Adamr, sounds like you are pretty new to ice fishing. If you are, may want to consider buying 2-3 cheaper combos of different sizes/actions for the price of a single TB rod + reel.

Gander makes some pretty inexpensive real combos and they are decent. There are a ton of options out there.

Than you can experiment to see what type of rod(s) fit your style best without spending a bunch of money only to find you wish you went with a different configuration. Once you get first hand experience of what you really want/like, then go out and spend the money on a higher end rod(s) like a TB.

Just a suggestion to consider.

I icefish 3 to 5 nights a week with the gander rods now and just want to get a good rod. The biggest thing I dislike about gander rods is there to short. I think Im either gonna get the perch outside rod with hidden hood handels or walleye graphite in 28 with the hood handels any suggestions

If I were to get a 28", I would go with the Tennessee or standard handle. The hidden hoods put your reel closer to the tip, so your working part of the rod is shorter. Basically it would be similar to a 24" rod with a longer butt section behind the reel. I'd go longer with a hidden hood, or a different style handle. I've seen some short handled Tennessee locking that move the reel back further and don't require tape. I'd give someone a call at T.Brothers and work out the specifics.

Get the perch!

What kinda fish you plan to target with this rod? For panfish/perch/walley - go the Perch, for Walleye go Walleye rod.

Another thing to consider ... If you really want the 30" size, you can call TB direct hand have them make you a custom rod for that size. But if you plan to fish in smaller protables, you'll be happy with that 28".

Better yet ... come to the St. Paul ice fishing show next weekend and look at all the options first hand. TB's will be there.

Thanks guys I think I'm gonna call them and get a custom 30 walleye medium built probably with the tennese handle. I hate the idea of taping on a reel to a 100 rod. I guess I probably could just buy both rods one for inside 28 perch sweatheart and a 32 medium walley for outside. They say to spend to boost the economy right.

order it in the color wraps you want. I just got back from there and got another deadstick. I have the 32" walleye, 28" panfish, 28" deadstick.

So will not go wrong.

whats the color wraps? any color you want?

These are the wraps for holding the line guides to the rod blank. If you go to their website and look at the TB Custom Summer custom rods, you will see the various color options/combonations. For some reason they don't list these color options on the ice rods.

Adam,

Shoot me a ring at the store sometime tonight between 4:30-8:30pm... I'll help you figure out which rod to get I will also give you a rundown on all the various color choices for guide wraps as well as all the options for lengths and handle choices... we'll get you a tricked-out custom rod that fits your needs perfectly. A lot of things to consider when building a rod and sometimes it can be a little overwhelming, but no worries, we'll get you sorted out!

Give me a ring tonight... 763-572-3782

Hey Matt, is the price for a custom rod similar to the price of the stock TB ice rods? Assuming same components but maybe diffrent length, guide wrap colors or handle length.

I've always been charged the same for rods with custom guide wrap colors. Longer blanks are progressively more expensive.

Price will be the same as long as components match. Custom colors are no extra charge... and we'll even write your name on the rod... or nickname

Sweet ... thanks Matt. I'm guessing my next TB rod will be a power noodle or pearch sweetheart.

May have to wait till next year. Pretty much blew my load getting in to Musky fishing stuff . TB's got a chunk of that business so its all good

You let me know when you're ready bud and we'll get you set-up!

Thanks Matt! You actually sold me my first TB rod, a 32" dead stick (still one of my fav's), and through in some great advice when I was just getting started out.

I'm hoping to get to the ice show this weekend. I'll try to stop by the booth and say hi. It's going to be a brutal test of will power not to treat myself to some new toys