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Entry vs Premium Jig Rods: Tickle Stick vs Legend Black Ice
Short answer: The Tickle Stick is an entry rod with a hi-vis PC2 tip; St. Croix Legend Black Ice is a premium solid-carbon blank with Pac Bay Minima guides in UL to medium.
I don't print prices I haven't scanned, so check the buttons below for today's numbers. What you get for more money is mostly a better blank and lighter, better guides.
Spec comparison
| 13 Fishing Tickle Stick | St. Croix Legend Black Ice | |
|---|---|---|
| Blank | PC2 flat-tip blank, hi-vis tip | Precision-taper solid carbon |
| Guides | ALPS thin-wire | Pac Bay Minima stainless, black frames |
| Handle / seat | Evolve reel seat | Premium EVA; nylon seat with stainless secondary nut |
| Lengths | 23" (SUL, UL, L), 38" L | 24" and 30" |
| Powers | Super ultra light to light | Ultra light through medium |
Sources: rapala.com Tickle Stick page; stcroixrods.com Legend Black Ice page and 2023 catalog (Oct 2026).
Which one?
First rod, or a rod for the kids: Tickle Stick. The hi-vis tip shows bites. Fishing every weekend: the St. Croix's solid-carbon blank telegraphs light bites better and goes up to medium power for walleye.
Where to buy
Tickle Stick: Buy at StrikeMaster →
Legend Black Ice: Buy at St. Croix →
Related guides
- Ice Jigs & Plastics: A Northwoods Starter Box
- Thermal Tip-Ups: HT Polar Therm vs Polar Therm Extreme
- Float Suits for Ice Fishing: Striker Climate vs Clam Rise V3
- Ice Rods & Reels: Building a Panfish and Walleye Setup
Written by Cory Arnold, Iron County, Michigan. Specs checked October 2026.
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