In ice fishing, as in any sport, having the best gear can make all the difference. And when it comes to rods, there’s no fish more worthy of your best gear than the walleye.
This list of the best ice fishing rod for walleye will help you choose the perfect one for your needs. We’ll be looking at five rods that cater to different needs and budgets, so you can find the best one for you.
Best Ice Fishing Rod for Walleye: Top 5 Picks
1. 13 FISHING – Tickle Stick Ice Fishing Rod
DESCRIPTION: 13 Fishing’s Tickle Stick ice rod is designed to take your walleye fishing to the next level. The Tickle Stick’s PC2 (Parallel Composite Construction) linear fibers allow 13 designers to create a completely flat tip which increases the angler’s ability to detect ascending and descending strikes. The flat tip also adds extreme rigidity to the blank by preventing the rod from rolling over, resulting in perfect hook-sets every time. The custom Evolve Reel Seat with hand-selected 3A Portuguese Cork handle and comfort rubber reel seat insert provide all day comfort. ALPS thin wire guides make this an incredibly lightweight rod that delivers superior performance on the ice!
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2. Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod
DESCRIPTION: The Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod is the perfect combination of strength and sensitivity for walleye anglers. The Ugly Tech construction combines graphite and fiberglass to create a rod that is lightweight yet durable, resulting in less fatigue when fishing long days out on the ice. The Ugly Tuff guides feature one-piece stainless steel guides that eliminate insert pop outs and create a smoother line flow. The Ugly Stik Clear Tip design adds extra strength, responsiveness, and optimal sensitivity. EVA handles provide a comfortable grip while you cast your line out on the ice. This rod is designed with enhanced cosmetics for a more modern look and feel than its predecessors.
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3. Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Spinning Rod
DESCRIPTION: The Fenwick® HMG® Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is a great option for anglers who want to catch walleye in the best conditions possible. With its solid carbon blank, it is sensitive enough to feel the smallest nibbles while being durable enough to handle hard runs. The lightweight stainless steel guides feature aluminum oxide inserts, allowing you to use the rod in any environment. The ergonomic reel seat ensures a solid connection between the rod and your reel, while the premium cork handle with TAC trim gives it classic good looks and an increased cold-resistance grip. With its plenty of features and great performance, you can’t go wrong with the Fenwick® HMG® Ice Fishing Spinning Rod.
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4. St. Croix Mojo Ice Fishing Rod
DESCRIPTION: The St. Croix Mojo Ice Fishing Rod is designed as a best-in-class ice fishing rod for walleye, trout, panfish, pike and more. Featuring a precision-taper solid carbon construction combined with a premium split-grip cork/EVA handle, this rod offers superior performance and sensitivity. The custom reel seat is ideal for all techniques and the Sea Guide lightweight stainless-steel guides provide smooth and efficient casts. This best-in-class rod is the perfect choice for any angler looking to up their game in 2023 and beyond.
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5. KastKing Konvert Ice Fishing Rod
DESCRIPTION: This two-piece combo includes a handle section and two tip sections, one of which is a Medium action and the other is a Medium Light action, perfect for the most popular lure presentations. The 100% Glass Blank construction offers superior sensitivity while brightly colored strike tips make it easy to detect even the lightest of bites. The 12” handle and 16” tip sections pack down easily into a 17” travel/storage case, making it an easy companion for any ice fishing adventure. Plus, extra high tenacity bands allow for secure attachment of spinning or inline reels so you never miss a strike.
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What Is Ice Fishing?
Ice fishing refers to the practice of catching fish through a hole cut in ice-covered lakes or ponds. It is a popular recreational activity, especially during the winter months.
Anglers typically use specialized rods and reels designed to catch fish through the ice. They also need other essential gear such as an auger for cutting holes and a sled to transport their gear.
Is Ice Fishing Safe?
Ice fishing is a safe activity when done responsibly. Anglers should always check the ice thickness before venturing out and follow best practices for safety. This includes wearing layers of warm clothing, carrying extra supplies in case of emergency, and never fishing alone.
Additionally, anglers should be aware of the laws and regulations governing their location to ensure they are fishing safely and within the law.
Where to Go For Ice Fishing?
Where you go ice fishing depends on where you live and what species of fish you’re looking to catch. Many popular species like trout, walleye, perch, pike and whitefish can be found in lakes throughout the United States. In the United States, popular destinations include Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, New York and New Hampshire.
For those looking to fish overseas, popular destinations include Canada, Norway, Finland and Russia. Check with your local Department of Fish & Wildlife or other natural resources agency for specific regulations and best practices.
What to Wear When Ice Fishing?
