Ice rod advice needed – Clam Arctic Warrior

After seeing some friends using Clam’s Arctic Warrior tip up rig, I’m ordering one up.

I want to get a dedicated rod for this presentation but a little unsure for the best plan. Here’s what I know I don’t want to do: spend a bunch of money. I can’t see getting a sensitive custom graphite rod.

Are there good options for something that’s has a little better durability? Would fiberglass be a good material to look for? Action wise it would be a Medium light with decent backbone.

Thanks!

I run an iFishPro set up and use a M St. Croix and a ML St. Croix. They got designated to this duty because I didn’t like the cork in my hand compared to other rods when jigging. Both have worked great and are inexpensive.

I love the Arctic Warrior! I use them for crappies. I run just some cheap fiberglass rods with good backbone and decent reels.What I like most about the warriors is you can keep the bail of your reel open.

I don’t know a lot about this but have heard of people using ugly sticks. Low cost and durable.

The only things I don’t like about the Arctic Warrior is the weight, they are heavy and you have to carry another pole with a spinning reel on it, just another tangled mess waiting to happen or break.

I could see using these for Walleyes or other larger fish where a spinning reel and the need to fight the fish would be an advantage.

For Panfish like Crappies and Perch I prefer Tip Downs myself. Lighter, quicker to setup, very little to no resistance, uses cheap poles, just my preference for panfish.

I would use the cheapest pole that I could find that will work, but you will want a decent reel if fighting bigger fish.

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The only things I don’t like about the Arctic Warrior is the weight, they are heavy and you have to carry another pole with a spinning reel on it, just another tangled mess waiting to happen or break.

I could see using these for Walleyes or other larger fish where a spinning reel and the need to fight the fish would be an advantage.

For Panfish like Crappies and Perch I prefer Tip Downs myself. Lighter, quicker to setup, very little to no resistance, uses cheap poles, just my preference for panfish.

I would use the cheapest pole that I could find that will work, but you will want a decent reel if fighting bigger fish.

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This won’t be an every day set up. Going to try it as a replacement for a traditional tip up. The main use will be the Jaycee’s tourney in Brainerd, walleye tip ups, and where it’s deeper water. I get tired of trying to spool a regular tip up in 35 fow.

I’ve got a couple buddies that bring this to the Extravaganza and wanted to give one a shot for a while. Typically for panfish I run one nice rod and a bobber on the second. Haven’t tried tip downs yet but I hear you make some nice ones.

I try to get one new toy a year. Maybe next year I’ll give you a shout for some tip downs

I have two of them. I rigged both on a plywood base and added the Frabill Arctic Siren to it. It’s a blast when that thing gets a bite and starts flashing and screaming. I use a med St Croix on one, not sure of the second. As others said, a rod with a good backbone. I use a spinning reel on mine.

Noticed you’re in New Hope. I’m in Crystal.

Sounds perfect for what you want to use it for, I like the ugly stick rods for things like this, very tough yet a decent tip. Match it with a decent reel and you have a good setup. I add homemade St. Croix spring bobbers to mine and they can be used as a good jig rod as well.

If you would like pics let me know, it’s time to get my shack down from the lift now anyway.

Thanks guys for the advice. I was wondering if some of the recommendations would come back with an ugly stik.

As for the Arctic Sirens, I don’t think Frabill makes them anymore. Two years ago that was my gadget purchase to start the season. Last year I couldn’t find any and weren’t on Frabill’s website. Would love to pick up a couple more.