If you are considering pike angling seriously for the first time then it would be useful to read this post about buying tackle specifically for hunting specimen sized predators. The pike tackle used by experienced anglers can on occasion be somewhat heavy. A test curve rod of 3 to 4 pounds is normal. This tackle is very strong and can easily handle big pike up to as large as they grow.
The trouble is that it can take a bit of the pleasure from your angling to sit by the river or lake with what feels like a broomstick when you connect to a lively 10 pounder! However, it would be irresponsible to go fishing knowing that there is a chance of catching say at least a 20 pound fish equipped with a sporting one pound test curve spinning rod and five pound breaking strain line! There needs to be a happy medium of course.
Selection of the strength of your pike fishing tackle can add tremendously to the enjoyment of your sport. I tend to go to my local water where I have caught pike up to 21 pounds with two rods, one with a 1.5 pound test curve and one of 2 pounds. I have a 2.5 pound test rod that I will use when fishing long distance with bigger baits.
My rods are relatively light as pike fishing tackle goes but I have found they will handle the fish comfortably while feeling responsive in the hand. These rods are ideally loaded with 12 – 15 pound breaking strain (nylon – or equivalent diameter of braid or fluorocarbon) and will feel nicely balanced.
I use rods of 12 foot in length which I actually like unless I am stalking a river bank. Then I will use my ancient fibreglass 9 foot ABU spinning rod that can lob a few ounces of dead-bait happily.
The reel is less critical in my opinion, as long as it is a good one – I use Shimano Bait Runners that will take around 200 metres of line. This is more than enough. A few years ago when I started specimen hunting for pike I bought one of these bait runners and paired it with an old Mitchell Match with automatic bail arm. I used a deep spool of course – you could probably only fit 10 metres of suitably heavy line on the special match spool! I caught many good pike, again up to 20 pounds in weight, with this rather make shift partnership – even though it is definately not designed for the job!
Once you have read all the brochures about length, test curve, capacity of spool etc – in order to choose the best rod and reel combination for you is to simply get your preferred combination in your hand. Do you like them? As a committed fishing tackle tart I must be in love with the gear. Then I enjoy using it and it therefore will do the job it is asked to. Of course I could not fall in love with a sea fishing rod to be used to catch roach – so my mind will have a say over my heart!
Remember what fishing is about – as long as the pike fishing tackle is up to the job the important thing is your satisfaction.