As I am sitting here this am getting ready to go go hook up the boat and head out to the water for some panfishing with the guys, I am sitting here thinking how much fun catching big fish on ice gear is. Here is my question….what do you guys prefer for rod action/length/reel combination for ice fishing for larger pike and musky. 100% catch and release for me (if possible)
We end up catching a lot both big pike and Pig walleyes ice fishing. Many of our large pike are laced up on jig sticks. If we are soley targeting the larger pike a Medium to Med. Heavy flex rod say 36 inches in the “Walleye Sweetheart” from Thorne Bros. will do a great job. Too often I believe guys use something a bit to stout. Too heavy of a rod can take all the fun away from the fight on something likely released anyway. Another thing to consider is if your jig stick is too heavy often times it won’t load up properly and with head shakes you’ll lose the fish without the lack of cushioning keeping the hook lodged. Line it up with a simple 10/2 powerpro and utilize a flourocarbon leader. For flags we’ll use simple tip up line and quick set rigs. Of course your reel is equally as important as your fishing rod, so whatever you choose be sure it has a smooth drag. 
Last year our customers landed 4 pike exceeding 20lbs through 8 inch holes!! Biggest walleye taped 30 inches on the nose out of 7 feet of water!! Must admit there is little in the world of freshwater fishing as exciting as crossing the eyes of a massive red mark on your Marcum!!! 
<img src="/wp-content/uploads/bbu_images/fishing/post_images/1314444
not trying2 be an a hole but musky fishing is illigal thru the ice after dec.1. just saying it’s unethical 2 intentionally fish for them
Sooooo……. if you get early ice (b4 December 1st) and can still target them, is it still ok???
I like a couple of suckers on quick-strike rigs on my musky rods, then drill a bunch of holes around the suckers and start jigging a Shumway’s Fuzzy Duzzit on another musky rod!!!
Mark
Chris..
Have ever tried long rods (IE: freshwater) musky rods???
I’ve seen this done on TV and it looks like a blast!
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Chris..
Have ever tried long rods (IE: freshwater) musky rods???I’ve seen this done on TV and it looks like a blast!
Typically speaking were in houses, but when we’re outside it would be interesting. I’m just not sold on being that far away from the hole while fighting a large fish. I love to peer down that 8 inch hole to see what’s going on and furthermore when that pike starts to head up the hole I think I’d begin to panic not seeing what is happening. With that being said it would be great for customers as you can be assured I’d have my face in the action!! What I am considering this year is a Med to heavy action jig stick left in a rod holder over a hole. clicker on to give nearly zero resistance if we coax a willing monster. I’m planning on tying a piece of thread on the line thus being able to see if something has pulled out line. Then give the juice to those big pike we may otherwise bring in hand over with tip ups. Putting a little thought into it, but expect it to be featured this ice fishing season, and hopefully with some success.
On the segment I watched they used a strike indicator that was a piece of yarn tied on the line….baitcaster set to freespool with the clicker engaged….
It was a 2 man operation though…… 
I’m going to try it this year.
That is precisely what I am going to try without the use of a long rod. I think it will be great fun!! I simply have to see what is happening down that hole though. I don’t think I’d ever sleep if I had a massive fish spit the hook that I never got a look at. Just the thought of it gets me grumpy!!
Tim and Chris are right on. Be looking to Thorne Brothers to craft you a rod, for a spinning or baitcasting reel, that’s a bit longer than you might be used to. I’ve got a 42″ Pro-glass I REALLY like for the big stuff. It’s about as durable as rod’s come, and its softer action really absorbs big head-shakes from lakers or big-pike. I pull the CJS blade baits with it for most of my toothy-critter presentations, where you don’t need the sensitivity of graphite. It brings the price-point down a bit, and makes them even more bullet-proof.
Joel
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