Select Rods & Reels

HT Enterprises

Here’s another serious ice company, with a long history and range of rod and combo series. In the Arctic Bay series (solid carbon rods), there are the DX, SLX and QX models, with low-profile aluminum oxide guides for enhanced sensitivity. DX rods have wooden handles; SLX rods, cork handles with twist-lock reel seats; and the QX have cork handles with removable seat rings. Lengths are from 25 to 30 inches. Also new: The Cysco Pro series, with cork handles, 4-bearing reels, and removable/adjustable coiled springbobbers, which snap on and off the rod with a foam clip. In 25- to 29-inch rod lengths.

Berkley

New is the XLE Ice Combo series with 4-ball-bearing reels. In 24-, 26-, and 28-inch rod models and solid offerings in classic lengths and actions. Check out, also, the LX Ice models—nice rods with affordable reels. In the Lightning Rod series there’s a new 24-inch ultralight combo.

Northland

Northland’s all-new Trick-Stick Classic ice rod and combos feature species-specific actions ranging from bluegills to trout and most fish in between. Rods range from 24 to 34 inches, and combos feature 2-ball-bearing (4.4:1 gear ratio) reels that come spooled and ready for action. The Trick-Stick Pro-Angler rods have a length range of 24 to 30 inches. Pro combos have a 4-ball-bearing spinning reel; select combos include 12- and 15-piece lure kits, and a few Super-Glo jigs come with the rods. Also, expect a one-year warranty on rods and reels.

St. Croix

This company is renowned for its Legend and Premier series of ice rods and combos, including the adjustable springbobber patented by Greg “The Prowler” Wilszynksi. The springs—stainless-steel plated with 24K gold—are sold separately in light, medium, and medium-heavy versions. New is a short (17-inch) Legend Sight Rod.

Rapala

Nothing new, but existing lineup of four ice combos features quality reels on solid graphite blanks, with full cork handles.

Frabill

Refinements are the order of the day in the established Frabill ice-rod and combo lineup, although a new series, called Fin-S, is debuting in three actions: two panfish versions, and one labeled perch-walleye.

An alliance has been forged with Custom Jigs & Spins, whereby a tackle selection suited to the rod comes with every Fin-S rod or combo. Similar added-value tackle packs also come with the established Panfish Popper and Enticer series, as well. All combo reels come prespooled with 4-pound mono, and are pre-lubed with Frabill’s Sub-Zero low-temp lubricant.

Shakespeare

The Razor Tip combos, with 24-, 26-, and 28-inch rods, are mated to 3-ball-bearing spinning reels. The rods are solid carbon blanks with graphite mesh handles. Existing Pro Touch Ice combos, with graphite blanks and cork handles, are available with a new Alpha 20 spinning reel. Ugly Pro Ice combos (durable ice versions of the famous Ugly Stik) are available with the new Prius 20 reel. These rods have cork handles featuring twist-lock reel seats.

Cabela’s

Three series of combos are in Cabela’s XML Ice combos, with 5-bearing Fish Eagle spinning reels. These are top of the line: Fish Eagle Ice combos, with 2-bearing Fish Eagle ice reels, and Whuppin’ Stick ice combos with single-bearing reels.