I am one to give credit where credit is due; but I am also one that when served crow,will ask for ketsup and salt.
A couple years ago, I met the guys from the Fish-a-way fishing rod company, a company that makes custom ice fishing rods, at the St. Paul Ice Fishing Show. They were showcasing the Cobra Ice Fishing Rod, their mainstay product.
At first glance, I didn’t like the rod so I walked away, not really thinking too much of the rod. It just didn’t appeal to me.
I saw them again at the Wisconsin Ice Fishing Show last month, and had a good chance to talk to them before the show opened. It turns out the Cobra Ice Fishing Rod is made in the United States by two retired military veterans. Seeing that I was planning on doing an article on tip-downs, catered to their request for an interview.
I will admit the more I talked to the Fish-a-Way guys, the more impressed with the Cobra I became. The rod has a wide base, and a interchangeable rod system- that’s it. The unit hits all my requirements: Portability, affordability, simplicity, and accessibility. I bought two rods from their booth at show special and took them home.
When I got the Cobra Rod on the ice, I was thoroughly satisfied with it’s performance. My son has an adaptive disorder, so getting him to hold fishing poles that he can either jig with, or reel with is huge issue. He quickly picked up the rod and found comfort in using it. The wide base allowed him to set the pole down clumsily while still landing face up; where the curved handle allowed him to hold the rod anywhere he felt comfortable.
Most importantly, the wide base acts as a safeguard from falling down the hole and into Davey Jone’s Locker; should a big fish attempt to drag the pole into the water, or if my son was to drop the pole into the hole, the wide base will prevent it from going in. (up to an 8 inch hole).
I also used the Cobra Rod myself a couple times, and noted how easy the Cobra Rod was to use with gloves/ mittens on. The wide base and curved handle allowed me to grab the rod far away from the reel, and allow me to reel in the fish without my clothing getting in the way.
I would highly recommend the Cobra Rod for anyone that fishes in any situation. To learn more about the Cobra Rod ice fishing system, visit their website.
