EricCO
12-03-2001, 04:56 PM
Anyone have any experience with their XML Ice Rods?
I don't have any direct experience with Cabelas XML rods.
However, over the years I have tried variations of nearly every fiberglass, hollow graphite and solid graphite - both ready made and custom that has come out in the last several years.
It seems that after trying them all - I have basically gone back to about two different rods.
1. a 28 inch medium light solid graphite that I use for jigging - walleyes, trout and northern.
2. a 36 inch "noodle" rod made of solid fiberglass that I use for everything else. Live bait rigging, dead rod, pan fishing, perching etc.
It seems that the combination of these two rods, basically cover every thing that I need for ice fishing.
Over the years, I have completely abandoned the use of hollow graphite rods. In the short lengths required, and the amount of flexability desired for these types of fishing - the hollow graphite rods are either too stiff, brittle, or too fragile.
The solid graphite rods that Thorne brothers make, as well as the Dave Genze rods that Berkley came out with last year, are excellent examples of durable sensitive light ice rods.
However, if you go to a solid fiberglass 24-36 inch "noodle" rod, you can use this rod for nearly any application, that a bobber would normally be used for; without the hassle of a bobber and all of its ensuing problems.
As well as a couple of ice rods mentioned above, I can't imagine fishing without an excellent depth finder. Because, I don't use a bobber, I find the use of a depth finder imperaytive, to insure that my bait is always at the depth desired - for the most productive fishing.
If I do happen to see a fish or "mark' come through at a different depth - than where my bait is suspened - the non use of a bobber, makes moving the lure to the depth of the "mark" an easy task, indeed.
I think that the key factors in the selection of an ice rod are
a. length - get the length that works for the style fishing you are doing - i.e. small shack, open ice etc.
b. Action - i.e. - noodle - for light or dead rod fishing, light for small baits or small fish, and so on as the bait,lures or sizes of fish dictate a heavier rod.
On this same vein - as you have a good drag on the reel, it is easy to land some very large fish on some very light action rods. Simply point the rod straight down the hole, and let your arms and the reel drag take care of the fishes runs etc. There is really no need at all to worry about the stiffness or softness of a rod - during these times.
Good luck and enjoy the hard water.
p.s.
Keep it simple -
one or two rods, a few hooks and or lures and a bit of bait and a depth finder - along with a source of heat and an auger - will let you catch all the fish you need or want.
Take care
REW
Troy/CO
12-04-2001, 08:15 AM
Eric you got some good advice from the last post. If you get with Jeff looney he will build you a nice set of ice fishing rods. You can pick the blanks and guides, its fun and you will learn alot about what to look for in an ice rod.
Troy
That's why.............
12-04-2001, 08:46 PM
this guy got so many votes for WC Member of the Year! Who is this guy anyway? Does anyone know REW???????