Why Every Ice Angler Needs a Deadstick Rod - Fish House Nation Episode 212

Why Every Ice Angler Needs a Deadstick Rod - Fish House Nation Episode 212

July 20, 2026 · 13 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of using a deadstick rod for ice fishing, particularly for catching walleyes.

Episode 212 of the Fish House Nation Podcast presented by Catch Cover is all about one of the most productive and often overlooked ice fishing techniques: deadsticking. Hosts Chris Larsen and Al Escobedo break down why every walleye angler should fish a deadstick alongside their jigging rod, especially when fish are less aggressive. They cover everything from choosing the right rod and reel to selecting hooks, line, live bait, and proper minnow rigging techniques. You'll also learn how to position your deadstick, adjust bait movement, and fine-tune your setup to turn lookers into biters. Whether you're new to deadsticking or looking to improve your catch rate this winter, this episode is packed with practical advice that will help you put more walleyes on the ice. In this episode: Why deadsticking consistently catches neutral fish The best rod action and reel setup for walleyes Fluorocarbon vs. other fishing lines How to hook minnows for different presentations Where to position your deadstick relative to your jigging rod Common mistakes that cost anglers fish Simple adjustments that can dramatically improve your success If you're only fishing one rod when regulations allow two…

People in this episode

Hosts: Chris Larsen, Al Escobedo

Topics covered

Keywords

Sponsors

Catch Cover

Mentioned in this episode

Products: deadstick rod, jigging rod, fluorocarbon

Places: walleyes

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