Panfish-Optimized Ice-Fishing Combos

Collectively, crappie, bluegill, and perch are the most-targeted species through the ice. Their appeal extends to experienced anglers who crave the hunt for the biggest specimens of each, as well as more-casual anglers looking to catch a lot of fish while keeping a few for the frying pan.

St. Croix’s popular Panfish Series of open-water spinning rods provides panfish aficionados with resolute, high-performance tools in the lengths, powers, and actions necessary to target all manner of panfish with a full range of today’s modern techniques. New for 2024, St. Croix Panfish Series Ice Combos bring the same benefits and abilities to ice anglers, plus the convenience of purchasing these panfish-optimized tools with an included, precision-matched winter-ready spinning reel.

Consisting of three models ranging in length from 28” to 36” and covering ultralight and light powers, St. Croix’s new Panfish Ice Combos support optimized panfish presentations while offering extreme durability, high-quality components, and precision-balanced St. Croix performance. Panfish Ice rods are crafted from precision-taper ultra-sensitive solid carbon (SC) blanks with bite-indicating hi-vis tips. Guides are lightweight and durable stainless steel, while reel seats support multiple hand positions. Precision-matched 800-size spinning reels feature 8+1 bearings, aluminum spools, low-temp lubricating lithium grease, and one-touch folding handles. Retail prices are just $95 to $105, making Panfish Series Ice Combos a value that’s as serious as their performance.

Specifically developed in direct response to a lack of longer, quality ice-rod combos in the marketplace, the PFI36L-C model is receiving special accolades from midwestern ice anglers. Ironwood, Michigan angler and owner of Just Fish Guide Service, Justin Soffa, was able to fish the PFI36L-C last season and explains its significant benefits.

“The 36L model in the new Panfish Ice Series has been one of the most talked about and anticipated ice-centric product releases from St. Croix since Croix Custom Ice,” he says. “There are numerous benefits that come from using a 36” rod for panfish applications, like the increased leverage they provide for hooksets. They’re also better tools for fighting the bigger species like bass, walleye and pike that are often encountered when targeting panfish.”

Soffa says the 36L Panfish Ice is also the best tool for hole hopping. “We fish a lot of big perch in Michigan, and we’re often drilling a ton of holes and moving around trying to locate fish with our electronics,” he says. “It’s often the same drill for crappie anglers. Overall, anglers are moving around a lot more because of live sonar. A 36” rod means you can stand further back from the hole when fish are spooky at early ice, when fishing shallower water, or when crappies are up against the ice right under your hole. A longer rod also makes it easier to get the tip of the rod closer to the hole to minimize the effects of wind on the line, making for much better presentations.”

Soffa adds that longer rods are becoming increasingly popular for inside fishing as well. “Short rods used to be the rule for fishing inside, but flip-over shelters, hub shacks, and wheelhouses are all trending larger and taller, so there’s more room in many cases to fish a longer rod. With live sonar, you now need more holes inside the shack as well. A longer rod means you can sit further away, and with side entry on so many shacks now, you can sit a longer rod down quickly and exit cleanly if you have a flag go on a tip-up outside.”

All-new St. Croix Panfish Series Ice Combos are designed and handcrafted to excel in the execution of all of today’s panfish-centric ice-fishing presentations at a favorable retail price that appeals to a wide variety of anglers’ budgets. They’re available for purchase at St. Croix dealers worldwide and online at stcroixrods.com.