Pike rod advice

[Sportsman]

I am going to build myself a pair of rods for float fishing deads from a boat. Not a style of fishing I have done much of so looking for advice from those that have.

Thinking about 10" but maybe 9' would be handier in a boat. Opinions?

Rung for multiplyer as I just prefer the feel, fuji seat and duplon handle.

What length lower handle do you prefer, I was thinking 12"

Do you need a foregrip?

Any advice on ABU7000 size multiplers that don't cost the earth

I don't suppose these will get used more than half a dozen times a year so trying to watch the cost

Thanks

[James P]

Sportsman

 

In my opinion you can't go wrong with Harrison blanks - they make top class rods to last a lifetime as long as you use good hardware.

 

Other than that, try talking to Dave Lumb who produces his own range of rods and accepts custom orders using the same said blanks. They have an excellent reputation and i'm sure Dave could build a rod or supply the neccessary parts at a very competitive price. Who better to ask about building pike boat rods than from a top pike angler who builds his own pike boat rods!!!!

 

Dave Lumb Specialist Tackle

 

Regards

 

James P

[Newt]

I know I have a bit of a bias toward shorter rods (usual in the US) but for me, anything over about 8 feet gets a little awkward to handle from a boat and I usually use 7-7.5 foot rods.

 

There are some specialized uses that might make a longer blank worthwhile for boat use but my longer rods only see shore use and the short ones serve nicely for carp, buffalo, catfish, bass.

[Brian Carragher]

If you're only going to use them for half a dozen trips a year then the Harrison blanks may be a touch more money than warrants expenditure. They're brilliant blanks and Dave is an eccellent builder so don't think I'm knocking them or him as I have three rods built by Dave on Harrison blanks, but if I was wanting a boat rod for occasional pike use I would have a look at some of the uptide models for sea fishing currently available from the tackle manufacturers.

 

As for a good multiplier without the Abu price tag, have a look at the Fladen Maximus range of multipliers, they are steadily gaining a big fan base up here from anglers who want a good strong reel without breaking the bank. They have also had good reviews from some of the fishing mags.

 

No doubt someone will be along shortly to offer contradictory advice, so best get your lucky penny out and I'll shout heads

[Sportsman]

Thanks for the input.

I already have the blanks in mind, I was more interested in suggested length, length of handle etc. One of the nice things about building your own is that you get to select these things. I build (assemble?) lots of fly rods and have built a couple of baitcasters which I am very pleased with, I also have 3 harrison Ballister 13' 3Lb TC rods I built for deadbaiting so I am aware of Harrison quality.

The blanks I am thinking of are American Tiger Eye by Sevier Corp. I have a couple of fly rods and a baitcaster I have built on these blanks and I am very impressed. They are also very well priced, I should be able to build the rods easily for 40 quid a piece, and I am paying full retail prices.

The Fladen reels look OK, I suppose I would be concerned about build quality, but they are not going to get that much wear and tear.

Thanks again

Dave

[Dick Dastardly]

Ive always used my normal 11 1/2' and 12' Pike rods for bait fishing from the boat.Its normally the length of the handle (ie from butt to reel seat) that gives the problem.When building your own you can obviously avoid this.I find the extra length handy.

 

As for reels I dont think there is a need for 7000 size reels.For bait fishing I use a pair of 5001C's and for lures 6001C's as well.

 

If they arnt going to be used much why dont you contact Conoflex for a pair of 10-11' 2 3/4lb fibre glass blanks? be nice and cheap,well strong and good design.

[Leon Roskilly]

Most Rods sold as 'pike' rods are designed for chucking heavy deadbaits a long distance from the shore.

 

Fishing from a boat, you should be able to get away with a much less demanding rod, with a lower test curve (and price), more focussed towards giving you a 'sporting feel' when you have a pike on.

 

(Having accidentally hooked some big pike when chubbing etc., it's amazing at how easy it is to control pike on very light tackle, contrary to the macho image promoted by sellers of 'pike' rods 'a beast of a rod to land a beast of a fish' ergh!)

[ColinW]

I like glass blanks for boat fishing. The thicker walls make me think they are less likely to suffer terminal damage from the inevitable knocks that happen in a boat. Since you don't need to cast you can have a nice through action as well, much more comfortable for playing fish than a fast taper.

[Houseplant]

I'll be branded a heretic, but I use the 10 ft, 4 piece version of this for ALL my pike fishing:

 

http://www.daiwasports.co.uk/proddetail.as...02MS&cat=33

 

It's a real fishing rod rather than a casting machine and a pleasure to use.

[Dick Dastardly]

I bet they are great fun Sipadan.Just wouldnt cast the baits and rigs I use though.