Northern Pike Rods, Reels, and Line 

Thanks again!

I think you would be really happy with that as a Northern Pike setup! I typically have no problem pushing the upper limits of that kind of lure rating by another half an ounce. Spool up that reel with 40lb or 50lb braid, a quality leader, and have fun!

Haha! That’s a common comment! For line, it isn’t about matching line to the fish but to the lure, and diameter is often more important than breaking strength. When casting lures that can be up to 5oz in weight, I want 17-20lb monofilament or 80-100lb braid to get line diameter that can withstand impact resistance when a backlash occurs or the line digs into a spool. The thicker line is also nice for hard hooksets on pike (and musky) when the drag is locked down to 15lb+. For driving hooks into 40”+ fish. Now, if I was expecting 25” pike and was throwing a 1/2oz spinner bait, I wouldn’t be nearly as concerned with going lighter in line. I think in that case 10-15lb braid (6lb mono) on a spinning reel or 20-30lb braid (10lb mono) for a casting reel would be appropriate.

@@stienfamilyoutdoors 🤣🤣🤣

I actually picked up the Swimbait Special to test out this year from the pike lineup. I’m planning to try it out for glidebaits, bull dawgs, and swimbaits. I wouldn’t have a full review until closer to July, but would be open to posting a video with some first impressions of the rod casting and working lures of various weights if it would be helpful?

that would be great!@@stienfamilyoutdoors

Also what size reel are you planning to use on that rod? @@stienfamilyoutdoors

I’ll be using a 400 size Shimano. Probably my Calcutta Conquest. A 300 size would balance it nicely as well, but I’m personally not as big a fan of that size. Tends to be so similar in weight and footprint to the 300 that you don’t gain much.