Why Successful Ice Anglers Carry Multiple Ice Rod Combos

Getting by with only one ice fishing rod and reel setup is not an impossible feat. But why restrict yourself to just one option? Truth is, no single rod, reel and line combination can do everything on the ice, which is why it’s best to be prepared by having a few different ice rod combos on your hard-water adventures.

If you self-describe as “a multi-species ice angler,” you’ll want a few ice rod and reel combos for targeting different sizes of fish. Having a collection of combos also gives more flexibility for fishing different lure weights and specific techniques. This is why the Microtech Walleye Combo collection has five jigging rod options, plus one dead-stick model (read more about deadsticking walleye here). 

Carrying a rod case holding several ice combos rigged with different baits is an advantage when you need to make quick presentation changes. Panfish attracted to a VMC Tingler Spoon but shy about biting? Put that combo down and pick up the ultra-light setup rigged with a Tungsten Roach Jig.

Having a few setups in the rod case is also insurance against being sidelined by from a broken or malfunctioning rod combo. If one outfit isn’t fishable, simply grab another one.

No matter where you’re ice fishing in Canada, choosing what ice rod and reel combos are best for you starts with asking yourself a few basic questions:

• What types of lure presentations do I want to fish?

• What fish species do I want to catch?

Generally, a rod’s power rating is a good place to start for matching a rod to certain species and sizes of fish, as well as different lure weights. Think ultra-light and light rods for panfish, light to medium for walleye, and medium to heavy for trophy walleye, pike and lake trout. 

Tip: Learn about the best ice fishing rods for trophy fish here.

How you ice fish also influences the type of ice rod combos you like best. There are too many variables to cover in this short blog, but these two questions are important to think about.

Do you fish inside or outside?  

If you fish inside, you’ll need to match rod length to your ice shelter’s dimensions to prevent being cramped. Think about space for jigging as well as the hook-set. 

Rod length is also something to consider for times you’ll be fishing outside. A longer rod (e.g., 32+ inches) picks up line quicker, which is beneficial when hole hopping as well as executing quality hook-sets in deep water.

There’s a time and place for rods between 24- and 27-inches outside. A combo with a shorter rod can be easier for children to use than longer sticks. Shorter rods are often better, too, for sight fishing and tight-lining. 

Rods regularly used outside are often better to have large diameter guides to make ice build-up more manageable. A larger handle that allows for a more secure grip when wearing gloves is another feature to consider.

Do you need to “see” strikes?

Aggressive presentations often prompt hard strikes. Snap jig a Rippin’ Rap around pike, lake trout or walleye, and it won’t be long before you feel a rod-jarring attack that leaves no doubt a predator just ate your lure.

At the other end of the spectrum are finesse scenarios for inactive fish. For example, fussy crappie often swim up when eating a light jig. These light strikes are very hard to feel — and why using a rod with a sensitive, high-vis tip that provides a visual strike indicator is one of the best things you can do to come out on the winning side of tough-bite encounters.

Being able to fish for panfish to predators, using a variety of different presentation techniques (e.g., finesse to power jigging, and deadsticking), ice combos should consist of rods with varying degrees of rod-tip sensitivity. 

No matter the fish you’re after this winter, 13 Fishing’s ice rod and reel combos have got you covered. Below are highlights from the current line-up. Visit rapala.ca to learn more.

The supreme bite detection from the 29” Snitch Pro stick and its quick tip, combined with the performance of a spinning reel treated with Defrost Lubricant, ensure optimal performance in the coldest conditions when targeting panfish, walleye, whitefish and more.

This 5-combo collection features ultra-light to medium-mag Solid Toray Graphite rods with high-vis tips, and a reliable Wicked spinning reel. A great choice for jigging applications for a variety of fish species. 

This extensive series has light to medium-heavy Solid Toray Graphite rods, featuring ergonomic Evolve Carbon Divide-2 reel seats, teamed with a smooth performing Wicked spinning reel. Stellar jigging setups at a competitive price.

Solid fiberglass blanks make Sonicor Ice rods incredibly durable and strong. They’re also light, which compliments the lightweight graphite spinning reel with True Touch Handle ergonomics. Available in light to medium-heavy rod configurations.

Six different fibreglass rods paired with standout spinning reels give anglers the ultimate combination of performance and durability to chase this elusive fish species, using a variety of today’s most popular ice fishing tactics. 

This top-tier series offers ultra-light, light and medium-light rods featuring PC2 Flat Tip Blank Construction to decrease weight and increase sensitivity. FreeFall Ghost inline reel delivers exceptional precision and line management benefits.

The Omen Ice and Freefall XL combo excels at catching big predators. The 36 ton graphite 28” medium and 36” medium-heavy rods provide the optimum balance of strength and sensitivity. Large capacity, powerful Freefall XL inline reel with the patented Freefall Performance Window flawlessly manages the line while you battle the beast on the other end.