Hole Hopping Rod Length

Hey everyone, just wondering what length rod everyone likes/uses for hole hopping? Also what are the advantages and disadvantages with using a longer rod? Any recommendations for panfish?

I am of no help, but how on earth did you create that picture? (I’m artistically challenged)

Old secert

I like at least a 36″ rod when hole hopping outside – just keeps me from bending over so much. One disadvantage is that wind has a greater impact on the line and hence your bait action and ability to feel or see the bite. The action is really dictated by the bait size and target species.

36 at least. I put together a 40″ and 48″ this year.

I showed this spring in another post the other day. Its rigged into the tip of a 6 foot rod but goes right into the tip of a 5′ ultralight St.Croix open water rod for times I manage to get out on the ice. It works slick and hook sets are wayyyyyy easier with a long rod.

Wind can be a factor with a longer rod as mentioned but you learn to keep the tip closer to the ice and shorten the lift in your jigging cadence.

For outside, it depends on your preference but a decent rod length would be from 30-36″. However, there are times where a 26-28″ rod is handy for them windy days (warm enough to fish outside but windy).

Slightly longer is more useful so one wouldn’t have to lean over as much. If you are a kneeler than you can be fine with whatever rod of preference length.

I still personally prefer slightly longer rods 30″+ cuz then I don’t have to sit so close to the ice hole.

I use a 48″ pulsator rod and reel. Line goes through the center of the rod. I am tall and hole hop more than set on a bucket or in a shack. My back and neck thank me every fishing trip. Have been debating about getting a bit longer rod, but am afraid tha t on windy days the rod would whip around too much.

The majority of my ice rods are 40″ to 46″. Even when its single digits, I very seldom use my flip over, and even when I do, it not flipped over all the way. Mostly just a wind block.

reasons – better control, better sensitivity, more comfortable not hunched over a hole

I use my 16ft cane pole.