10 best ice fishing rods for pan fish

Ice fishing rods for panfish are specialized fishing rods designed for targeting smaller panfish species like crappie, bluegill, perch, and sunfish during the winter season when lakes and rivers are frozen. These rods are typically shorter and more sensitive than traditional fishing rods, allowing anglers to detect subtle bites and movements of the fish beneath the ice.

Here are some key features and considerations when choosing an ice fishing rod for panfish:

  1. Length and Sensitivity: Ice fishing rods for panfish are usually shorter, typically between 18 to 36 inches in length. A shorter rod provides better sensitivity and control when fishing in tight spaces under the ice.

  2. Action: The action of the rod refers to how much the rod bends under pressure. For panfish, a light or ultralight action rod is ideal. These rods bend easily, allowing anglers to detect even the slightest nibbles from panfish.

  3. Power: Power of the rod is categorized as ultralight or light, indicating the amount of force required to bend the rod. Ultralight power rods are suitable for smaller panfish, providing enough backbone to set the hook while maintaining sensitivity.

  4. Material: Ice fishing rods for panfish are typically made from materials like fiberglass or graphite. Fiberglass rods are more durable and affordable, while graphite rods offer increased sensitivity and lighter weight.

  5. Handle and Grip: Ice fishing rods have short handles designed for one-handed use. The grip should provide a comfortable and secure hold, especially in cold and wet conditions.

  6. Reel Type: Ice fishing rods often pair with inline reels or small spinning reels.Inline reels are popular for their compact design and smooth drag system, making them suitable for ice fishing.

  7. Line Guides: Ice fishing rods have specialized line guides that reduce ice buildup and allow smooth line movement. They are often made of materials that minimize freeze-up in cold temperatures.

  8. Portability: Consider the portability of the rod, especially if you need to hike to your ice fishing spot. Telescopic or collapsible ice fishing rods are convenient for transport.

  9. Brand and Reviews: Research reputable brands known for producing high-quality ice fishing rods for panfish. Reading customer reviews and ratings can provide insights into the performance and durability of specific rods.

  10. Cost: Set a budget based on your preferences and needs. Ice fishing rods for panfish come in a range of prices, so you can find one that fits your budget.

By considering these features and factors, anglers can choose the best ice fishing rod for targeting panfish during ice fishing trips.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best ice fishing rods for pan fish on the market
  

Frabill Panfish Popper Combo | Premium Ice-Fishing Rod and Reel Combo | Designed for Landing Panfish

Frabill

Based on 39 reviews Check latest price
  • Frabill | Trusted By Anglers Since 1938
  • This panfish system is engineered to maximize performance, strike detection and a solid hook set
  • Rod Features: Ultra-sensitive micro-spring bobber | Blank-through construction | Custom reel seat with cork | Solid fiberglass composite blanks | Lightweight micro ice guides
  • Reel Features: 1 + 1 ball-bearing reel | Infinite anti-reverse | Chrome-plated ABS spool | Ambidextrous handle | Pre-treated with Sub-Zero Lube
  • Action: Dead Stick | Length: 30" | Spool Type: Standard | Application: Dead Sticking/Live Bait Micro-Jigging
  • Lightweight micro ice guides
  • Equipped with an ultra-sensitive micro spring bobber

13 Fishing - Microtec Panfish - Spinning Ice Fishing Combos

13 Fishing

Based on 24 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Panfish are a favorite of the ice fishing world, and if you are pursuing these scrappy fish, you need the Microtech Panfish Ice Spinning Combo! This combo was selected to work in perfect unison together to land some Panfish! The solid fiberglass blank is strong to handle the fight a hooked Panfish is going to put up, but also highly sensitive so you can feel their nibbles. Get ready because the 13 Fishing Microtech Panfish Ice Spinning Combo will have you reeling in some feisty Panfish in no time!

  • 3BB Reel
  • Soft Touch Handle Knob and Aluminum Spool Reel
  • Solid Fiberglass Blank
  • Titanium Spring Bobber
  • Stainless Steel Guides

Tailored Tackle Ice Fishing Rod Reel Combo 28 in. Medium Light Fast Action Multi-Species Ice Fishing Pole Walleye Perch Panfish Bluegill Crappie

