8 Best Ice Fishing Rods
Carla Arbuckle
Rods continue to grow in complexity, and you will get disappointed once you picked the wrong one. Deciding what rod to use out on the ice depends a lot on where you are fishing and what you're fishing.
Here are the things you should be looking in a rod for it work well in ice: First, it should be highly sensitive, ultra-lightweight, and durable for it to serve its purpose pretty well.
Second, you have to take note of how the rods were designed. To get the best experience, you should make sure your rods sport modern touches and styles that present excellent aesthetics but also ensure a solid foundation.
Third, look for rods that have high-quality graphite since it will protect your rod from breaking, especially during encounters with hard-fighting fishes. An EVA grip is also essential, especially when hauling for big catches.
And, lastly, opt for rods that have corrosion-resistant for longevity.
We know these factors could overwhelm your decision on what Ice Fishing Rod you'll purchase. Hence, we've curated a list of recommended rods specifically designed for ice fishing.
8 Best Ice Fishing Rods
1. Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rods
2. Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
3. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
4. Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7' - Medium - 2pc
5. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Ice Fishing Spinning Rod
6. Cadence Spinning Rod
7. KastKing Crixus Fishing Rods
8. KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods
Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rods
The cork of Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rods is designed to be chip-resistant and durable. Although it has the same feels with traditional cork, it is more durable and better.
The stainless steel guides are lightweight, reliable, and corrosion-resistant so that it will last longer than your ordinary rods. The rod is made up of high-quality graphite, so it does not break easily. Perfect for ice fishing and pulling off large species of fish.
Pros
- Highly-sensitive tip
- Durable
- Corrosion-resistant
- Strong
Cons
- The tip of the pole - about 2-3 inches- may snap off over time.
Our Take
I think one of the remarkable qualities of a good rod is sensitivity. And this one has it. The rod is responsive but has enough backbone to wrangle in a 7lb smallmouth bass. It's a great all-around choice for a multitude of applications. Plus, the price will not hurt your pocket. Although this rod is made up of high-quality material, the company doesn't overprice. Overall, the rod looks great, and the cork is durable. Perfect for ice fishing.
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod provides dependable performance for anglers of all skill levels. Molded after the iconic Ugly Stik, this fishing rod offers better balance for a lighter feel, improved components, and a stylish modern look while maintaining the legendary strength and durability of the original.
The rod is crafted with a combination of graphite and fiberglass, producing a powerful yet sensitive rod that feels balanced in your hands. The spin rod's Clear Tip design reacts to even the lightest nibbles and strikes, while the durable and lightweight EVA grips offer the firm, comfortable handhold you need to overcome hard-fighting fish.
This fishing rod is suitable for all types of lines, including braids. It goes with a one-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides for ease of handling. Plus, the rod has a wind and sleek form and a modernized design suitable for ice fishing or under any weather conditions.
Plus, the company offers a 7-year warranty!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Well-made
- Versatile
- Highly-sensitive
- sleek
- strong
Cons
- Not corrosive-resistant
Our Take
The rod is very sturdy yet light to carry. The soft tip provides a better feel, so it won't be hard for fishers to identify what's happening underwater. Also, it reacts to every nibble of fishes, and quickly sends of information if the line messes up with seaweed or debris.
I also like the EVA grip feature of this rod, which offers the comfort you need while fishing. I think it is best that your rod not only provides convenience but also firm enough to hold so it would be easy for you to overcome hard-fighting fish.
I will recommend this to my friends. The rod can also be a birthday present or a beautiful gift for your husband, boyfriend, or family.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod is designed to make fishing more enjoyable and productive at the same time. It is constructed with the combined power of graphite and fiberglass material to achieve proper balance as well as durability. It also comes with Ugly Tuff, one-piece stainless steel guides that are both strong and durable.
The Clear Tip offers strength and sensitivity, so fishers can have the best feel of what's happening underwater. With its EVA grips feature, this rod sets in your hands comfortably and very light to carry.
Plus, the manufacturer offers a 7-year warranty!
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Highly-sensitive
- Easy to hold
- Light to hold yet sturdy
Cons
- Expensive
Our Take
The design of the rod is very modern and classy. I like how it looks, especially the handle. If you touch it, you can feel that it is made of high-quality material that offers good grips in the hands.
Plus, the stick is flexible. You can choose from its sizes: ultra-light and medium. Well, for me, I already have the 7 ft version of this rod, and it held up great. So if you have a fishing trip soon and is still undecided on what brand or type of rod to choose, you can add this one to your list.
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod 7' - Medium - 2pc
The Ugly Stik Elite is made with 35 percent more graphite for lighter weight while maintaining its legendary toughness. It delivers high-value performance for both pro and amateur anglers.
The cork handles offer a firm yet smooth handhold for more extended fishing. While the Clear Tip designed to be very responsive even to the lightest nibbles and strikes and applicable to all types of lines, including braid for ideal flexibility.
It comes with a one-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides for ease of use, plus a reel seats with cushioned stainless steel hoods that ensures your reel stays firmly in place.
Comes with a 7-year warranty to persuade customers, the Shakespeare Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod delivers professional performance at an affordable price.
Pros
- Lightweight
- 7-year warranty
- Durable
- Extra sensitive tip
- Flexible and strong rod
- Tough
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to hold and carry
Cons
- Not compatible with 4000 reel size
Our Take
I recommend the two pc medium 7' version for your fishing adventure. The tip is very sensitive and flexible. This means that it can easily send off information to the user every nibble and strike that it encounters below the water. Flexible tip means you can catch bass and other heavyweight fishes, but it will not snap off or break. Plus, it lets you fight back on hard-fighting fish.
