Power
When the term power is used with respect to an ice-fishing rod it reflects how much force has to be exerted to make the rod bend. Ice-fishing rods come in four categories: ultra light, light, medium and heavy models. Just as an angler will choose an open water fishing rod to fit the fish species he goes after most often so should he choose his ice-fishing rod with the same thought in mind. Ultra-light rods are the best for panfish. Those using the light ice-jigging rods focus on species such as yellow perch. When after walleye and rainbow trout, a medium rod will do the best job. The heavy rods can successfully land fish as large as pike and lake trout.
Action
Action is a term that depicts where a rod flexes. The action of a rod is a major factor in how an angler can offer lures to fish and then play them once they have hooked them. Individuals that jig with artificial lures lean towards fast-action rods. The tips of these rods are supple and flexible and this is where the rod bends the most. The remainder of the rod will not flex. These rods can detect light hits by fish and still have the strength to bring a large catch up through the hole in the ice.
A medium-action rod is the option for anglers that prefer to send minnows and shiners down the hole and into the depths. These rods bend all the way to the middle of the shaft. This allows the person to move the bait up and down repeatedly and not shake it off the hook by the shock of the movements.
Graphite Versus Fiberglass
The vast majority of ice-fishing rods are either fiberglass, graphite or a composite of the two. Anglers know that graphite rods are more costly than the fiberglass brand. Graphite's advantages are that they are lighter and have more sensitivity than the other two types.
Fiberglass rods are prone to be less sensitive than graphite rods, but the better models are almost as good as graphite in this facet. Fiberglass ice-fishing rods have more bend than graphite rods and are more resilient. Graphite rods in the coldest of weather will become fragile. Graphite, though, is so sensitive that the person will feel the fish biting no matter how softly it nibbles.
Fiberglass is better suited for a method of ice fishing known as "dead-sticking." This involves suspending a lure or bait just above the bottom and keeping it motionless while waiting for a fish to come along and grab it.
Article Written By John Lindell
John Lindell has written articles for "The Greyhound Review" and various other online publications. A Connecticut native, his work specializes in sports, fishing and nature. Lindell worked in greyhound racing for 25 years.
