Best Ice Fishing Rods And Reels 2023

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Do you enjoy ice fishing? Ready to catch some fish? Ice fishing is a great winter activity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, it’s important to have the right gear. Get yourself a new ice fishing rod and reel to make your time on the ice more enjoyable.

Best Ice Fishing Rods And Reels Review

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best ice fishing rods and reels on the market. We’ll also give you our top picks for each category. So if you’re looking to buy a new ice fishing rod and reel, be sure to read on!

1# Shimano Sedona Ice Spinning Combo

Shimano Sedona Ice Spinning Combos

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.6:1
Length: 24″, 26″, 28″
Ball Bearings: 3+1
Reel Size: 500

The Shimano Sedona Ice Spinning Combo is perfect for anglers looking for a light and balanced reel with great durability. Featuring a Magnumlite rotor, Hagane gears, and a Propulsion Line Management System, this reel is built to last. The rod is precision-tuned with Zirconia ring guides and contoured AA cork grips for an amazing fishing experience.

Pros
  • Smooth drag system

  • Lightweight and easy to handle

  • Best for beginners

Cons
  • It is a bit heavy, weighing in at 3 1/2 lbs

  • You might experience line tangles

2# Clam Gravity Ice Inline Combo

Clam Gravity Ice Inline Combos

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Specification

Gear Ratio: 3.6:1
Length: 28″
Ball Bearings: 3+1

Step up your game with this top-of-the-line Clam Gravity Ice Combo. With a lightweight, ergonomic design and smooth main operating drag, it’s perfect for serious anglers. And with sensitive, trigger-adjustable free spool tension and quality fibreglass blank construction, it’s ideal for anyone looking to take their fishing skills to the next level. So don’t wait – get yourself a Clam Gravity Ice Combo today!

Pros
  • Durable construction

  • Lightweight

  • Easy to use

  • Smooth reeling action

Cons
  • The reel is a little light for larger fish

3# Berkley Lightning Rod Ice Combo

Berkley Lightning Rod Ice Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Length: 24″, 28″, 32″
Ball Bearings: 3+1
Action: Moderate
Reel Size: 5

Looking for the perfect ice fishing combo? Look no further than the Berkley Lightning Rod Ice Combo! This great set features a lightweight ported aluminium spool, a collapsible handle with an extended stem for use with gloves, and four bearings for smooth operation.

Plus, its cold gear lube excels in cold temperatures, making it the perfect choice for your next ice fishing adventure. The rod itself is also impressive, with a 100% fibreglass blank that provides incredible sensitivity and a full cork handle. You’ll love the down-locking reel seat and stainless steel guides and inserts on this great combo!

Pros
  • Durable build quality

  • Sensitive action

  • Lightweight

Cons
  • The rod is a little short

4# Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod and Reel Combo

Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Reel Combos

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 4.4:1
Length: 30″
Ball Bearings: 1
Power: Medium Heavy

Looking to reel in the big one this ice fishing season? Then you need the Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod and Reel Combo! This powerful combo features a reel with a ball bearing for smooth action, as well as a durable graphite body and cold-forged aluminium spool.

The rod is constructed with Ugly Tech Construction for strength and durability, while the Ugly Tuff Guides provide superior guide protection. Plus, the graphite/fibreglass hybrid blank provides unbeatable sensitivity, while the clear tip delivers unbeatable strength. So don’t miss out on your chance to snag the big one this season – grab the Ugly Stik GX2 Ice Fishing Rod and Reel Combo today!

Pros
  • Durable construction

  • Lightweight and easy to use

  • Good value for the money

Cons
  • It is not made for beginners

5# 13 Fishing Radioactive Pickle Inline Ice Fishing Combo

13 Fishing FreeFall Ice Fishing Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left
Gear Ratio: 2.5:1
Length: 25″, 27″
Ball Bearings: 3+1
Power: Ultra Light

The 13 Fishing Radioactive Pickle Inline Ice Fishing Combo is perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike. The freeFall trigger releases line when pulled, making it easy to get your bait in the right spot. The drop speed control also adjusts the fall rate, so you can control the way your bait falls.

The composite graphite frame is strong and lightweight, while the 3+1 bearing system ensures smooth reeling. Plus, the Soft Touch handle knobs provide a comfortable grip even when your hands are cold. And with its 2.5:1 gear ratio, this combo can handle big fish with ease. The PC2 Flat-Tip blank construction provides a durable and responsive rod, while the Hi-vis tip makes it easy to see.