Besides, the rod's design is pretty and classy. It is light but has a pretty good backbone, handling 1 to 2 oz sinkers with baits is just fine. The eyelets are of high quality and work with braid lines just fine, unlike some overpriced brands.
Shakespeare Ugly Stik Ice Fishing Spinning Rod
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik Ice Fishing Spinning Rod is designed to make fishing more enjoyable and productive at the same time. It is constructed with the combined power of graphite and fiberglass material to achieve proper balance as well as durability. It also comes with Ugly Tuff, one-piece stainless steel guides to eliminate insert pop-outs, which will last for a more extended period.
The Clear Tip offers strength and sensitivity, so fishers can feel every nibble and bite on the lures. With its EVA grips feature, this rod sets in your hands comfortably and very light to carry.
Plus, the manufacturer specially made this rod with enhanced cosmetics to achieve that sleek and modernized look.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Strong and flexible tip
- Durable
- Easy to hold with non-slip feature
- Strong pole
- Sleek, modernized look
Cons
- The one-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides are not corrosive-resistant
Our Take
This ice rod works perfectly for all anglers. It is designed with high-value fiber so it can withstand low-level temperature. The rod seems very sturdy and capable. Plus, the eyes are in alignment, and the reel mounting location works excellent on several different sized reels. Balance is also right and also really works in tight places, like under bridges, or brush shorelines (shore fishing). You can't underestimate the strength and power of an Ugly Stik rod.
Cadence Spinning Rod
Cadence fishing rod offers high-performance features at an affordable price. It is constructed with a 30-ton carbon matrix and a graphite blank to make it more durable than other rods. This rod is suitable for both freshwaters as well as inshore species like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder.
It comes with durable stainless steel frames, a comfortable Fuji reel seat, and a blank wrapped in carbon veil to enhance the durability. The rod has two handle formations such as carbon split grip and full grip using a premium cork and EVA To make fishing fun and enjoyable.
The stainless steel guides are equipped with SiC to avoid line sticking into the guides and minimize friction. Plus, it is portable and very light to carry so that you can bring it to your favorite fishing spot with ease.
The rod is sensitive enough: it sends vibrations from the line through the guide and to your hand.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Strong and flexible tip
- High-value
- Travel-friendly
- Ultra smooth and easy to hold
Cons
- The metal cap in the reel seat makes a disturbing noise.
Our Take
This rod is extremely light. Every part of it feels premium. It casts lengthy distances seamlessly. This rod has quite a bit of bend in it under load, but it has more than enough backbone to haul nice fish. In fact, I caught an 18-inch rainbow that weighed over 4 lbs on the trip. That fish was no match for this rod and reel. If Cadence does this good of a job with rods, I'll have to make it a point to try out their reels eventually.
Side note: Cadence donates a portion of their sales to help kids get out to fish. The project is significant to me as a fisherman and mainly one of the reasons I decided to buy a piece of their gear. So go and buy a rod from them immediately!!!
KastKing Crixus Fishing Rods
KastKing uses incredibly light and sensitive IM6 graphite blanks and premium components. The KastKing KastFlex IM6 is available from light to heavy, in lengths from 5' to 7'6" long. Each fishing rod is suitable in both freshwater and saltwater applications.
For this rod, the SuperPolymer handles offer exceptional feel, grip, durability, and slip resistance in all fishing conditions. It comes with stainless-steel guide frames with Zirconium Oxide rings used in all spinning and casting models so they can withstand the pressure of robust fishes. The guides perform flawlessly with fluorocarbon, monofilament, or braided fishing lines.
Plus, all Crixus fishing rods are constructed in 2-pcs for easy transport and storage.
Pros
- Durable
- Smooth cast
- Easy to clean
- Sensitive
- Slip-resistant
- Flexible rod
- Portbale
Cons
- Expensive rod and not budget-friendly.
Our Take
The first thing I like about the Crixus rod is the handle grip material. Usually, if your hands are wet and slimy, the handle will slip off from your grasp. Well, not with this rod.
Second is its weight. I've learned the hard way that fishing all day takes a toll on your dominant hand, wrist, and arm. Ounces make a difference. Crixus rods are the lightest.
And the strength of this rod is exceptional. No creaking or groaning while pulling of massively weighted fishes.
Lastly, Crixus is very light to carry. You will not get into trouble transporting the rod in your car or bag.
All in all, this rod is perfect for your fishing adventure. Get one now!
KastKing Perigee II Fishing Rods
KastKing uses incredibly light and sensitive Toray 24-ton carbon matrix KastFlex technology as the main component for its rod. The rod's line guides are made of Fuji O-ring material and high-end graphite for the reel seats.
The handle is fully secured with high-density EVA grips and a Saf-T-Keeper hook holder. ! KastKing Perigee offers two fishing rods for the price of one: Two-Piece Twin-Tip carbon fiber spinning rods and baitcasting rods. Each comes with two rod tips - Medium and Medium Heavy or Medium with Medium Light power.
Forget the old technology ugly fishing pole and step up your game with the new dynamic KastKing Perigee II spinning fishing rod for bass fishing, trout fishing, catfishing, or any fishing technique.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth cast
- Portable
- Travel-friendly
- Strong pole
- Durable
Cons
- No case
Our Take
The best thing about this rod is that it is: light, durable, and functional. I have owned at least several dozens of expensive rods. This one is even better than some name brand rods that cost three to five times as much. Besides, this rod has a spigot connection used on the expensive fly rods produced by companies like Orvis.
The rod feels like one piece, which in itself is impressive. I used to be against having a two-piece rod. Having used this, I changed my mind. Now, I like it better. I will use the two-piece rod from Kastking. Besides, there are two upper pieces interchangeable to suit the situation—what a great idea. Well done, Kastking!
