Posts: 3,336
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2005
Reputation:
0
[black][size 3]The time for Ice fishing is nearly upon us. And once again, I am looking to enhance my fishing experience.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]I have been looking for a new jigging rod for a while now, and have not found any that seem to be what I think I want. I already have a number of ice rods and rods that I have traditionally used for jigging on both hard and soft water, but, they always seem a little too long or a little too short for the application.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]TubeDude has already said that he would assist me with building one, but, before enlisting his help, I would like to get a better idea from other folks as to what their experience has been so I can decide on exactly what it is that I would like to try.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]I am looking for a rod that is somewhere around 3 - 4.5 feet in length and is suitable for fish of the 2 - 8 pound range(maybe larger), that I can use for either soft water and hard water fishing. I have both casting reels and spinning reels that I jig with. I like to stand up when I fish.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]So here is my question:[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]What size jigging rod do you use and for what application ? [/size][/black]
[signature]
Posts: 3,301
Threads: 1
Joined: Aug 2002
Reputation:
0
[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 2][#002850]Let me chime in here a little bit. I ain't going to say what a good length should be for ice jigging but I am going to describe an ice jigging pole that I sure would like to have for myself. The only ice fishing that I currently enjoy is for mackinaw. I would LOVE to own a high quality M-H (medium heavy) bait cast rod to hold a level wind reel. I would like it's length to be about 3.0 feet in front of the handle (about 4 feet overall length).
So Tube Santa Clause Dude, if you're reading this reply, you now know what I want for Christmas.
[/#002850][/font][/size]
[signature]
Posts: 36,169
Threads: 307
Joined: Sep 2002
Reputation:
62
[cool][#0000ff]I have built 4 rods this past year on Cabelas "Custom Graphite" Rod blanks, in 5 1/2' length...two for baitcasting and two for spinning. Although they are on "med light" fast blanks, they have plenty of power to fish heavy jigs for pretty stout fish. If you could find them in medium or medium heavy they could be cut down (from the butt end) to any length you REALLY want. I like them in the longer length because I do not fish in a tent. I also like them because they are ideal for jigging from a tube (or boat).[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]BLM has really gotten into making his own rods the last year. It can be addictive (look in my garage). Although you can find some bargain prices on blanks, you don't build your own rods just to save money. You do it to get exactly the length, action, guide placement, handle length, etc. that fits you and your style of fishing.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]It is something that seems strange and foreign until you see it done (like fly fishing). But, once you go through the basic steps it is really simple to learn and progress.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]James used to conduct rod building classes at Hooked, but that is no longer available. Utwalleye is moderator of the Rod Building board on BFT and he and I had talked about setting up some rod building classes. If anyone is serious about doing it, we can help you select your components and then have a couple of sessions to put them together.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
Posts: 2,084
Threads: 15
Joined: Nov 2002
Reputation:
0
Hey Pat, that idea is still up with me, with the hard deck fishing just around the corner this would be a good time to try a set somthig up. maybe in Nov. some time, anybody up for that ??? monday or tuesays are good for me. later chuck
[signature]
Posts: 15,611
Threads: 1,326
Joined: Feb 2002
Reputation:
16
I'd enjoy a class in rod building. I only have about 25 rods, and with it becoming legal to fish with two rods on Strawberry in 68 days (but who is counting[  ]) I could use some more rods.
[signature]
Posts: 3,301
Threads: 1
Joined: Aug 2002
Reputation:
0
[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 2][#002850]I have built one rod before (with James at Hooked). from that experience, I learned that I can normaly be satisfied with many of the comercially available rods out there when it comes to non-ice fishing. But I think to get the ice fishing rod I described above, I just may have to build it.
So ya ... I'd be interested in building a rod being tutored by Tube Dude or UTWalleye or both.[/#002850][/font][/size]
[signature]
Posts: 36,169
Threads: 307
Joined: Sep 2002
Reputation:
62
[cool][#0000ff]You are right. There are some surprisingly good rods available at surprisingly low prices. Sportsmans, Wally World and other mass marketing tackle purveyors sell some pretty nifty rods for prices below what I can buy a second rate blank for. It is foolish to spend more than you have to for something if you don't need or appreciate the difference in quality...or don't need a designer label rod.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]You are also right about ice fishing rods being an area where custom is often the only way you will get exactly what you want. With the variety of waters and the range of species we have in Utah for ice fishing, it is impossible to get by with only one or two sticks. You CAN do it, but the enjoyment level of having the right stuff is so much higher with a custom rod.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]As I PMed you, I am writing a basic guideline for shopping for rod components and basic rod building lingo. I will post that up when it is finished for anyone who wants to get involved. Then we can set a schedule and go for it.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
Posts: 891
Threads: 0
Joined: Nov 2002
Reputation:
0
Old_Coot and FishHound,
This is a rod that I picked up from Sportsman's WH two seasons ago, marked down to 14.99. It is 42.5 " long and is my favorite rod for ice fishing and has mostly caught panfish and trout with it. I put a baitcasting reel with it because I hate dealing with coiled mono which is ever present with spinning reels on ice. It is medium-light action with Fuji reel seats and I've been impressed with it ever since I laid my eyes on it at SW. Maybe a stop at Sportsman's Warehouse and maybe Cabelas would be a good idea in search for that perfect ice rod. This rod is a tad too long for use in my ice shelter, so my next favorite ice rod is a Berkeley Lightning Ice rod also with a baitcasting reel. Good luck guys in your search for that 'perfect rod'! Attached are pics of the 42.5" ice rod.
