13 Fishing’s New Ice Fishing Combos, Rods And Reels

With the cool weather here, now is the time to get geared-up for the upcoming ice fishing season. If you’re planning to add some new ice fishing rods and reels to your collection, the latest releases from 13 Fishing are a good place to start your search. Here’s a sneak peak at the brand’s new hard-water products.

The Snitch Pro Combo ($114.99) is sure to be a hit with anglers. Showcasing upgrades to the previous Snitch design, the combo’s 29” spinning rod has a solid graphite blank for plenty of backbone and sensitivity. Strike detection is further enhanced via the flex-core, quick tip that signals even the lightest of bites. This versatile rod excels at panfish jig presentations, but is equally competent used in conjunction with size 2 to 5 Jigging Raps, jigs, and VMC Tingler and Bull spoons for panfish as well as smaller sized whitefish, walleye and trout.

The Snitch’s Custom Evolve Carbon Handle pairs seamlessly with the reel’s contoured arm for all-day jigging comfort. Expect reliable, smooth operation from the spinning reel thanks to its seven ball bearings and low-temperature, Defrost lubricant.

Dressed with an engaging, primary-colour cosmetic, Ambition Combos ($49.99) are every bit as functional as they are visually appealing for young ice anglers. The fibreglass rod blank delivers reliable performance for jigging, detecting strikes and playing fish topside. Important, too, is the blank’s contribution to the rod’s no-nonsense ruggedness; a characteristic strengthened from its stainless steel guides.

An Ambition ice rod isn’t all brawn, however. The Finesse Skeleton Reel Seat and reel handle are contoured and proportioned to ensure a comfortable grip with small hands and a better overall fishing experience for children.

Ambition Combos come in two rod options. The 24” ultra-light model is ideal for panfish adventures using small, light ice jigs and spoons. The 26” light version a versatile rod capable of fishing various jig and lure presentations for perch and crappie, as well as small to mid-sided walleye, burbot, stocked trout and more.

13 Fishing’s original release of the Tickle Stick in 2014 sent shockwaves through the fishing industry and quickly gained a huge following among discerning ice anglers that continues to this day. Not a brand to rest on its laurels, 13 Fishing has been continuously improving this legendary ice rod over the years, and nowhere is this more true than the 2023 Tickle Stick series ($84.99).

The Tickle Stick’s Custom Evolve Reel Seat and handle see refinements, resulting in enhanced ergonomics, balance, sensitivity and durability. The rear handle materials consist of premium 3A Portuguese cork and a comfort rubber grip.

Unchanged is the Tickle Stick’s iconic PC2 Flat Tip Blank Construction, ALPS Thin Wire Guides and Hi-Vis Tip. As such, anglers can expect the same efficiency, durability, and off-the-charts sensitivity for detecting ascending and descending strikes from the latest generation of this renowned rod series.

All popular Tickle Stick models remain, including: the 23” ultra-light, the 27” ultra-light, light, medium-light and mag-light versions, the 28” medium and the 38” light model. The newcomer is a 28” medium-heavy Tickle Stick, which is certain to find a legion of fans among anglers who regularly need to coax bites from big walleye, whitefish, lake trout and more.

True to form, 13 Fishing releases a Special Edition Black Betty ($229.99) inline reel for the 2023 ice season. Wrapped in a lightweight carbon fibre frame, this limited release reel is kitted-out with quality, eye-catching Trick Shop Spool, Star Drag and Handle components, and available in either a left- or right-hand retrieve with a 2.5:1 gear ratio.

As you’d expect, the Black Betty 2023 Special Edition offers the typical laundry-list of 13 Fishing’s advanced inline reel technologies. Some of these include the FreeFall Performance Window and Magnet Drop Speed Adjustment for exceptional line management; FreeFall Trigger and Instant Stop Anti-Reverse for immediate hook-ups; and, an ultra-smooth, reliable carbon drag system for flawless battles.

The Black Betty FreeFall Carbon Northwoods Edition ($184.99) is a premium, inline reel, featuring iconic Northwoods spool design graphics. Looks aside, the Northwoods Edition boasts plenty of high-performance attributes.

Topping the list is the one-finger operated FreeFall Trigger. Pulling the trigger instantly sets the reel in free spool; release it and anti-reverse is immediate. The precision this provides dramatically enhances presentations and, subsequently, helps anglers catch more fish.

The Northwoods Edition’s lightweight, carbon fibre frame, magnetic drop speed adjustment, carbon drag system, aluminum paddle handle and EVA tech knobs are other standouts. Left- and right-hand retrieves available in a 2.5:1 gear ratio.

Be sure to add fresh fishing line to reels before the season begins. New Advance 100% Fluorocarbon Ice Line provides the ultimate in cold-weather fluorocarbon performance, clarity and super sensitivity. Those preferring the characteristics of mono will find Advance Ice Monofilament exceeds all expectations.

13 Fishing together with Rapala and other Rapala respected brands, have all the gear you need to be successful on the ice. The new products described above are just a sampling of the quality ice fishing rods, reels, combos, lures and other gear you can find by visiting rapala.ca.