Tailored Tackle

Based on 137 reviews Check latest price
  • Ice Fishing Rod and Reel Combo - Versatile multispecies rod design great for Walleye, Perch, Trout and Panfish like Crappie, Bluegill and Sunfish
  • 28 Inch Ice Fishing Rod - Medium Light Power Rating - Line Rating of 3-6 Lbs - Extra Fast Rod Action for indicating extremely sensitive bites
  • Size 20 Ice Fishing Reel - 5 Ball-Bearings - 5.2:1 Gear Ratio - Ice Temp Tested Smooth Reel Drag - Soft Touch Knob - Line Capacity: 2lb / 200 yds - 4lb / 100yds - 6lb / 80 yds
  • Cork Handle - Ergonomic Grip - Carbon Fiber Rod Blank and Base for back bone and durability - Secure Product Packaging to Keep Rod Tip & Guides Safe
  • Designed by Fishing Guides at Tailored Tackle to give you 1 Ice Fishing Rod and Reel Combo to fish all the popular fish through the ice

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a good quality rod, and worth buying
Answer: Yes it is instant anti reverse there is a lever on the front of the reel body to flip back and forth mid fight.
Question: Is the reel instant anti reverse
Answer: No but I recommend using 6 lb monofilament to spool it up.
Question: Does it come with line
Answer: We made the rod and reel as durable as we could without losing sensitivity so if you aren't hulking around a ton of gear, you shouldn't have to much to worry about in terms of damage. Of course, if its thrown in a big pile of rods at the bottom of a sled in the back of a truck there is always a chance for damage. The best ice rod case, one that I use personally with my ice fishing rods, is the Otter Outdoors Sportsman. This is a pretty steep investment so I don't recommend unless you are bringing multiple rods out and ice fishing throughout the season. I have heard good things about the Vexan Ice bag which is more affordable, and according to the specs should fit our combo. However I have not used it personally so I can't give it my full referral. Many ice anglers use a hunting bow case if they hunt, and another cheap option some friends use are those really big PVC plumbing pipes with the screw on caps, kind of look like time capsules? Another cheap recommendation would be to keep in the box we sent it in during travel, not ideal but it fits the combo perfectly and will keep it safe in a loaded trunk.
Question: What’s the best case for this rod
Answer: yes, rod and reel. You will need to supply you own line.

Product features

Tailored Tackle Ice Fishing Combo with 14 Page Fishing Book: 28" Medium-Light Fast Action Multispecies Ice Fishing Pole

Learn how to ice fish! Improve your skills and start landing more fish through the ice with the an ice fishing pole designed by pros for beginners.

INCLUDES Ice Fishing Combo Quick Guide Book: 14 Pages on Learning to Ice Fish for Walleye, Perch, Panfish, Pike and Trout!

Tailored Tackle Ice Fishing Combo pairs perfectly with the Tailored Tackle Ice Fishing Kit. Check out more of our Fishing Kits & Combos below.

St. Croix Rods Avid Glass Ice Fishing Rod

St. Croix

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ST. CROIX AVID GLASS ICE FISHING ROD: Avid Glass Ice rods are created especially for anglers targeting panfish. They feature Xtreme-Flex solid glass blanks with high-visibility, pliable tips and super-sensitive carbon handles to detect the most subtle takes. DISTINCTIVE FEATURES: - Designed for panfish - Xtreme-flex solid glass blank - Super-sensitive carbon handle - Kigan stripper guide with lightweight, low-profile running guides - Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, U.S.A (with foreign and domestic materials ST. CROIX FISHING RODS: Whether you take the lake, wade the rivers or cast from shore, St.Croix provides responsive performance ensuring your success below every surface. With a St.Croix rod in hand, you are part of a celebrated tradition. Touch, power and control are right at your fingertips and extend to you the finest fishing experience on the planet.

  • BUILT FOR PANFISH - The Avid Glass Ice series is designed specifically for anglers targeting panfish
  • XTREME-FLEX SOLID GLASS BLANK - The St. Croix Avid Glass Ice Rod features an Xtreme-Flex solid-glass blank that stays flexible in cold temperatures, for extended hard-water use
  • KIGAN STRIPPER & RUNNING GUIDES - The Avid Glass Ice rod has Kigan stripper guides and lightweight, low-profile running guides that support all-day fatigue-free fishing
  • SUPER-SENSITIVE CARBON HANDLE - This durable ice fishing rod boasts super-sensitive carbon handles to deliver absolute control and ensure instantaneous strike detection
  • HANDCRAFTED ICE FISHING ROD - Designed and handcrafted in Fin Park Falls with domestic and foreign materials for ultimate performance

User questions & answers

Question: Are there any provisions for attaching the reel
Answer: The handle is bare so ultimately you can use any kind of reel you want. Most people use spinning reels with this model.MikeSwansons Bait & Tackle
Question: Rod action? medium? medium light
Answer: All of the St. Croix Avid Glass ice fishing rods are a "Light" power, and they are pretty soft in the tip because they're fiberglass rods.
Question: Can you put both spinning and inline reels on this rod
Answer: Yes
Question: How do you attach the reel
Answer: Vinyl tape or rod bands.

