A shout out to 2 rod companies TUCR and Elliot rods Great Job!

I rarely get to St Cloud much. Just happened to hit Scheels during their ice fest sale this last weekend. While there I decided to treat myself to a couple of higher end panfish rods. My first stop was at the Elliot ice rod rack. To put it bluntly I generally am very wary of the Rep saying there product is the best out there and everyone else is inferior. Well I was really refreshed this time around. The Rep asked me first what lures do you use? Then what I do fish in house hole hope etc. Really asked me questions of what I wanted in a rod. I got a Elliot 30 inch noodle rod. I came back the next day because I had more time on my hands. This time talked with the rep from TUCR ice rods. Same thing really went in to depth on what lures techniques I wanted to fish went with a TUCR 30 inch bullwhip. I could be mistaken but I believe someone on here is the owner or works for them. Anyway I want to say thanks I was very impressed with both companies. I even brought up that I used 13 Tickle sticks neither one put them down at all that is what sold me. Maybe things have really changed in sport shows but these guys really seemed to want to satisfy my fishing needs rather than want they want you to buy. Even though I went with 2 different brands I’m really happy I put 2 13 Ghost in lines on going to try the inline again for shallower waters. Both are extremely sensitive with a lure on them even played in the bath tub yep got Ice fever that bad already. Anyway long winded but very happy with my 2 rods and my experiences.

That’s awesome to hear! I really believe you should choose the company as much as the gear.

Well said Dan!

I have been a Big Fan of TUCR for many years. I think i own 3 or 4 of their rods. I have not looked into Elliot rods but sounds like I may have to. If you are looking to add another rod down the road I’d look at the JT panhandler rod with the spring bobber built in. Of all the panfish rods I own I find that one in my hand about 80% of the time. I know others here who will disagree but I truly believe there are bites you will only see with the spring bobber that you will miss on a noodle rod. There are days that the panfish bite is just that light. There was a day I would not have believed it either but after being out fish probably 5-1 when my partner was using a spring bobber and I was using my TUC noodle rod I had to try one myself. Have not looked back. I still love to fish my TUC noodle rod when the bite is real good and they are biting well but on days when the bite turns real light and tough you will find the JT panhandler rod in my hands most of the time. I really wish that TUC would decide to build a panfish rod with a built in spring bobber. I think they are really missing out on lots of sales without one in their lineup.

You will not be disappointed with either purchase.
I will be interested to see which one you favor by the end of the season.

I currently have both rods and the bullwhip collects dust unfortunately. I love the Elliot rods.

Scheels has outstanding service, terrific store!

belletaine wrote:

Scheels has outstanding service, terrific store!

Went to the Scheels in Eden Prairie and I was blown away with the customer service. Glad I was in a bit of a time crunch when I was there because I probably would have spent a ton!

KP wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>belletaine wrote:</div>
Scheels has outstanding service, terrific store!

Went to the Scheels in Eden Prairie and I was blown away with the customer service. Glad I was in a bit of a time crunch when I was there because I probably would have spent a ton!

Haha yeah, I have to go in there with a game plan, and not deviate from it or I will be there for hours and a lot lighter in the wallet!

I am glad to hear Scheels has Elliot rods in stock. I have built on many of his blanks and have been wanting to get my hands on some of his ice rods to test. I just wished I was closer to one of their stores.

Rodwork wrote:

I am glad to hear Scheels has Elliot rods in stock. I have built on many of his blanks and have been wanting to get my hands on some of his ice rods to test. I just wished I was closer to one of their stores.

I think Scheels ships for free so you always could order them?

John is a great guy and I’ve known him since high school, so I’m pretty partial towards TUCR. They do make great rods. But I think a lot of other companies are also making great rods, which is great for the consumer because they have many options to choose from and generally will be happy with the product they go with.

As for the ice shows, the last few that I have worked and attended, I think there are still a certain amount of people that will trash other companies’ products but it’s smaller than it used to be. These days most of the consumers are so educated on the products that they can call BS very quickly. At the same time there’s a fairly good sense that everyone respects each others products. The overall quality of the gear that is on the market is very high across the board in my opinion.

I do see that Elliot does have a spring bobber rod in their lineup. I may have to give theirs a try and see how it compares to the JT panhandler. I actually wish they sold a shorter version ( Or someone did ) when fishing outside in the wind it often helps to keep the rod close to your body to block the wind. This would be easier with a shorter rod.

As Mahtofire said you can smell the BS factor quick. There is a rep still out there that was a walking infomercial pushing product. To me inferior junk. if you didn’t fish with this said product you were not even a fisherman. No thanks I’ll pass the online reviews if you look past the garbage can be very telling. Not basing it on this one individual but many were this way. I’m not one that is star struck nor do I feel any one is better than you are after meeting this person I changed my mind on what I thought that’s for sure I do not buy any of there products.

Mostly do online shopping Scheels is great. I needed to go back bought a hard sided rod case which was worthless not going to crush $200 rods with it refunded my money on my way

fishthumper wrote:

I do see that Elliot does have a spring bobber rod in their lineup. I may have to give theirs a try and see how it compares to the JT panhandler. I actually wish they sold a shorter version ( Or someone did ) when fishing outside in the wind it often helps to keep the rod close to your body to block the wind. This would be easier with a shorter rod.

I don’t own one, yet, but I’ve used the Inhaler on the ice and it’s a cool rod. All of their rods are so light!

Dh makes two rods with spring bobbers, Pannie Drop’r & Pantom, custom shop so they will make it any length you want. I’m sure there are some other true custom guys out there that would build what you want as well.

I hate to say it but now the addiction begins.I’m sure you will be pleased with those 2 rods pike.I have many TUCR’s and a couple of other customs and like them all.
I was in Scheel’s a few weeks ago and it was tough not leaving with a JT rod that don’t need.
I wish you good luck with them and you will enjoy them but be careful because you will want more.I hope your wife is very forgiving.

The 30” Bullwhip was also the first TUCR I bought. I’ve never regretted it. It really is an excellent and versatile rod. Everything from dink perch to decent pike. Like Chuck said, the addiction begins my friend. In addition to the Bullwhip, I now have 4 Precision Noodles (2-30” & 2-28”) and I just took delivery of a 30” Deadstick that I intend to use with my Okuma baitfeeder for some pike.

Hmm might have to release some info early.

John

fishthumper wrote:

I have been a Big Fan of TUCR for many years. I think i own 3 or 4 of their rods. I have not looked into Elliot rods but sounds like I may have to. If you are looking to add another rod down the road I’d look at the JT panhandler rod with the spring bobber built in. Of all the <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>panfish rods I own I find that one in my hand about 80% of the time. I know others here who will disagree but I truly believe there are bites you will only see with the spring bobber that you will miss on a noodle rod. There are days that the <em class=”ido-tag-em”>panfish bite is just that light. There was a day I would not have believed it either but after being out fish probably 5-1 when my partner was using a spring bobber and I was using my TUC noodle rod I had to try one myself. Have not looked back. I still love to fish my TUC noodle rod when the bite is real good and they are biting well but on days when the bite turns real light and tough you will find the JT panhandler rod in my hands most of the time. I really wish that TUC would decide to build a panfish rod with a built in spring bobber. I think they are really missing out on lots of sales without one in their lineup.

tucrs wrote:

Hmm might have to release some info early.

John

Do Tell !!!!

I’m all ears John lookin for my next big score.