ICE FISHING FOR PIKE

I woke up and decided to test the water after picking up a new Rapala IRC Combo (reel & Rod). I arrived a little after sunrise and the ice had about a foot thick and covered in slush. As for my bait, I was using Northland Tackle Whistler Jig 3/8 oz with a white twister tube. I had a fairly slow start but picked up throughout the day. I had an old ice fishing combo that I was jigging for perch and walleye and had my Rapala combo for pike. I was fishing in 12 feet of water. I had my smelt on my IRC combo and jigging my other combo before I felt a strike on my old combo and I quickly set the hook. I had the fish on and moments later the drag started acting up and the fish broke off. I went to show my friend what had happened with the drag on my old combo and as I look back I see my brand new Rapala IRC rod tip bouncing up and down. I quickly ran over and just before I had got there the fishing pulled the rod into the hole and gone it was. I was extremely frustrated especially since it was a new rod but it was definitely a lesson learned. Overall it was a great experience and look forward to my next adventure. please feel free to comment or ask any questions. Tight Lines and dress warm!.