Looking for a new ice rod(?), Pan fish.

I bought a Simax 28" light action rod last year -- no longer available I realize.
I was hoping to get another similar rod for myself and maybe a couple for gifts.
Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

for me i really like ice rods that have bigger openings on the eyes especially the one at the tip, i find these ice up less when really cold but if you in a hut with heater this wont matter. I picked up the cabals brand combos last year and really like the short handle and it fit my hand nicely when pistol griping but rods are a personal preference. I have fenwick and St croix rods for lakers and whites but my pan fish rods range from cheaper brands like Berkley, Bob Izumi or ugly sticks. For pan fish i prefer a really sensitive tip for sight but have a good backbone to set hooks into Simcoe jumbo's, typically i prefer a light to Med-light as i find ultra lights are harder to get a good hook set. Another general rule of thump is shorted rods for perch and longer for big fish, the shorter rods are much easier to manage when dealing with perch at the hole.

Its a little more expensive($60) but i got a Tickle stick by 13 fishing, the tip is basically a spring bobber, you wont believe all the little movement you can see with this thing and the backbone is wonderful. Works great when they hit it lightly from below, always my go to for my active rod. Guides are small tho and can ice up when outside.

I agree with all these points. I have avoided rods will smaller eyelets for the reasons given. After "collecting" for years (the wife thought it was boarding on some fetish/disorder!), I have a variety that are used for different species and different setting (inside vs outside).
I had a blast with this rod perching, and some crappies as well.
KP - I'll look at the 13 series. Your right about the price -- ouch at $70 locally!

Picked up a Rapala concept ice rod and reel combo at sail today for $49.99, regular price was $149.99. It was pre spooled with suffix ice line 8lb test.

Does anyone have any experience with this rod/ reel combo.. i'm buying blind because of the sale price for my GF but can't find any reviews on it whatsoever!

I know there was some discussion about it last year when they debut it... Thanks for any input

Ya it was a treat with some xmas $$ but wow I cant see myself buying anything else for panfish, some days the bigguns can hit super light never know what it is till you set the hook!

13 fishing is my new favourite ice rod company. I have the Wicked combo in Ultralight. And the Hybrid Comfort Grip combo in medium light. Both combos are unreal panfish rods if you get the ultralight or light models.
Bass Pro has the Hybrid Comfort Grip right now for $49.99

Thumbs up for Fishing 13 and St Croix ice fishing rods. I have not seen better rods than those ones.

I have used many rods over the years and also have Rapala concept rods, which are not bad either but Fishing 13 and Croix are lighter, stronger and more sensitive.

Does anyone have any experience with this rod/ reel combo.. i'm buying blind because of the sale price for my GF but can't find any reviews on it whatsoever!

I know there was some discussion about it last year when they debut it... Thanks for any input

I just bought this rod and reel combo as well. The savings is amazing. I have a little experience with inline reels and I like them. This set up may be stay as is or be swaped out with some of my other gear.

I have had a rapala ice rod before and it broke while setting the hook on a big fish. Now this may have been my fault from poor handling though.

I have a 13 Fishing wicked stick ultra light that I use for pan fish and I love it.

My favorite set up that I have so far would be a abu Garcia medium rod with a phlueger reel. I love this for bigger fish as the reel is so smooth. I have found that the abu rod ices up at the tip if fishing outside.

Good luck finding something that works well for you.

I agree with the fishing 13 Tickle Stick. The tip is crazy sensitive and has a good back bone. Iv been using one now for a couple of seasons and its holding up better then i thought. Just make sure you store it properly with the tip straight on slack line. Also check out the Aetos, great rods for the money.

my fav ice rod is my cheapest,berkley lightening rod....i love it!

Is the rapala inline still only right hand retrieve?

Ripley: I agree on the Berley Lightning ICE. Great rod. I have a few of the LR28MS (28" medium) that I use for lakers in the flip hut. When room permits, I tried a couple of their AMP Ice BAMPICE38M (38" medium) last year. Also a decent ice rod and only $15.

The issue with finding a new fishing rod is the same as always. They look and sound good on-line, but not always the case when you get them in you hand. You can order as many as you'd like on-line. Finding them in stores is a different story.

Check out Thorne Bros. website. They offer custom build shop for ice rods. I have the Perch Sweetheart 30" and the Walleye Sweetheart 32". Both super nice rods.