Pros
  • It is made with high-quality materials, making it durable and long-lasting

  • The combo is easy to use, even for beginner anglers

  • It has a great design that makes it visually appealing

Cons
  • The rod is shorter than others on the market

6# Eagle Claw EC2.5 Carbon Ice Spinning Combo

Eagle Claw EC2.5 Ice Fishing Combo

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Specification

Gear Ratio: 5.4:1
Length: 24″, 28″
Ball Bearings: 5+1
Action: Fast, Extra Fast
Reel Size: 500

Check out the Eagle Claw EC2.5 Carbon Ice Spinning Combo! This awesome combo is matched to a premium EC2.5 Size 5 spinning reel, featuring a sturdy graphite body and super-smooth 6-bearing system. It’s one of the best performance pairings on hard water, perfect for anglers who demand the very best from their gear. The carbon ice rod blank is super-sensitive and well-balanced, while the extra-bright fluorescent orange tip ensures maximum visibility on the ice. The tangle-free guides with aluminium inserts make for smooth, trouble-free casting, and the comfortable EVA butt grip ensures.

Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to transport

  • Durable construction

  • Good value for the money

Cons
  • Doesn’t come with a carrying case

7# Frabill Ice Hunter Predator Ice Spinning Combo

Frabill Ice Hunter Spinning Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Length: 32″, 38″
Ball Bearings: 5+1
Reel Size: 10

This Frabill Ice Hunter Predator Ice Spinning Combo is a great choice for anglers looking for solid graphite blank and stainless steel ice guides. The full-length reel seat provides maximum power, while the easy-gripping EVA/rubberized cork handle ensures a comfortable grip. And with its smooth-running front-drag reel and 5+1 ball bearing system with infinite anti-reverse, you can be sure every catch will be a smooth one.

Pros
  • Durable construction

  • Lightweight for easy transport

  • Smooth reel for consistent performance

Cons
  • It may be too lightweight for some anglers

8# HT Enterprises Fast Stix Extreme DX Ice Spinning Combo

HT Enterprises Extreme DX Ice Spinning Combo

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Specification

Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Length: 24″, 28″
Ball Bearings: 3+1

Introducing the HT Enterprises Fast Stix Extreme DX Ice Spinning Combo – a revolutionary fishing rod designed to help you catch more fish on thin ice! Featuring a premium E-glass construction, this rod provides superior backbone and sensitivity, allowing you to feel every bite.

Plus, it has a fast action with a highly responsive “spring tip” that makes it easy to set the hook. The lightweight, easy-ice-out guides also help make quick work of removing the ice from your line. And for added comfort and control, the “Total Touch” cork handle exposes the blank for greater sensitivity. The spinning reel is rated for a 4-6 lb. line and comes with a high-capacity machined aluminium spool.

Pros
  • Lightweight and easy to transport

  • Superfast speeds for lure retrieval

  • 5 bearings for smooth performance

  • Precision gears for solid hooksets

Cons
  • Some reviews state that the ice spinning combo is not as durable as they would like

9# 13 Fishing White Noise Ice Spinning Combo

13 Fishing White Noise Ice Spinning Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Length: 24″, 25″, 27″
Ball Bearings: 2+1

This well-coordinated system is designed to deliver top performance in tough winter conditions. The blank is made from solid Toray graphite for exceptional sensitivity, while the hidden Evolve reel seat ensures direct contact with the blank for an even better feel.

The reel features a smooth 3-bearing system and is factory lubed with Defrost Reel Lubricant for optimum performance in cold weather. And the aluminium handle with the Soft Touch knob provides a comfortable grip all day long. Don’t let the cold weather keep you from enjoying your favourite pastime – grab a White Noise Ice Spinning Combo and hit.

Pros
  • Solid Toray graphite blank for exceptional sensitivity

  • Hidden Evolve reel seat ensures direct contact with the blank for an even better feel

  • Smooth 3-bearing system

  • Factory lubed with Defrost Reel Lubricant for optimum performance in cold weather

  • The aluminium handle with Soft Touch knob provides a comfortable grip all day long

Cons
  • The White Noise Ice Spinning Combo is overpriced

10# Cabela’s Fish Eagle Ice Spinning Combo

Cabela's Fish Eagle Ice Spinning Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.6:1
Length: 24″, 26″, 28″, 36″, 38″
Ball Bearings: 3+1

This Fish Eagle Ice Spinning Combo is perfect for anglers who demand the best. The strong, sensitive graphite rod blank is perfect for catching fish through the ice, while the cork handles provide a comfortable grip.

