I just got one of the 5cv and picked up an ice transducer for it, the 8hw-if. Should have good ice here in a couple weeks. I’ll let you know how it goes. Costco here was clearing out 5cv’s about a month ago for half the price they normally go for. Excited to give it a try.

I went electric this year and have no regrets. I’ve got an Ion X 8 inch and love it. I’ve left it out in the cold intentionally to see how the battery held up. No problem at all. I’m sure I read at least a thousand reviews on various sites before making the investment. Both the Ion X and StrikeMaster 40v get consistently solid reviews. Either one would be a great purchase.

I started with the Mudhole ice rod turnkey kit and was happy with it. Mudhole and Sportmans are both good. Customer service at Mudhole wa great when I needed it. Basskhang also has some very nice blanks. I really liked their perch and walleye blanks. Cheers

If you want to keep the line lighter but have pike around try switching to circle hooks. Pike break line when it is dragged over their teeth. A circle hook will catch on the edge of thier jaw, most of the time, and the hook shaft, rather than line will be in their teeth. Still a chance the pike will roll and the gill plate will cut you off but I’ve personally had far fewer break offs since switching hooks. Just a thought. Good luck and tight lines.

I wasn’t able to order from Basskhang last year when I originally posted this – they were sold out. This fall I ordered their lake trout, perch and walleye carbon blanks as well as a medium heavy glass dead stick. I’m very happy with all the blanks. I have the walleye stick on the rod dryer now and have to say it is a super nice blank. Nice, light tip and solid backbone – exactly as advertised. I’ve built on blacks from Mudhole, Jannsnetcraft and Basskhang. I would highly recommend the Basskhang walleye carbon if anyone is looking for a blank for chasing eyes. Thanks again for the recommendations everyone. Tight lines – the ice is almost here!

Jig a Whopper Hawger 2000 by HT Enterprises. Htent.com. Product code HB-14PP.

Thanks for the feedback. I’m new to this forum and new to rod building and appreciate the answers. I’m going to do some research on the suggested blanks and pick a couple to start out with. Happy fishing!

Gonzo – I’d tell you what lake I’m fishing but you too would be burdened with trying to find a balanced approach to felling the walleye bite and having a rod that handles nice pike at the same time. It keeps me up at night – I just couldn’t do that to you.