ST.CROIX Rod Mojo Split-Grip Eva Handle Lake Trout/Panfish/Pike Ice Fishing Rod

St Croix

Based on 113 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ST. CROIX MOJO ICE ROD Mojo Ice gets a facelift for 2020. Sporting a new carbon dust blank and flat finish reel seat, this series maintains the proprietary custom reel seat and split-grip handle you've come to love. Suited for a variety of fishing styles and techniques for panfish, trout, walleye, pike and lake trout, these cosmetic updates will surely enhance your fishing experience. DISTINCTIVE FEATURES: - Precision-taper solid carbon blank - Custom reel seat ideal for all techniques - Premium split-grip/EVA handle - Lightweight, stainless-steel guides - Designed in Park Falls and handcrafted in Fresnillo, Mexico ST. CROIX FISHING RODS Whether you take the lake, wade the rivers or cast from shore, St.Croix provides responsive performance ensuring your success below every surface. With a St.Croix rod in hand, you are part of a celebrated tradition. Touch, power and control are right at your fingertips and extend to you the finest fishing experience on the planet.

  • VARIETY OF FISHING STYLES - Suited for a variety of fishing styles and techniques for panfish, trout, walleye, pike and lake trout, these fishing rods will surely enhance your fishing experience
  • PRECISION-TAPER SOLID CARBON BLANK - Precision-taper solid carbon provides an ideal combination of maximum action, sensitivity and strength with minimal weight and is ideal for extra-fast action rods
  • SEA GUIDE STAINLESS-STEEL GUIDES - The fishing rod boasts Sea Guide lightweight durable stainless-steel guides that resist corrosion and provide additional strength
  • SPLIT-GRIP EVA HANDLE - A custom reel-seat and split grip handle give this rod enhanced sensitivity and balance while keeping it comfortable in your hands even in cold weather
  • HANDCRAFTED ICE FISHING ROD - Designed in Park Falls and handcrafted in Fresnillo, Mexico for ultimate performance

User questions & answers

Question: Wondering if the 36” medium heavy rod is split handle
Answer: Yes
Question: Are these rods purple
Answer: They are a maroonish color. They are not as purple as the picture makes them look.
Question: What are the line ratings for each action
Answer: I believe it’s 2to 6 lbs
Question: Will a baitcaster fit on this ice pole
Answer: While the reel would attach, most of the Mojo models are designed for spinning reels and will not work well with a baitcasting reel on them. There are 2, 34" models (1 Medium Heavy, and 1 Heavy) designed specifically for casting rods if you're interested in that. You can select that option from the selection box on the listing.

13 FISHING - Omen Ice Rod - 26" ML (Medium Light) - Solid Carbon Blank - OBI-26ML

13 FISHING

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Built for big dogs, this series comes equipped to handle anything from panfish to the burliest lakers, gnarly pike, and wily old walleye.

  • J36T Blank
  • Evolve Ported Reel Seat
  • Portuguese 3A Split Grip Cork Handle
  • Evolve Thin Wire Guides

13 FISHING - Descent/Snitch - Inline Ice Fishing Combos

13 Fishing

Based on 38 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Go deep beneath the ice surface with the Descent Ice Fishing Combo. The rod is constructed of solid fiberglass, and has the right amount of sensitivity and durability. The reel boasts graphite frame construction with a rapid release spool and drop speed control for reliable, smooth operation.

  • 5 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
  • 5 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings
  • Composite Frame Reel Construction with Soft Touch Finish
  • Solid Graphite Blank
  • Stainless Steel Guides with Flex-Core Tip

User questions & answers

Question: Is this a walleye rod
Answer: It can be used for lighter walleye applications although it was not specifically designed as such.
Question: Is this an ultra light
Answer: Yes
Question: Is this for right or left handed people
Answer: Of the crank is on the right,it’s for right hand people
Question: Is the reel handle on the left or the right
Answer: if it says right hand retrieve the handle is on the right side of the reel

Shakespeare Wild Series Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

Shakespeare

Based on 116 reviews Check latest price
  • Solid Fiberglass Moderate Action Blanks
  • Lightweight Stainless Steel Guides
  • Comfortable HTG - Hybrid Tech Grips

