Sizes

• Ice fishing rods come in sizes from 17 inches to 36 inches in length and are classified by weight as either ultra lite, lite, medium lite, medium , medium heavy and heavy.
  
  

Materials

• Ice fishing rods are made from glass or graphite, glass or a combination of a graphite inner core and a glass outer core. Handles can be foam or cork.
  
  

Considerations

• Ice fishing rods are cheaper than regular rods, so consider buying different sizes. You will not always be after the same size fish and the one you expect to be running may not be there.
  
  

Functions

• Larger size and heavier ice fishing rods are best for large fish such as walleye and lake trout . Choose medium rods for smaller fish such as perch, bluegill and crappie, and smaller, lighter rods for fast moving fish.
  
  

Features

• The handles are an important feature of the ice fishing reels. They are made of material that will resist the cold. Thicker rods can be used while wearing gloves. Reels must be designed to operate in very cold temperatures.