One often over-looked aspect to presentation is rod selection. Many times when we’re looking through the fishing section, we’re looking for the next hot bait. However, even more important than the bait itself is the rod you tie it on to. You might get the bite you want, but your hooksets and ability to land fish may severely be impacted resulting in fewer fish on the ice. Today, we’ll discuss rod choice based on presentation and how it can get you more fish.
Aggressive Presentations for Walleye/Perch
When I’m searching for both walleye and big perch, I like to fish aggressively. When I’m doing this, I’m often using flutter spoons like the Mack’s Lure Hum Dinger. Anglers who favor lipless baits may use a Lindy Darter, Salmo Chubby Darter or Rapala Rippin Rap. Regardless what bait you’re using, the style is the same.
You’re looking for aggressive fish that will race in and fiercely attack. This isn’t a type of situation you’re going to try to be feeling a light bite. Here, I favor a medium-light rod with a stronger back bone. This allows me to work those larger baits more aggressively and also get a firm hookset for those more aggressive bites.
Mason Propst favors the same type of heavier action rod, but he likes a significantly longer rod. The longer the rod is, the more bend you’ll be able to have. This allows you a stronger hookset, but most importantly gives you more play when fighting a large fish. With shorter rods, a head shake or run can throw slack into the line and allow the fish to get off. However, if the rod is longer it will still keep the bend needed to keep pressure on the fish.
Finesse Presentations
Once fish have been contacted, it’s time to make the more neutral and passive fish bite. In this situation, you are often forced to downsize to a smaller spoon or jig. Now, bites may be light and it’s not the most aggressive fish in the area we are targeting, this means sensitivity is key.
In this situation, you’re going to be using lighter jig strokes and lighter baits meaning you won’t need the heavier rod to control your bait. You may also need to feel a light bite and a sensitive tip is vital to detect these. Here, an ultralight rod is often the best choice.
Regardless what ultralight you chose, it is vital the rod have a firm backbone. You need that thick backbone to get a strong hookset and also battle larger fish. Learn more about the importance of a sensitive tip and firm backbone from Chris Seylar.
Deadstick Presentations
Many times, our deadstick rods are often the cheapest in our arsenal. This makes sense, because when fishing with bobbers or tipdowns, a super sensitive rod to feel everything is not critical. However, it’s important to not overlook your deadstick rods.
Whether you’re fishing with bobbers or even crappie rigs, you’re going to want a solid rod to make sure you’re getting the most out of this presentation. You don’t need the type of tip you would have on a light panfish rod, but it’s important you be able to feel a bite. Even if you have a strike indicator, it’s still important to be able to feel the weight of the fish before setting the hook.
When you do set the hook, it’s important to have a strong backbone to make a firm hookset. This strong backbone also allows you to fight and control larger fish, resulting in more fish on the ice. You don’t need the most sensitive rod, but your deadsticks should be one of your stronger rods.
Many anglers get wrapped up in what their “walleye rods” are and what their “panfish rods” are and so forth. In the perfect world, we can select what rods we catch fish on. Unfortunately, this is far from the case.
Sure, the odds I catch a walleye on larger, more aggressive baits are significantly higher than a perch. However, we don’t often have the luxury of selecting what rods we catch fish on. You may hook a trophy walleye on your “panfish” rod. You may need to use your lighter rods for walleyes on a tough bite. Let your presentation dictate what rod you’re using. Good fishing!
Related Videos
Mason discusses a popular deadstick strategy on the Missouri River reservoirs!
Nick discusses how he likes to fish aggressively with flutter spoons for walleye and trophy caliber perch.
Related Readings
Flutter spoons are one of the best ways to attract fish in from a distance. Regardless the species, these baits can often make them bite. Learn everything you need to know about flutter spoons in Ice Fishing Flutter Spoons.
Line twist is a small issue that can really have big impacts on your presentation and catch rates. Learn about the ways you can reduce line twist and ensure your baits are presenting like they should in Reducing Line Twist for Increased Ice Success.
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