Hard Water Show Ice Fishing Podcast
Sports:Wilderness
In this episode of the hard water fishing show Jeff and Jason talk about ice rod trends.
- Jason tells a story about the time the bait bucket iced up the fishing rods.
- Don't put your leaky bucket next to your reels. Jeff wants to figure out how to be a beer can story writer.
- We are looking for a future guest who is a professional beer can story writer.
- Jeff Sings (prepare yourself) Real men of Genius, Mr. Beer Can Story Writer!
Beer
Jason admits that bud light is not an old man beer, but totally redeems himself by cracking open an American classic born in the land of the sky blue waters, a Hamm's. Jason pairs his Hamm's with an iced oatmeal cookie from his custom built iced oatmeal cookie dispenser.
[put iced oatmeal cookie picture here]
Jeff is drinking a Kid Kölsch from New Glarus Brewing https://newglarusbrewing.com/beers/ourbeers/beer/kid-klsch. It is a great beer from Wisconsin.
Gear Flame King Heaters https://amzn.to/3kNWEjNFew More Details on the flame King Heaters
- They are a little more expensive and weigh a bit more.
- It comes with a thermostat vs low, medium or High.
- Buy one and give us a review, we would like to learn more about this heater.
Buddy Flex Heater
- It has surround heat because of the shape
- Is said to be less sensitive to bumping than the buddy heater
- Has an accessory to put a cooker on the side, Jason is skeptical if its a good thing.
- Buy one and give us a review, we would like to learn more about this heater.
Super Capacitor ( Not Flux Capacitor) https://amzn.to/3coztIm
- Used to start your car from a low battery.
- Not for time travel
- Could be better than a jump pack.
- Will it work at -30 we are not sure
- Never tried this but would like someone to and see how it works out on the ice or in the cold.
Versa Auger Carrier https://icerunnerhouses.com/versa-auger-carrier/
- something to carry your auger outside of your ice shack on your snowmobile or ATV.
- having quick access to your auger makes you more mobile.
Mudhole.com - rod building supplies https://mudhole.com/
A place to get everything you need for ice fishing. ( no we are not sponsored, just a cool site)
Ice Fishing Rod Trends
We go in depth in ice fishing rods, we go down the rabbit hole. Ten pages of notes to talk about ice fishing rods, so buckle up.
- Weight is a big deal in a rod
- bent handle rods are not talked about here, maybe called the duck
ActionFrom Overton's https://blog.overtons.com/fishing/how-to-choose-perfect-ice-fishing-rod
Fiberglass and Graphite are the two main options. Graphite is more popular and sensitive, but fiberglass still has a place in the ice fishing world. One of the main benefits of fiberglass is they are more durable than graphite, and you will have less broken rods. Jason compares rod quality to 100% orange juice and 5% juice. Pay attention to the action of the rod and not just the price. If you get a cheap combo that is slow action you are going to struggle. The action of the rod is more important than what it is made of at lower price points.
We both agree that buying rods and reels separate is better than combos generally.
SeatJeff and Jason both agree that bands do not hold your reel on your rod. If you get a reel the best way to wrap your reel with electrical table then put the reel on and they put another layer electrical tape. That way you don't damage your cork. Low end rods typically come with a seat, high end rods do not.
Eyelets/GuidesJason pays attention to the first guide, if its to small it freezes up. Having two different rods one for outside with bigger guides and smaller guides for inside.
Heated Eyelets vs Not
Jason found a patent for heated eyelets on a ice fishing rod. This could be great or the next jig up. Jeff imagines that this ice rod could look like a Ghostbusters proton pack.
https://patents.justia.com/patent/20170325439
Split Grip v Full Grip
Split grip is suppose to be lighter more sensitive, better balance and they look cool. Full grip is more traditional. Jason says it really does not matter when you have gloves on. Jeff is told by sales person at Cabela's that men of a certain age like the full grip, and was in that category.
Jason recommends putting your finger on the line and take the rod out of the equation.
Foam v Cork v Carbon Grip
Jason and Jeff both prefer cork. EVA foam can be more durable than cork. Jason has found that if you take the plastic wrap off the cork before you use it you may feel the fish better. Even if the plastic makes your cork look nice longer.
Carbon is something neither one of us has used, but think it might be pretty sensitive.
Rod Covers and Lure Covers
Use rod slicks and lure covers to keep your rods safe. Here is an example https://bit.ly/30FGTEH I also like the lure covers like these that allow you to keep the lures on without making a mess. https://amzn.to/3nsVcW2 I have not used this specific brand but have similar ones and they work great.
Legend
A legend from ice fishing related to a cell phone.
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