How to Set Up a Jigging Pole for Ice Fishing

When it comes to ice fishing gear, the general rule is shorter is better. For an ice fishing jigging rod -- a rod used to pull the jig up and down, bouncing it off the bottom -- this is also true. Keep the jigging rod short and stout to maintain solid action during the ice angling session. In addition, the rod setup is wasted if you do not match it up with an ice fishing jig. These jigs are more vertical than horizontal, letting you bounce the lure with the jigging action through the ice hole.

Things You'll Need

  • 8 to 10 pound monofilament line
  • Single mid-size diameter rod black with one guide
  • Small wooden handle
  • Sinkers (optional)
  • Vertical ice fishing jig
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Wrap the line across a wooden handle. There are two schools of thought on the shape of the handle; one school prefers a round, dowel shape while the other prefers a rectangular shape. A round handle lets you spool out the line quickly and evenly, but you risk losing line off the sides. Rectangular handles require turning the handle over and over to spool out the line, but are much less prone to side-slips with the line. It is a subjective choice.

    • 2

      Take the end of the spooled line and run it up through a rod blank that has a single metal guide -- the round metal loops the line is threaded through -- in the middle and one small guide at the tip. Push the line through the guide and tip loop.

    • 3

      Pull several feet of line through the guides and tie an ice fishing jig to the end of the line with a Palomar knot.

    • 4

      Add sinkers to the line if you are fishing deep water. Use split shot sinkers and place them at least 8 to 12 inches above the jig.