User questions & answers

Question: How is the action/sensitivity on the medium rod
Answer: Sunglasses comes with all original accessories including case.
Question: What is the power ul - l- medium
Answer: Well, the bag material is somewhat stiffer and more plastic-y than most bags of this type. So it stands better than most bags, I guess. I'm not sure I'd go so far as to use the word "easily" though.
Question: How long is it in inches and feet
Answer: the bag measured a bit more than 15.5 tall and it was only 13 wide but would open more just sitting there not stretched it was about 13 and its about 7 inches across the bottom of bag its a very nice bag I am using for Christmas presents so I don't have to wrap and its reusable I love that about this bag
Question: Is the medium action good for JawJacker
Answer: Thank you so much for your question! The height of each bag is 15.5 inches and 13.5 inches in length making them perfect for most all of your needs. Thank you, Olivia Maad Brands

Vexan Ice Fishing Rod Multi-Species Walleye Perch Panfish Bluegill Crappie Pike Musky Largemouth Bass Smallmouth Bass Lake Trout Salmon

Tackle Industries

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

VEXAN ICE Fishing Rods: Vexan Fishing is an Industry leading rod manufacturer specializing in building high quality affordable fishing rods. We are delighted to introduce our all new Vexan Ice Series, eight rods that will exceed your expectations no matter what species you are pursuing on the hard water. Our species specific proprietary blanks offer responsive actions specifically designed for the technique, lines, and lures you need to ice more and bigger fish. From Panfish to Pike, Bull Gills to Slab Crappies, Perch to Walleyes, or Pike or Lake Superior Trout, we have a Vexan Ice Series rod designed specifically for you. Vexan Ice Series rod’s high visibility tips indicate the lightest strike, yet the Vexan proprietary blank offers extreme sensitivity, a solid hook set, and great backbone for icing even the largest fish. Hook yourself up with a full set Vexan ICE rods today!

  • FREE FAST Shipping! We use more than half of our profits to support Veterans and Children's charities
  • Trade secret high durability ICE blanks
  • Panfish to Pike, Bull Gills to Slab Crappies, Perch to Walleyes, or Pike or Lake Superior Trout and more
  • Custom ICE fly rod tip tops for less ice buildup!
  • VEXAN ICE Fishing Rods: Vexan Fishing is an Industry leading rod manufacturer specializing in building high quality affordable fishing rods. We are delighted to introduce our all new Vexan Ice Series, eight rods that will exceed your expectations no matter what species you are pursuing on the hard water. Our species specific proprietary blanks offer responsive actions specifically designed for the technique, lines, and lures you need to ice more and bigger fish. From Panfish to Pike, Bullgill

St. Croix Avid Ice Fishing Rod, Black, 36" - Inches (AIR36MH)

St. Croix Rods

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

ST. CROIX AVID ICE JIGGING ROD: Avid Ice jigging rods are designed and built specifically for jigging spoons, ice jigs, jigging Rapalas and other popular walleye jigs. Made with precision-taper solid carbon blanks and super-sensitive carbon handles, the Avid Ice Jigging rods deliver absolute control. DISTINCTIVE FEATURES: - Precision-taper solid carbon (SC material) blank provides superior performance - Super-sensitive carbon handle - Kigan stripper guide with lightweight, low-profile running guides - 1-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service. - Pac Bay Minima stainless-steel guides with black anodized frames and rings. - 1-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service - Designed specifically for jigging - Designed and handcrafted in Park Falls, U.S.A. (with domestic and foreign materials) ST. CROIX FISHING RODS: Whether you take the lake, wade the rivers or cast from shore, St.Croix provides responsive performance ensuring your success below every surface. With a St.Croix rod in hand, you are part of a celebrated tradition. Touch, power and control are right at your fingertips and extend to you the finest fishing experience on the planet.

  • BUILT FOR WALLEYE JIGS - Ideal for jigging for panfish, perch, trout, walleye, and many more freshwater species, these rods pair well with both spinning reels and inline ice reels
  • PRECISION-TAPER SOLID CARBON BLANK - Precision-taper solid carbon provides an ideal combination of maximum action, sensitivity and strength with minimal weight and is ideal for extra-fast action rods
  • KIGAN STRIPPER & RUNNING GUIDES - The Avid Ice Jigging series features Kigan stripper guides and lightweight, low-profile running guides
  • SUPER-SENSITIVE CARBON HANDLE - This durable ice fishing rod boasts super-sensitive carbon handles to deliver absolute control
  • HANDCRAFTED ICE FISHING ROD - Designed and handcrafted in Fin Park Falls with domestic and foreign materials for ultimate performance

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