[signature]
Posts: 3,336
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2005
Reputation:
0
[black][size 3]Hey there you Old Coot,[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]It looks like you and I are thinking about basically the same kind of rod. [/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Here's our theme song to the Beatles tune "Hey Jude"[/size][/black]
With appropriate appologies to John, Paul, George and Ringo.
[black]Hey Tube, Dude make our rods.
Take a rod blank and make it shorter.
Remember, to let us help with the rods,
Then we can al-so make them shorter.
[/black]
[black]Hey Dude, don't be afraid.
You were made to go out and make ice rods.
The minute you let us under your stairs,
Then we will begin to make them shorter.[/black]
[black]
And anytime you feel the pain, hey Dude, refrain,
Don't carry our rods upon your shoulders.
For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool
By making his world a little colder.[/black]
[black]Hey Dude, don't let us down.
You have found parts, now go and get them.
Remember to bring them back to your place,
Then we can start to make them shorter.
[/black]
[black]So get stuff out and let us in, hey Dude, begin,
You're waiting for someone to wrap rods with.
And don't you know that it's just you, hey Dude, you'll do,
The movement you need is on your shoulder.
[/black]
[black]Hey Dude, don't take it bad.
Take a rod blank and make it shorter.
Remember to let us into your house,
Then we'll help to make them
Shorter shorter shorter shorter shorter shorter oh.
na na nananana, nannana, hey Dude...[/black]
... repeat ad infinitum et ad nauseum...
[signature]
Posts: 3,336
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2005
Reputation:
0
[black][size 3]Hey TD,[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]Sign me up ! I'm still doing the R&D and gathering some data on the technical details. [/size][/black]
[signature]
Posts: 3,336
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2005
Reputation:
0
[black][size 3]Hey Kastmaster,[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]What is the brand name of that rod you got there ? That one looks about as close to what I am thinking as anything else commercially available that I've seen yet. Do you know if they still have(or make) those rods ?[/size][/black]
[signature]
Posts: 744
Threads: 0
Joined: Mar 2006
Reputation:
0
Well done Fishhound
[signature]
Posts: 36,169
Threads: 307
Joined: Sep 2002
Reputation:
62
[cool][#0000ff]Yeah, there was a measurable seismic occurance in the eastern United States this day. Nay, it was not an earthquake, but only the vibrations from the rapid revolutions of John Lennon spinning in his grave.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Very creative Hound Man. You really need to go fishing more often.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I will still let you into my tackletorium, but only if you promise not to burst into song...singing your new "arrangement".[/#0000ff]
[signature]
Posts: 36,169
Threads: 307
Joined: Sep 2002
Reputation:
62
[cool][#0000ff]That looks like a great little rod, especially for the price. I can't buy either a blank or a cork handle for that money. I am always amazed at some of the "ready made" rod deals you can find if you are diligent...and lucky.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One of the GOOD things I perceive in that rod is the guide setup. On those short rods, using a casting reel, you really need that first guide to be close to the reel. Otherwise, when you are bringing in a fish the rod "torques" and rotates so that the guides roll over to the bottom of the rod. Can you say "splintered rod"? I knew you could. If that happens on a big fish you will invent some new words too...or give new emphasis to some of the old ones.[/#0000ff]
[signature]
Posts: 3,336
Threads: 0
Joined: May 2005
Reputation:
0
[black][size 3]Wow TD,[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]I'm hurt ! Why would you say such a thing when my hounds really really like it when I break out into song and belt out a tune - OK, at least they are politically correct enough to pretend to.[/size][/black]
[black][size 3][/size][/black]
[black][size 3]You are too right about not fishing enough - here's my personal theme song in that regard: By Tommy Shaw.[/size][/black]
[black]Sitting on this barstool talking like a damn fool
Got the twelve oclock news blues
And Ive given up hope on the afternoon soaps
And a bottle of cold brew
Is it any wonder Im not crazy? is it any wonder Im sane at all
Well Im so tired of losing- I got nothing to do and all day to do it
I go out cruisin but Ive no place to go and all night to get there
Is it any wonder Im not a criminal?
Is it any wonder Im not in jail?
Is it any wonder Ive got
Too much time on my hands, its ticking away with my sanity
Ive got too much time on my hands, its hard to believe such a calamity
Ive got too much time on my hands and its ticking away from me
Too much time on my hands, too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands
Well, Im a jet fuel genius - I can solve the worlds problems
Without even trying
I have dozens of friends and the fun never ends
That is, as long as Im buying
Is it any wonder Im not the president
(hes not the president)
Is it any wonder Im null and void?
Is it any wonder Ive got
Too much time on my hands, its ticking away at my sanity
Ive got too much time on my hands, its hard to believe such a calamity
Ive got too much time on my hands and its ticking away from me
Too much time on my hands, too much time on my hands
Too much time on my hands[/black]
[signature]
Posts: 891
Threads: 0
Joined: Nov 2002
Reputation:
0
Sorry, it's a no-name brand. No writing on it at all, methinks it was a custom rod that somebody returned by mistake?!? Could have had a tag on it, but I remember when I bought it, there was just a price sticker on it. I also remember seeing another pole just like it but way too light for my needs. I am hoping Sportsman's Warehouse would have the same rods this year. I would like to pick up another one with a stiffer action for Strawberry cutts. I'll let you know if I ran across similar poles.
[signature]
Posts: 2,286
Threads: 1
Joined: Aug 2006
Reputation:
0
I am always up top learning new things especially if it involves building something. If you all decide to do this let me know. I bet Waasatch801 would be down for it.
PS:
I will bring the Brownies
Majja
[signature]
|
