Ice rod building

Hey guys. Looking for some insight on a good place to get all the supplies to start making my own ice rods. I’ve been researching the blanks, guides and handles but not sure exactly where I can get everything else or where that place would be. I did see a startup kit on mud hole but curious if there are anymore like that out there. Just looking for some options. Thanks guys

I think mud hole is where a lot of guys start. I’ve looked into building for a while. Every time I add up the cost of the components and materials the price of a custom rod doesn’t seem so bad. Jann’s net craft has stuff too. I’d see if there are any old timers that you could tuck in under their wing and learn from. As I understand it, ice rods are harder to make than full size rods.

Any Rod shop like TUCR or Thorne bros, I’ve purchased stuff such as wrap, handles and guides from both. John @ TUCR and Lonnie @ Thorne Bros are both helpful. They are competitive with Mudhole on prices but typically cheaper/faster shipping and more familiar with what your building if you need advice! Rod building is rewarding and just as addictive as buying custom rods, Have fun!

I understand the initial startup cost but I like to make my own equipment and my friends have showed interest in buying some. Sure I can spend the money and buy a custom but I sure wouldn’t have the satisfaction I would with a rod I built when the first fish comes top side.

Thanks for the help

I have gotten the majority of my supplies at mudhole but you could also check out Sportsmen’s Direct or Angler’s Workshop. I really like the extreme taper blanks from SDI plus they also offer a flat tip blank like the ticklestick from 13 Fishing.

sportsmensdirect.com

Rico, PM me I can help you, I am playing it forward because thats how I learned now giving back.

Brian

Capra’s has Loomis a d st Croix blanks for like 6 bucks then get the rest of the stuff from Thorne brothers

Sam wrote:

Capra’s has Loomis a d st Croix blanks for like 6 bucks then get the rest of the stuff from Thorne brothers

do you have a link to this? thanks

Guys, I have a question: I’m trying to buy rod seats for ice rods but don’t understand the 16’s and 17’s and there is no ID and OD in the Mudhole catalog for those. I don’t like their standard handle kits and am trying to customize a bit. Thanks!

the “16 17 18 ” is the ID in MM.