I have been using a very cheap $10 rod and reel set-up for ice fishing that is beginning to self destruct and would like to get something more functional/high performance. Do any of you have a recommendation for a good rod/reel combo that doesn't break the bank? I fish primarily for trout smaller than 20" (lakers, splake, rainbows, and occasionally walleyes). Thanks for any advice.

For a decent rod I really like the Jason Mitchell meat stick. It only comes in medium action, but the tip is more like light/UL. It's not a noodle rod as far as action, but it's one of my go to rods and I have a handful of custom ice rods that cost double what they are and I'll choose it over them at times.

And I don't hardly ever recommend buying a "combo" as the reel is usually crap compared to the rod. Buy the rod you want and buy the reel you want, they rarely come together.

If you're usually fishing in 20' or less, the straight line reels are really nice. (fly reel style)

For the rod, do you like to see the bite on the rod tip (or spring bobber) or do you like to feel it? I'm a sight guy, which is why I like the meat stick or noodle type rods or a spring bobber. I have one custom carbon ice rod that's a "feel" rod and it does the job but I'd rather watch for the bite personally.

Just make sure to get a high quality reel, with high quality drag! I’ve hooked some monster fish when fishing for panfish. Would of never landed them without a great drag system. 48 inch sturgeon with 4 pound test can really heat up a drag system!!

I’m a big fan of the in-line type reels, I’ve seen some of the 13 Fishing Freefalls for fairly cheap (like $45-55 vs full price @$75) I love how the tiniest jigs can tear off line like it’s no big deal, and never any curly line!

One of the straight line reels I use pictured below, not a budget combo but shows the style.

This is a very hard question to answer, since it is such a personal thing, and like open water fishing, depends on your preferred presentations. A lot of guys are going to longer rods, with softer tips. Still lots of backbone through the lower two thirds of the rod, but a softer, more flexible tip. This helps in keeping lakers and whitefish etc pinned while bringing them up. Take a look at the 36" Fenwick rods in the elite tech and HMG line. Really nice rods at the price. There are cheaper and more expensive options but really nice rods. Best would be to hit cabelas or bass pro etc and look. Since season is mid way to almost over, check out the March fishing show sales.

Moonman.

I have several 13 Fishing White Out combos. Very solid.

Great recommendations everyone, I appreciate it. I will check out the in-line reels, I've seen them, but never used one. Really like the idea of no line curl and ease of jig drop.

ArrowheadPaddler: "Great recommendations everyone, I appreciate it. I will check out the in-line reels, I've seen them, but never used one. Really like the idea of no line curl and ease of jig drop. "

If you go inline....the cheaper ones are similar to a fly reel where you pull line out. Not a big deal if you're fishing shallow, but a pain if you're in 25+ feet. You'd need the free fall, drop kind with a button or lever that lets it free spool down. Which works well unless you have super small jig then you're still helping it down

I love our inline reels, both kinds