Frabill refines technique-specific rods for ice anglers
Jackson, Wis. - "Alongside the Bro Series, Ice Hunter is the most comprehensive series of ice rod actions ever developed," states Frabill Marketing V.P., Jeff Kolodzinski. "These are technique focused rod and reel combos; each precision application designed to target individual species. To do this, we collaborated with top guides and anglers who ice fish world renowned waters.
"In designing these combos, we didn't ask a walleye expert for input on a panfish combo, or vice versa," states Kolodzinski. "To assemble a premium bluegill combo, for example, we called on Walt and Poppie Mattan, famed creators of the Rat Finkee jig. Their combined experience with big 'gills is legendary. And we think the 26-inch Quick Tip Bluegill combo hits the sweet spot for fishing micro ice plastics."
Along these same lines, there's the 22-inch Quick-Tip Crappie, created by Scott Glorvigen, a professional angler renowned for his prowess with trophy black crappies. The rod's Quick-Tip is a perfect match for microlight jigs and finicky-biting panfish.
Then there's the 24-inch Finesse Perch rod, drafted by Hall of Famer Tom Neustrom, who tracks perch schools on Minnesota's famed lakes Leech and Winnibigoshish. Similarly, for a Perch/Finesse Walleye stick, Devils Lake, North Dakota guide Jason Feldner was a logical choice. And crafting Ice Hunter's walleye/pike combos-26-inch medium Deep Water Walleye and 32-inch medium-heavy Trophy Walleye/Pike Jigging models-were veteran guides Dale Stroschein and Paul Nelson, respectively.
On the predator front, Great Lakes guide Captain Eric Haataja created a 38-inch Trout/Heavy Jigging combo. This choice rod sports a custom glass Quick-Tip that absorbs the shock of powerful predators. "This is the finest combo out there. It meets the needs of anglers from Rocky Mountain reservoirs to the Great Lakes," says Haataja.
Besides Haataja's Trout combo, which features glass, each of the other six rods are founded on solid graphite blanks adorned with stainless steel ice guides to prevent freezing. For handles, Frabill incorporated high-grade tapered custom cork, which provides warmth, ergonomic comfort and precision control over any presentation.
Unlike many companies that scrimp on the reel, Frabill took its characteristic high road, incorporating first-rate features that perform optimally in extreme cold. Infinite anti-reverse, multi-disc, front load drag, and three plus one ball-bearings ensure liquid smooth operation. Each reel also includes a machined-aluminum spool, and is injected with special Sub-Zero lubricant for seamless operation in the coldest temperatures. This winter, Ice Hunter offers anglers everywhere the rare privilege of mingling with ice fishing's dream team.
ABOUT FRABILL
Frabill, Inc. (Jackson, Wis.) is celebrating 71 years of building the most trusted gear in the fishing industry. Frabill's ice fishing product mix consists of portable ice fishing shelters, rod and reel combos, tip-ups, bait containers, portable aeration and other related accessories. Open water products include landing nets, portable aeration, bait containers, bait care, bait traps and seines, and other accessories. Visit www.frabill.com.
