The Fleet Farm in Sioux City has been open for 3 years now, and their fishing department has never really been fully stocked. What they do stock, they don’t seem to stock in great numbers. Gotta say, I’ve been pretty let down by the store in general.
I would agree though, the basics have really been in short supply since the virus arrived. Our local Scheels has been holding up pretty well, other than the fishing line selection.
The two Scheels stores closest to me are not currently allowing dogs in due to the virus. I don’t know if this is a company wide policy, or just the Sioux Falls, SD and Sioux City, IA
stores? Sad, because my two Springer’s love going in there and carrying their bones to the counter, but I understand. The Sioux City Fleet Farm does not allow pets in, and that started long before the virus scare, but I really don’t care for that store, so it doesn’t bother me.
You will LOVE that rod. Make sure you get a reel that fits it. With a higher end reel, you are typically looking at a 0.2 ounce difference between the 1000 and 2000 size. If it’s a stick I’m looking to get longer casts with, I go with the wider spool.
I have the 6′ 9″ St. Croix panfish series rod, and really like it. I fished with a JT Panhandler last year, and will probably be adding one of those to the locker soon. The JT gets into the backbone faster than my SC, but still has a tip that’s light enough to throw a light bait a good distance. Overall I would call the JT a more versatile rod.
Those Limit Creek extendables are versatile rods, too. Although I wouldn’t have thought of them as panfish rods. I use mine mainly for slip bobbering walleye, but have used them as rigging rods, and pulled light bouncers with them.
I try on Mucks every few years when I’m in the market. They just don’t fit my foot well. Pain in the butt to get off, too. I must have odd sized feet? I’m the only guy in our ice fishing group that doesn’t wear Mucks. I’ve had excellent luck with LaCrosse Aeroheads. I’m on my second set in ten-ish years, with a third tucked away in the closet. When I bought my last pair they were clearanced, so I bought two.
I’ve had good experiences with most of my online bait purchases. But after I ordered from Vado’s, I haven’t ordered from anyone else.
I picked up a couple Quantum Accurist S3’s on Ebay for $80 each. Nice reels with a decent drag and flippin’switch. I do a lot of bottom bouncing so it wasn’t hard to justify the cost.
Chemical plant operator. I work four on, four off, twelve hour days. Pretty amazing schedule if you like to spend time outdoors.
At 32″ a DH Aldente blank might be very similar in backbone to a BW, but it will likely have lighter tip. Pretty close to the perfect multi purpose 3mm jig-small spoon rod, in my opinion.
Thanks, fellas. If we come off the big lake I’ll definitely give those two a shot.
Thank you very much. I will look into those lakes.
Guess I should’ve included that! We’re staying on Pine Point.
<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Ryan Wilson wrote:</div>
Have you considered building your own?It’s a fun, rewarding, and relatively easy process and if you DIY a few things you would spend roughly the same (if not less) as what you’re looking to spend on a new rod. Then, after the first rod, you can build another “custom” rod for about 25 bucks and that’s using all quality components (minus titanium guides but Pac Bay makes some nice fly guides that work great for ice rods). Then your fishing buddies will want you to build them one
You’ll learn an awesome skill and maybe make a few bucks in the process.
If you have a cordless drill you can even wet-sand the blank to whatever action you’re looking for, also an easy process. If you are interested and want some advice on supplies and stuff, message me.
I 2nd this – building your own is great!
I started building my own rods last spring. With two young boys, and an affection for quality gear I figured it might not be a bad hobby to get into. I am not mechanically gifted, if you are you can fabricate most of the tools you need to build rods. I am very patient, and through reading and watching videos I picked up on rod building fairly quickly. It’s not all that different from building traditional wood arrows, which I also do. I haven’t tried sanding my own blanks yet, but that is the next project.
I own a TUCR PN and QT. Absolutely love both rods. I will never give them up. But this summer I finished two noodle rods, one 32″ and one 42″ (hole hopper) and I’d say both rods have an action very similar to a TUCR Bullwhip. I have on order, the gear to make a couple carbon rods, one for light duty spoons, and one for heavier work.
Sorry for getting off topic from the original question, but I’m really hooked on rolling my own rods.
***Not to say there isn’t a need for high quality customs. I may order another TUCR myself soon. Something in a heavier action, just in case Erie freezes up this year.***
I bought a Freefall last year. For 4mm or heavier jigs, I really liked it. Also very handy when used as a dead stick. With one hand you can raise or lower the bait without taking attention away from the rod you are jigging with. Can’t do that with any other reel I have ever owned.
I have a fishing buddy who recently opened up his Freefall. He removed one of the magnets, and says that reel will drop a 3mm jig much faster than his other Freefall. I’m not mechanically inclined, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend everyone go altering their expensive reels. But I am interested to see how his reel performs on the ice this season.
I bought some Plano 3600 box’s and bought some foam from the craft store and cut slot’s in that to put the spoon’s in.
I bought some Plano 3600 box’s and bought some foam from the craft store and cut slot’s in that to put the spoon’s in.
I’m not sure of the model #, but I use the really thin Plano boxes with craft store foam glued into the bottom, with another strip glued onto the top of the box. I can pile the spoons up, and they don’t get hooked together. Protects the finishes and it’s easy to see the colors you have. I haven’t mastered the art of walking by a tackle display without throwing a few things in the basket, so this system works well for me.
We were there when the gates opened on Friday. It was awesome to see all that stuff under one roof. We just don’t get those opportunities down here towards the south edge of the ice belt. I came away with a TUCR Quicktip, a couple Sienna 500’s, and a pile of jigs that I probably didn’t need, but may someday use!
Great thread! The Nook was highly recommended by a co-worker, but I don’t know if it will work logistically? We’re staying at the Embassy Suites downtown. The Gopher sounds interesting. This will be our first expo. We’ll be there when the show opens tomorrow, and we’re headed home midday on Saturday.
This will be our first time at the expo. Really looking forward to it. The only big ticket item I was going to buy, was a Marcum Recon 5+. FishUSA has a great deal on them this week, and I decided to order online. I still may pick up a rod or two, and I’m sure I’ll find a few other things I just can’t live without.
I’m installing that exact lift in my garage next week. Glad to hear that you like it.
I got my hands on one today. I was impressed! I will definitely be picking up one or two in the near future.
I’m LH and have actually had people ask me why I don’t have a baitcaster that reels on the left. Why would I do that? My left hand thumb the release and spool control and my right hand is in place reeling as soon as the bait hits the water – perfect for a southpaw!
Ditto, and they say everything is set up for “right” handed people! At least on this most important subject, the righties got it wrong!
That is a beautiful boat! Congratulations! I’ve got the wife talked into a boat next year. The Crossover is on my short list. Enjoy!
You’ll learn an awesome skill and maybe make a few bucks in the process.