I am interested in building some ice rods for my brothers-in law. They are avid ice fishermen and generally fish for panfish. I am clueless on the type of blank to use and am having trouble finding info. I would really appreciate some advice!

Thanks

Herb,
Search the archives for some more info on ice blanks and rods.

At Richard's Rod & Reel I will be glad to help you with selections also, if you wish to contact me for the supplies you might want and for your type of ice fishing.

Rich Garbowski
Richard's Rod & Reel

info@rodreel.com
807-486-0514

Find out what they'll be fishing for. UL for panfish, Mediums for walleyes. Lake trout???

Length is dependent upon their fishing situation. If they're in tight spaces, you will want a little shorter rod (28"ish). If you've got okay space, longer rods will do very well. If they're run 'n gunners, fishing out of a house, even a 40"er will be good.

St. Croix makes very nice Carbon ice blanks (http://stcroixrods.com/content.asp?id=64&section=builder). Mudhole stocks them.

Aaron has some good info; I'm a run and gunner-I don't use an ice house. I like the tip section of a fly rod for pan fish, full 48" long. It works for panfish and walleye. Caught an 11# 8 oz. walleye on 2# line through the ice on this and had no problems whatsoever.

With a spring bobber on the end for a stike indicator, the 4' rod is wonderful-I don't have to bend over to lay the tip-top on the ice with the spring bobber over the hole (it's rock steady this way showing even the most subtle bite). In the cold, all that bending really gets the lower back whining quickly...

Putter

Many ice fishermen tend to like a particular type of rod and won't even consider another type. I have some that I have to tune the glass blank by putting a special grind to it. If I can't get it right, they won't fish with it. The type of blank they fell in love with is almost impossible to find, so... Get a few blanks rated for their type of fishing (Perch, Walleye, Lakers), then get their opinion and build on that blank. The more input you can get from them on grips, guides, action, etc will make the build easier and the end user happier.
Ray

Herb,
I wish I had you for a brother-in-law. We offer a variety of blanks depending on species and style of fishing(shelter vs open air). Send me what info you can obtain and I will see what the best choices are for your project.
Scott Reed
Jann's Netcraft
www.jannsnetcraft.com