Plano, IL (October 16, 2016) - You may never be a professional ice fishing guide or tournament angler, but you can aspire to learn what the pros know and apply it to your own style of fishing. This constant and ongoing discovery is what makes all forms of fishing so rewarding - and so much fun.
Even after nearly 80 years of making – trusted gear – for anglers, Frabill remains on an unrelenting quest for fresh ideas and insights that translate to new angling equipment and accessories that maximize fishing success and satisfaction. It’s why the company’s pro-staff is one of the deepest and most respected in the industry. It takes a village to help the rest of us to fish like a pro and our village takes the form of black and gold ice shelters scattered over frozen lakes throughout the ice belt.
For the 2016/2017 ice season, Frabill announces nine new Ice Hunter Combos, developed in close partnership with five of their top, hardworking ice fishing professionals.
Designed with insights from pros Eric Brandriet, Jeff “Gussy” Gustafson, Pat Kalmerton, Steve Pennaz and Dale Stroschein for everything from panfish to trophy pike, Ice Hunter rods sport solid graphite blanks for superior sensitivity (Model 678002 30 Quick Tip is fiberglass), stainless steel ice guides to prevent freeze up, ergonomic tapered cork handles and convenient hook keepers.
Multi-disc, front-drag spinning reels are silky smooth, featuring 3+1 ball bearings, infinite anti-reverse, machined aluminum spools, deluxe quick-fold L/R ambidextrous handles, tapered drag knobs to reduce line catch, and Sub-Zero® lube for flawless operation in extreme conditions.
NEW Frabill Ice Hunter Rods
- Blended performance for pursuing specific species
- Engineered for maximum sensitivity and hook-setting power Graphite rod blanks (Model 678002 30â Quick Tip is fiberglass)
NEW Frabill Ice Hunter Reel
Freewheeling performance driven by 3 + 1 ball bearings and Infinite anti-reverse
- Lightweight machined aluminum spool
- Sub-Zero gear lubricant keeps gears cranking in the bitter cold
- Silky smooth drag system won’t stick or seize-up
- Size 500 reel is ideal for most fishing applications
Steve Pennaz Model 678002 Ice Hunter Combo 30 QT Panfish (MSRP: $59.99)
Host of Stone Cold Fishing and Lake Commandos, Steve Pennaz is a former US National Ice Fishing Champion and medalist in two World Ice Fishing Championships as member of Team USA. “I worked with Frabill to design a rod specifically for panfish. This rod is great because the quick tip picks up light bites when panfish are neutral and affords protection for light lines.”
Steve Pennaz Model 678004 Ice Hunter Combo 30 L Deep Crappie (MSRP: $59.99)
“My main goal was to create a solid rod for deep water crappie. Working with the engineers at Frabill, we were thrilled to develop this action that telegraphs light bites while allowing for lightning fast hook sets, regardless of how deep the fish are in the water column.”
Eric Brandriet Model 678003 Ice Hunter Combo 26 L Perch / Finesse Walleye (MSRP: $59.99)
Eric Brandriet is part-owner/operator of Dakota Prairie Angling LLC, offering guided fishing trips on Lake Oahe during the summer months and year round trips on the South Dakota Glacial Lakes and Big Stone Lake. Eric shares his knowledge with others through published articles, instructional video clips, and guiding. “I wanted a rod especially for perch and finesse walleye tactics. This rod is sensitive enough to detect the most-subtle bites, and its ability to accommodate a variety of lure sizes adds to its fishability. It’s my favorite rod for chasing South Dakota jumbo perch.”
Eric Brandriet Model 678003 Ice Hunter Combo 27 ML Jumbo Perch / Walleye (MSRP: $59.99)
“This rod is great for walleyes and jumbo perch because it has a soft, sensitive tip, but retains surprising power to ice any South Dakota walleye or perch.”
Pat Kalmerton Model 678001 Ice Hunter Combo 26 UL Panfish (MSRP: $59.99)
A USCG licensed captain and guide on Lake Michigan, its tributaries, and inland waters, Pat Kalmerton loves sharing his knowledge and passion for the outdoors with others, whether it’s through TV, radio, magazines, seminars, or simply speaking with anglers wherever they’re found. “This is the go-to rod for all types of panfish. It has the feel and sensitivity you’d expect in a fine ultralight, but with enough backbone to cross their eyes in a hurry.”
Dale Stroschein Model 678006 Ice Hunter Combo 30 ML Whitefish (MSRP: $59.99)
Legendary Angler and National Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, Dale Stroschein, is a USCG licensed charter captain and ice guide with 30 years experience guiding the waters of Door County and Green Bay. “Chasing down whitefish in Door County, Wisconsin, I saw an opportunity for a unique rod – one with a sensitive and bright orange tip to make it easier for the angler to detect light bites and a longer rod length to allow the angler to sit back from the hole.”
Dale Stroschein Model 678007 Ice Hunter Combo 27 M Deep Walleye (MSRP: $59.99)
“I love this rod. The shorter length allows for hook sets inside a portable shelter, and the medium action works great for hunting the monster walleye that live where I fish in Door County, Wisconsin.”
Jeff âGussyâ Gustafson Model 678008 Ice Hunter Combo 32 MH Trophy Walleye / Pike (MSRP: $59.99)
Host of Fishing with Gussy and a professional angler on the Walmart FLW Tour, Jeff Gussy Gustafson is also an outdoor writer who enjoys sharing his wealth of industry knowledge. “I worked with Frabill to design a rod specially for larger walleye and pike. This 32â rod combines great sensitivity over a range of lure weights with the strength to muscle big fish.”
Jeff âGussyâ Gustafson Model 678009 Ice Hunter Combo 38 H Trout / Pike (MSRP: $59.99)
“This rod was designed for hunting down giant lake trout and pike here in Canada. The engineers at Frabill worked with me to fine-tune this rod to create a heightened sensitivity that delivers exceptional lure feedback while maintaining maximum power for striking and fighting the largest predators.”
