How do you make custom ice rods.

[eyecrosserII]

I am really wondering what materials some of you use to make your ice rods and I was looking at some of the pics and I thought I have just got to have that!!!......... So if you could give me some pointers then that would be great.

 

[AtticaFish]

I know Jann's Netcraft sells the ice rod blanks and some very simple handles - Ice Fishing Search - and then you can customize with your choice of line guides and tips. They sell all that as well. There are other places to get the supplies though and some may have a better selection/prices.

Here are some other resources where you might be able to pull some information from...... just come back and post what you make!
- http://www.rodbuildingtutorials.com
- http://www.mudhole.com
- http://www.rodbuildingforum.com

I have actually made a few out of old broken rods that the top sections were still usable. Carved handles, epoxied the rod in, replaced broken guides and ALWAYS replace the tip with a larger tip so the ice doesn't build up too quickly. Tried using hose clamps at first to attach reels but black electrical tape is about as simple as you can get and works just fine. Nothing fancy but is cool to recycle and old rod and give it new purpose.

 

[hookup]

Brr ice fishing. That's where I draw the line.

All good sources AF gave you. I'd focus on the tutorials on mudhole - very well writen.