How to Build a Fishing Ice Rod

ice fishing equipment image by Inger Anne HulbÃ¦kdal from Fotolia.com

Ice fishing rods are short, stout and designed to sit in a static position for long periods of time while slow-moving fish swim to the bait. Handles on ice fishing rods are typically primitive. Many handles are constructed out of several layers of duct or electrical tape. Fishing line is commonly attached to a string holder instead of a reel. Kite string handles make handy ice fishing spools in conjunction with the short rods.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Measure

Things You’ll Need:

Tape measure or ruler
18 inch section of 3/8 inch dowel
Marker pen
Wood or multi-surface epoxy
2 to 3 fishing guides (closed metal circles to guide the fishing line)
Duct tape
75 yards monofilament fishing line
Kite string handle
Fishing hook

Step 1

Measure five inches from one end of the dowel. Mark the five-inch end with the marker. Measure, from the five-inch marker point, six inches down the dowel and mark with the marker. From the first six-inch mark, measure a second six inches and mark with the marker.

Step 2

Glue one guide onto each six-inch hash mark using the epoxy. Keep the guides lined up straight so the guide circles are uniform on the same side of the dowel. Let the epoxy set and dry.

Step 3

Wrap several layers of duct tape around the first five inches of the dowel, up to the five-inch hash mark. Wrap until there is about 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch of tape around the dowel end. This is the handle of the ice fishing rod.

Step 4

Unwrap the fishing line from its spindle and wrap onto the kite string handle. Take the end of the line when finished and unwrap four feet of it. Beginning at the handle of the ice fishing rod (at the duct tape) thread both guides with the fishing line.

Step 5

Thread the fishing hook with the fishing line from the end of the fishing reel (at the end of the last guide, the opposite side of the handle). Wrap any excess line back around the kite handle. Push the hook into the wood of the rod to store it safely until ready to fish.

Tips & Warnings

Never ice fish with bare hands. Pick up fish, bait and hooks with gloves or nets to prevent frost bite or cold-induced injuries.

Resources

All About Fishing: Ice Fishing - Catching Fish in Winter

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...