Any of you ice fisherman got any tips on a ice fishing rod under 40 dollars Thanks Oh and before any of you ask why I need one since I'm from Florida I use them for pan fishing it a great fight and very portable I had a st croix premier before is this my best bet

(It blew in the water :-[ :-[ :-[ :'(:-/)

How long of a rod do you want??? I like 21" noodle rods by HT, they are only about $15, but for open water fishing ????? Hey I wouldn't do it, but if it works for you...............

Well I had a 24'' but any length is good I caught a 3 1/2 lb catfish on 2lb test last year with it what length do you recommend

I use a 36" Frabill combo.  I think its called the panfish popper.  I also use it for Gills on my float tube during open water season.  It was $25 or so for the whole shabang.

What's that orange thing on the end?

Its a spring bobber.  Its is a visual indicator of a bite.  Winter time Gills are notoriously hard to feel with the rod.  The bobber helps that.  The first thing I did was take the crappy spring bobber off, and put on an after market type that clips onto the end of the rod.

So you would recommend this rod is it very durable?

Ive had it for two years of regular fishing with no problems.  For the price, I would absolutely recommend it.  However, get new line, the stuff that comes stock is crap. Also, change the spring bobber, or get rid of it completely.  Your looking at about  5 dollars of changes on a 25 dollar rod and reel. Its a win/win.