Originally posted by: wellsley on 10/27/2007 9:52:14 AM

Maybe there are alot of 40 and 50 lbers to be had. <!--graemlin::D-->

Originally posted by: Rich Connor on 10/27/2007 5:27:21 AM

I fished recently in Irland with Irsh friends for pike. The rods we were using were big and heavy (10') and the reels to match. They apparently use them also for salmon. It was totally tiring tossing spoons and spinners with this equipment. I want to buy my one friend a new rod and reel and send it to him. I used my Cabelas 7' rod matching Daiwa reel with 12# line this past summer in Canada and had little problem bringing in large feisty pike with it. Does anyone have an opinion why the equipment we used in Ireland was so big and heavy? any suggestion for a rod/reel to send my friend?Thanks.

Originally posted by: ice cube bob on 10/27/2007 5:02:23 PM

I use a 10' 6" Berkley IM-7 noodle rod with a Shimano Spirex 2000RB reel to fish steelhead. I use 6# Trilene XL line. The reel is rated up to 10#. It`s a great set up.

Don`t know what these guys are using in Ireland, but you can`t replace a 10' rod with a 7' one. It`s all about control. The 10' rod is a huge advantage in working a bait and bringing in a fish. Hope this helps.

Originally posted by: silversalmon on 10/30/2007 10:05:06 PM

6' ugly stick with 10 or 15 pound spider wire, 5:3:1 gear ratio on a shimano reel, cranks em in <!--graemlin::cool:-->

Originally posted by: Frogfish on 10/31/2007 1:52:58 PM

Probably because 1) They didn't want to get a second setup, or 2) they hook into the large pike that Europe is famed for...

Originally posted by: panfisherteen on 10/31/2007 6:10:31 PM

yea pike over there easily reach 30lbs,so you have a better chance over there to hook a huge one than here,we have the smaller ones <!--graemlin::rolleyes:-->

Originally posted by: turnip on 10/31/2007 6:59:52 PM

ICB, is hitting the nail on the head. The longer the rod the easier it is on you (as far as bringing the fish in). The longer rod gives great leverage, just keep the rod tip up and hang on! I use an 8'3" Ugly Stick with 30# super braid and it does right fine! <!--graemlin:;)-->

Originally posted by: panfisherteen on 11/1/2007 3:56:56 PM

im gonna try a 6'3" spinning rod with 8lb test for pike next spring<!--graemlin::D--> i may buy 14lb fireline so that at least the line wont snap as quickly <!--graemlin::rolleyes:-->but then again,8lb would be UL for pike,something thats always fun <!--graemlin::D-->

Originally posted by: turnip on 11/1/2007 6:02:43 PM

This spring when I was fishing lake Champlain for pike, I used a 6'6" one piece rod with 6# florocarbon line and a jig. I caught a lot of pike from 25" to 27" and no bite offs! <!--graemlin:;)-->

Originally posted by: panfisherteen on 11/3/2007 8:06:12 PM

well on the outers club canoe trip next spring ill be trying for pike again,hopefully they go the route they went the 1st time i went,no portages <!--graemlin::D-->

Originally posted by: getdanet1 on 11/3/2007 8:18:00 PM

quote:

Originally posted by turnip:
This spring when I was fishing lake Champlain for pike, I used a 6'6" one piece rod with 6# florocarbon line and a jig. I caught a lot of pike from 25" to 27" and no bite offs! <!--graemlin:;)-->

Originally posted by: getdanet1 on 11/3/2007 8:33:06 PM

quote:

Originally posted by panfisherteen:
im gonna try a 6'3" spinning rod with 8lb test for pike next spring<!--graemlin::D--> i may buy 14lb fireline so that at least the line wont snap as quickly <!--graemlin::rolleyes:-->but then again,8lb would be UL for pike,something thats always fun <!--graemlin::D-->

Originally posted by: turnip on 11/3/2007 9:07:14 PM

quote:

Originally posted by getdanet1:

quote:

Originally posted by turnip:
This spring when I was fishing lake Champlain for pike, I used a 6'6" one piece rod with 6# florocarbon line and a jig. I caught a lot of pike from 25" to 27" and no bite offs! <!--graemlin:;)-->

Pete, I didn't know Hammer handles were in season then. Try a forty incher and you will feel like a kid with a zebco 33. <!--graemlin::D-->

Originally posted by: panfisherteen on 11/6/2007 1:35:49 PM

quote:

PFT, you could get by with 8lb if you use a wire leader,..My advice, fish like you were gonna catch the monster of the lake. 50 to 80Lb braided with wire leader.
That way you will be able to bring back what you threw out, and maybe a jack ....eh

Originally posted by: Haley on 11/14/2007 4:53:50 PM

I would look into the Pete Mania series rods from Bass Pro Shops, top that with a Shimano 400 Series Reel and your set. St Croixs muskie series rods are about as good as it gets but you will pay for it.

I run anywhere between a 6'6" to 9' rod for muskies ( same as their big pike) depending on what baits I'm throwing. I can sling baits all day long without problems. I throw big baits all day long anywhere from 2oz to 8 oz on my Mania, or Croix.

For line nothing but 80# Power Pro and at least a 12" 140# leader, again depending on baits weather its a 7 strand or solid wire.

Originally posted by: fish-a-holic on 11/15/2007 5:12:11 AM

I pulled in a 60+inch lake sturgean this last spring with a 6' one piece fenwick, Shamano spinning real and 6 Lb test trilean. As long as you have quality equipment and decent skills, and a properly set drag you can land just about anything in freshwater fishing.

Originally posted by: mr bill on 11/15/2007 7:43:03 AM

your right there fish-a-holic, i have several rods i use for different seasons and/or baits. hooked a lot of big fish that i've caught on little rigs and i have lost some so so fish on rigs that should have held them. the ones i lost was my own fault.

in the spring time my faverate rig is a 9' browning rod and a shamano spinning real.



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