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Going for Pike, need new gear?
Last Post 24 Feb 2012 06:56 PM by mr bill. 10 Replies.
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RedK71User is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:22 RedK71
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08 Feb 2012 09:01 AM
    I just rented a house in Vermont for a trip this summer.  The owner (and people who posted reviews on the website) all say the 80 acre pond that the house sits on is excellent smallmouth and Pike fishing.  I have never fished for Pike before.
    I only own two spinning setups.  An 5' ultralight for trout in the creek behind my house, and a 6' Med. Browning with a Pflueger Trion GX-7 reel for, well, just about anything else.  But mostly small & large mouth and crappie in the lake close to home.  Not the most expensive setups to be sure, but they catch fish.

    I've never used a baitcast before, but from everything I have read I should probably use one for the Pike I hope to be catching in Vermont.  I have practiced using an ancient Abu Garcia baitcast that my brother-in-law found in his shed.  I think I can get the hang of it if i had a better reel.

    So finally to my question, and I know it is a loaded one as everyone has their Brand, but what is a good entry level Baitcast set up?  I don't mind buying a combo or purchasing them separately.  I am lucky enough to live within a 1 hour drive of both BPS and Cabelas so I have been cruising their websites.  I have been leaning towards an Abu Garcia Silver Max reel and MH rods from both BPS and Cabelas that run about $50-$60 that have received good reviews.  I would like a 2 piece rod.  Sometimes I have to take my rods apart to fit in the car, depends how many others are in the car.

    Or, do i even need a new setup?  Can I just go with a heavier line on my Browning/Pflueger?  Not that I am against buying new gear.  Who doesn't want new stuff?!

    sorry for the book, thanks for any suggestions.
    wellsleyUser is Offline Senior Poster Senior Poster Send Private Message Posts:5999 wellsley
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    08 Feb 2012 01:51 PM
    Your Browning will work fine. Just put a steel leader on your line. Some mighty big fish have been caught on 4lb test if you play them right. If you want to spend the money and get something differant have at it. I'm always looking for a reason to buy new gear. The average person needs nothing more than a medium rod for average pike. Don't forget your camera and be sure to let us know how you do in vermont.
    Lifemember & Bushwacker SMF
    RedK71User is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:22 RedK71
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    08 Feb 2012 08:28 PM
    I already have the leaders. That I knew I would need. Plan to get a lip grabber and a longer needle nose too.
    I will probably buy the new rod and reel. BPS just announced a Presidents Day sale. The rod I was lookin at is 50% off!! I'd be stupid NOT to buy it.
    Thanks for the advice.
    Don't worry, there will be pics!
    PegsguyUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:4093 Pegsguy
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    09 Feb 2012 08:31 AM
    You might want to consider buying a heavier spinning setup over a bait caster. Baitcasters are fine and serve a purpose but would you rather spend your time fishing or learning to cast while on your vacation? It took me quite a while to become minimally proficient with a baitcaster and 4 years later I am still improving.
    Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian!
    RedK71User is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:22 RedK71
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    10 Feb 2012 08:06 AM
    Good point. If i get the baitcast soon, i have till July to become a little better at it. But like you said, it takes quite some time to really become experienced with a baitcast reel.
    Maybe I'll get both. I'll say it again, who doesn't want new gear?! And as this is a family vacation/fishing trip, I don't get too much grief for spending $$ from the accountant (wife).
    PegsguyUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:4093 Pegsguy
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    10 Feb 2012 09:43 AM
    If you can afford both, go for it! Don't make the mistake of cheaping out on the baitcaster though. You can live with an inexpensive spinning reel but not so with a bait caster. Get much below $80 MSRP for the reel and both the drag and anti-backlash become suspect. Once you have "educated" your thumb, an inexpensive baitcater is ok, but they make it tough to learn. I found out the hard way. I now have 2 low profile reels that I use almost exclusively as light duty trolling reels.
    Lifer in NE Illinois Gen. 1:28 I didn't rise to the top of the food chain to become a vegitarian!
    RedK71User is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:22 RedK71
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    10 Feb 2012 10:54 AM
    I'll keep that in mind.  I like the price of the Abu Garcia Silver Max ($60) and have read good things about it.  But I'll keep looking to see if anything else gets my attention.  With the sale on the rod I like, i can afford a bit more on the reel.  I said I won't get much grief about buying new gear, but there is a limit to how far I can push it...  
    ariessUser is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:74 ariess
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    10 Feb 2012 03:59 PM
    it really depends on what is the average size of the pike in your lake. i know some lakes that have very good pike populations but produce mainly small fish. if that's the case with your lake, then just stick with your original outfit. but, if your lake is full of man eaters and your serious about catching them, dont be afraid to step up tackle wise.
    the rod tosserUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:1486 the rod tosser
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    20 Feb 2012 11:33 AM
    A lot is going to depend on what you plan to cast , i have caught some nice pike on a 6-6 med action rod with a fast tip. Most folks would consider that a general species rod for fresh water.
    Take a kid fishing , If the fish aint biting entertain them. Photobucket
    RedK71User is Offline New Poster New Poster Send Private Message Posts:22 RedK71
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    24 Feb 2012 03:39 PM
    Tosser, I just got a 6'6 MH with a fast tip a little siffer than my UL and M fast rods. Casting feels a little different. Looking forward to trying it out.
    mr billUser is Offline Veteran Poster Veteran Poster Send Private Message Posts:1903 mr bill
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    24 Feb 2012 06:56 PM
    i have a 7' ml that i love to cast with. i cast allot of medium size to large rapala's for pike. i do have a couple other rigs that i use for northerns. it all depends on where and what size i be chasing.

    i even use my noodle rod sometimes for casting lures at pike in the early spring, because of the action i get with it
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