The stainless steel guides and inserts are rugged and durable, ensuring that your line stays in good condition even when you’re fighting a big fish. And with the smooth 3+1 system, you’ll enjoy effortless casts every time. Plus, the infinite anti-reverse ensures that your line never gets stuck in the reel. Finally, the anodized aluminium spool provides plenty of storage for your tackle, while the aluminium handle with a Soft Touch knob ensures easy operation.

Pros
  • The strong, sensitive graphite rod blank

  • Cork handles provide a comfortable grip

  • Stainless steel guides and inserts are rugged and durable

  • Smooth 3+1 system for effortless casts

  • Infinite anti-reverse ensures the line never gets stuck in the reel

  • An anodized aluminium spool provides plenty of storage

  • Aluminium handle with Soft Touch knob for easy operation

Cons
  • The rod is a bit too stiff for some fishermen’s taste

11# Pflueger Trion/Fenwick HMG Inline Ice Combo

Pflueger Fenwick Inline Ice Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left
Gear Ratio: 5.0:1
Length: 23″, 26″, 28″
Ball Bearings: 3+1
Action: Fast

The Pflueger Trion/Fenwick HMG Inline Ice Combo is the perfect choice for anglers who demand the best in quality and performance. The reel features a composite frame, free-spool trigger system, 3+1 bearing system, and cold gear lube for extreme conditions, while the rod is built with a strong, sensitive solid glass blank and fluorescent orange tip. Stainless steel and light fly guides complete the build, while the premium cork handle provides a comfortable grip.

Pros
  • It is ultra-smooth and easy to cast.

  • The Trion & HMG provide the triple threat with their 3 interchangeable spool choices that offer a wider range of fishing possibilities for any situation on or off the water.

  • It has a super Cool Reel Design

Cons
  • It is heavy

12# Abu Garcia Veritas Spinning Ice Combo

Abu Garcia Veritas Spinning Ice Combos

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Length: 27″, 28″, 30″, 34″
Ball Bearings: 3+1
Action: Extra Fast

The Abu Garcia Veritas Spinning Ice Combo is the perfect tool for catching fish in cold weather. The graphite reel body and rotor make it lightweight and durable, while the machined aluminium spool ensures smooth operation.

The Everlast Bail System prevents lines from tangling, and the Rocket Line Management System ensures fast accurate casting. The combo comes with a 24-ton graphite rod blank and stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts, making it strong and sensitive. The Abu ergonomic reel seat provides a comfortable grip, and the high-density EVA handle grips keep your hands warm on long fishing trips.

Pros
  • Lightweight and well-balanced for easy use

  • The smooth and consistent drag system

  • Precisely machined aluminium spool

  • Quality construction

Cons
  • The rod is a bit stiff and might be difficult to use for novice anglers

FAQ

What type of rod is best for ice fishing?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best ice fishing rod for you will depend on your personal preferences and the type of fishing you plan to do. However, a good all-around option for most situations is a graphite rod with a sensitive blank. These rods are lightweight and easy to use, and they provide a great balance of strength and sensitivity.
What is the best ice fishing rod length?
The best ice fishing rod length is typically around six to eight feet long. This allows you to cast your line a good distance out onto the ice, while also remaining manageable for transporting and manoeuvring.
Can you use an ice fishing rod in the summer?
Yes, you can use an ice fishing rod in the summer for certain applications. For example, if you are fishing for panfish in a small creek or pond, an ice fishing rod will work well. However, if you are targeting larger fish species, a heavier rod and reel is typically recommended.

Conclusion

Ice Fishing can be a great way to spend time outdoors with your friends and family. It can also be a very productive way to catch some fish for the dinner table. In order to make the most of your Ice Fishing experience, it is important to have the right equipment.

This buyer’s guide will help you choose the best ice fishing rods and reels for your needs. We have included product reviews and useful tips to help you make an informed decision about which gear is best for you. Thanks for reading!

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

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About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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