can feel even the slightest nibble
Reviews
Overall the people who purchased this ice fishing rod and reel combo have been satisfied. There have been some who complained that the tip breaks easily and one that mentioned the rod broke the second time he used it.
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Ice Fishing Basics
Finding What Works For You
Now that you have somewhere to begin, you should be able to find the right ice fishing rod to take on your next expedition. Just remember to focus on the features that mean the most to you and you will find a rod so you can catch that trophy fish you have been after.
Take reviews with a grain of salt, as what works for one may not always work for another. Be your own judge and go with what you think will work.
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Greetings! Very useful advice within this article! It’s the little changes that will make the most significant changes. Thanks for sharing!