Rod Power Question

I have very limited ice fishing experience and am trying to determine the appropriate rod power for a new purchase. Open water rods typically state the recommended line and lure weight but I cannot find similar info when looking at ice rods. What are some general rules of thumb for ice rods? For example, a medium light ice rod should be used with 6-10 lb. line with lures 1/8-1/2 oz.

This rod will be used mainly for targeting walleye in my annual trip to Minnesota in a sleeper house. It will also see limited outdoor fishing, on lakes in central Iowa, that do have populations of walleye. I’m trying to determine the appropriate power rating and ideal length. Any guidance and wisdom is appreciated.

I think it depends on the water you are fishing as well as the technique you plan to use the rod for.

For jigging eater size fish I use a medium light action. 1/8-1/4 oz spoons. If you get into bigger spoons/fish maybe step up to medium power.

I run 6-10lb line on my setups again depending upon the size of the target fish.

I fish outside a ton and I like long rods. Most of mine are 36″ setups. I wouldn’t be opposed to running longer rods. I feel they load up better and are more efficient at getting good hooksets and keeping fish pinned.

If you fish inside that’s not always an option.

Rod rating seem different from rod company to rod company, same with ice rods. Go to sporting goods store, pay the $5 more than Walmart and ask the staff. They’ll usually steer you in the right direction

I agree, going to the store and holding the rods in person is important and I will before I finalize a purchase. Our local Scheels seems to have good inventory, the problem is finding a sales associate in Iowa that is experienced in ice fishing; maybe that’s an unfair assumption. I was hoping to have some education before I went in store so I had an idea of what I what I was looking for. I appreciate the responses so far.

The rod power should almost follow the same lure weight as typical full length rods. Of course each brand rating will vary. Due to that variation, it’s where one must fished the product to really get a feel for it and it’s all about lure weight and lure type.

In general I usually take an ice rod and personally rate it base on the best presentation of the typical round jig head weight. Most of the lure weights I’ve used are typically 1/8 oz. to 1/32nd oz. Typically 1/8 oz. weights performs their best on a ML rod to me. 1/16 oz. on L rod powers and 1/32nd or lighter on UL rod powers to me.

St. Croix rods are generally 1/2+ power more stiff than most other rod companies. For example a St. Croix Medium power rod will almost likely compared closer to a MH power in many other rods.

Don’t overthink it. A medium/light rod with 6-8lb mono should get you through most situations for one walleye rod.

Agree with what has been said so far. I run nothing heavier than 6lb test line on all my ice rods. If your going custom the fusion or precision by tucr or the shiver stick or gold digger by jt would be my choices. The shiver stick is lighter than the gold digger.

I’ve got a Fenwick Elite Tech ml that is too soft. My 13 Fishing White Noise ml is good. Scheels and Gander ml that are stiffer than both. I too like 6 lb braid. I may go down to 4 lb on the Fenwick for smaller spoons or maybe mono.

Thanks for the advice and responses. I was originally looking at the 13 Fishing Omen ($60) but at that price point, I’m thinking maybe it might be worth it to spend the extra $40-$50 to get a higher-end rod. Based on the feedback, I’m looking at the Thorne Bros. Perch Sweet Heart, TUCR Precision or JT Shiver Stick. Any pros/cons or recommendations for these rods? Should I pair with 500 or 1000 size reel?