When it comes to ice fishing, the best advice is to dress in layers. This will help you stay warm and dry no matter the weather conditions or the length of your trip. Opt for waterproof, breathable materials like Gore-Tex or Thinsulate for best results. You should also bring along an extra pair of dry clothes just in case they get wet while out on the ice.
In addition to layers of clothing, you should also wear a life jacket and carry other essential gear such as an ice pick, a flashlight and a whistle.
How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Rod for Walleye?
When choosing an ice fishing rod for walleye, consider the following factors for best results:
Species:
When choosing an ice fishing rod, it is important to consider the species of fish you are targeting. Walleye require a medium-weight spinning or casting rod, as they often feed best when presented with smaller baits and lures.
Length:
Walleye tend to be found in shallow waters, so a shorter rod is best. Look for a rod between 5 – 7 feet in length to give you the best control over your line and lures.
Power:
Power is the amount of bend a rod has when under pressure. When it comes to walleye, opt for a medium-power rod as this will give you plenty of sensitivity and flexibility while keeping your lure in the best position.
Action:
The action of a rod is how fast it bends and recovers. For walleye, choose a slow-action rod as this will allow you to best feel the bottom and keep your lure in the strike zone for longer periods of time.
Sensitivity:
Sensitivity is an important factor to consider when choosing a rod for walleye. Look for a model with a higher sensitivity rating, as this will give you greater control over your presentation and help you detect even the slightest bite.
Reel Seat:
A good ice fishing rod for walleye should have a comfortable reel seat for long days out on the ice. Look for models with adjustable cushioned seats and ergonomic grips to best enjoy your time out on the lake.
Grips:
Grips are an important consideration when choosing a rod for walleye fishing. Look for models with comfortable and non-slip EVA foam or cork grips to best handle your rod in any weather conditions.
Price:
When it comes to price, there are many options available ranging from low-cost rods to more expensive models. Ultimately, your budget will determine the best rod for you, so consider what features best suit your needs and find a model that fits within your budget.
When choosing the best ice fishing rod for walleye, it’s important to consider all of these key factors. Species and length will be determined by what kind of fish you want to target. Power and sensitivity are both important qualities that determine how well a rod casts and plays fish. Reel seats and grips are also important considerations for best comfort and control. As your budget will be the decisive factor, ensure to acquire a fishing rod that meets all of your requirements and fits within your financial constraints.
What is the Best Ice Fishing Line for Walleye?
The best ice fishing line for walleye should be made of a low-stretch material, such as monofilament or fluorocarbon. Monofilament lines are cheaper and easier to handle, but lack the sensitivity and strength that fluorocarbon provides. Fluorocarbon is much more expensive but offers superior knot strength, abrasion resistance and sensitivity. Both types of line are best used in combination with a high-quality rod and reel to best target walleye.
When choosing an ice fishing line for walleye, consider its strength, diameter, stretch and knot strength. It’s best to opt for a line between 4 – 8 lb. test, a diameter of 0.25 – 0.30 mm and a stretch of 10% or less. For best knot strength opt for a fluorocarbon line with a rated strength of 90 lbs. or higher.
Best Components for Ice Fishing Rod:
When picking your ice fishing rod, you should consider a few key components. Reel seats should be adjustable and comfortable, with an ergonomic grip. Guides should be made from high-end materials like stainless steel to best resist corrosion and best line control. Blank construction materials like graphite or fiberglass will best determine the action of your rod, so choose your blank material wisely. Finally, best rods will come with quality cork or EVA foam grips to best handle the cold and wet conditions that come with ice fishing.
How to Hold an Ice Fishing Rod?
When holding an ice fishing rod, best practice is to keep your fingers slightly bent on the grip and avoid gripping tightly. Your hands should be relaxed, but still ready to detect subtle movement from a bite. The best way to hold an ice fishing rod while jigging or trolling is with your dominant hand at the top of the grip and your other hand near the reel. This will best put you in control of your presentation and best detect a bite.
What is the Best Walleye Bait?
When targeting walleye, the best bait to use will depend on the season and environment. In the spring, minnows are best as they imitate live food sources that walleyes feed on. During the summer months, leeches, night crawlers and liver can best attract these fish. As winter sets in, jigs and spoons best attract walleye, as the cold weather makes them less active. Experiment with different baits and lures throughout the season to best target these popular game fish.
Conclusion:
When it comes to best ice fishing for walleye, there are many factors to consider. The best rod should have the right power and sensitivity and also feature a comfortable reel seat and grip. Look for high-end components like quality guides and blank materials best suited to your style of fishing. Ice fishing lines should be low stretch with good knot strength and best suited for the season. Finally, best bait will depend on the time of year and best practice is to experiment with different options until you find success. With a little knowledge and experimentation you can best target walleye all year round!
