Using high braking strain braid for pike fishing has got nothing to do with dragging the fish in! Its intended purpose is to avoid leaving a baited rig on the bottom should you snag up or snapping of and leaving the pike with the rig still in its mouth. Either scenario results in a dead pike period!
I use 50lb PowerPro braid for baitfishing and 3.25t/c rods. I know that if i snag up, i can pull free and get my rig back as the hooks straighten long before i get anywhere near the line breaking strain. This would not be possible with mono of similar diameter and would pose a real danger to any fish that picked up the discarded rig.
On the subject of bullying them in, my set up allows me to land, unhook and release my fish in the shortest possible time. The clutch setting on my reel ensures that if needed i can give out line (especially under the rod tip). Playing pike on light gear might be 'fun', but a prolonged fight will do far more harm to the fish than simply winding them in.
If anyone would like additional info on 'Balanced' pike tackle, take a look at the Pike Anglers Club of Great Britains web site (http://www.pacgb.com/)
Cheers,
Leigh
