In this video, Scott Mackner breaks down what you should consider when choosing the right ultra-light rod for chasing panfish through the ice.
Mackner’s go-to rods for panfish through the ice include the Tuned Up Custom Rods Bullwhip and Precision Noodle, both in a 36″ length. Both are noodle rods with ultra-sensitive tips, but the Bullwhip has a noticeably stiffer backbone.
When it comes to choosing the right rod, it’s all about which baits you are choosing to use. The lighter rod, the Precision Noodle, is going to have a lot more flex. That’s why when running heavier baits like larger spoons, small rattle baits, or 5-6 mm tungsten with large soft plastics or targeting bigger crappies in general, choose the heavier rod, with the firmer backbone, the Bullwhip. When using micro-plastics and small 2-4mm tungsten jigs, choose the lighter rod the Precision Noodle. This works better for a more finesse presentations and detecting those extra light bites.
Depending on what kind of fisherman you are or what kind of situations you find yourself in, make the right choice for how you plan to fish or get both rods so you have something prepared for each situation.
