Ice-Fishing Insights

Expert anglers share tips on choosing the right ice rods for specific presentations

We're living in a golden age of ice fishing. Many new anglers who flocked to fishing during the COVID pandemic are eager to try ice fishing for the first time. As they start shopping equipment, they'll find more products than ever - clothing, footwear, portable shelters, augers, and electronics - that make ice fishing more comfortable and productive than ever before. And when it comes to the critical interface between angler, lure and fish, they'll find a vast - and potentially confusing - array of rods from which to choose.

For expert anglers like James Lindner, Grant Sorensen and Jeremey Smith, today's wealth of ice-rod choices isn't confusing; it's more like manna from ice-fishing heaven. They no longer need to compromise on lengths, powers, actions, materials or handle-designs when choosing a rod for any specific ice-fishing situation. Beginners and experienced ice-anglers alike will benefit from their insights.

Fishing icon, James Lindner, shares his thoughts on a versatile, high-performance rod choice for targeting popular panfish species like bluegill, crappie, perch and trout:

Jeremy Smith drills down on the features that make for a great all-around walleye rod:

Lake of the Woods, Minnesota is an incredible destination for ice fishing for walleyes. The area's many lodges and resorts cater to individuals, families and other groups with a full-service experience that includes lodging, meals and comfortable transportation to and from thousands of heated ice houses situation over the million-acre lake's best fishing waters. Join Grant Sorensen on the ice as he discusses his favored rod for fishing Lake of the Woods:

TUNDRA: Angler-Driven Features Meet World-Class St. Croix Performance and Durability

The St. Croix Tundra Series is a culmination of ice-centric features and technologies wrapped in an extremely durable package at a retail-price range of $105 to $135. Featuring nine distinct spinning models ranging from 26" to 36" in light to medium-heavy power, fast and extra-fast action Tundra Series rods offer anglers different blanks and thoughtfully designed handle configurations for optimized comfort and performance in multiple ice presentations.

Extra-fast action, light-power Tundra models get strong, Xtreme-Flex solid glass blanks with supple, hi-vis strike-indicating tips. Fast action, medium-light through medium-heavy models are built on crisp and powerful Precision-Taper solid carbon blanks for trophy-landing performance. All Tundra blanks are matte finished in a covert Glacial Gray color.

Handle designs are customized per model. Light and medium-light power Tundras are equipped with angler-preferred premium cork split-grip handles for optimal control and maximum versatility in panfish presentations.

Medium and medium-heavy power models are equipped with premium full-cork handles by angler demand. With the exception of the medium-heavy model which includes a SeaGuide NPS reel seat for peace-of-mind and extra security while doing battle with heavy predators, all other Tundra ice rods are designed without reel seats to allow precise and balanced, custom reel placement in accordance with individual angler preference.

The guide trains on Tundra Series rods are engineered and executed to be durable, lightweight and trouble-free in the most-demanding conditions. A strong REC Recoil® stripper guide meets SeaGuide® light-wire running guides that reduce surface area to minimize ice buildup. Tip-tops are SeaGuide® stainless steel with a slick PVD coating.

St. Croix Tundra Ice Models

SCT26LXF - 26", light power, extra-fast action spinning / Retail $105
SCT30LXF - 30", light power, extra-fast action spinning / Retail $105
SCT34LXF - 34", light power, extra-fast action spinning / Retail $105
SCT27MLF - 27", medium-light power, fast action spinning / Retail $120
SCT27MF - 27", medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $120
SCT30MLF - 30", medium-light power, fast action spinning / Retail $125
SCT30MF - 30", medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $125
SCT36MF - 36", medium power, fast action spinning / Retail $135
SCT36MHF - 36", medium-heavy power, fast action spinning / Retail $135

St. Croix Tundra Ice Features

Two blank materials: Xtreme-Flex solid glass extra fast blanks designed for supple, strike-indicating tips and Precision-Taper solid carbon fast action blanks for trophy-landing performance
Ultra-durable cork handles customized per model and application
SeaGuide® NPS reel seat on a select model with no-show thread nut
Durable REC Recoil® stripper guide for the ultimate in durability
SeaGuide® light-wire running guides with reduced surface area to minimize ice buildup
SeaGuide® stainless steel tip top with PVD coating
Hi-vis orange tips on select glass models for quick reference and visual strike indication
5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Designed in Park Falls, U.S.A. and handcrafted in Fresnillo, Mexico

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