Trolling rod for Pike?

[todd518svs]

What is a good rule of thumb for a trolling rod for Pike? Brand, size, action, glass or graphite? Thanks for any information...

[Fisher Dave]

Welcome to the forum.

The right rod to use is a tough one .. theres alot of factors involved. The lure you intend to use has alot to do with it, the size of the fish you are targeting, line, cover, etc.

I prefer a longer rod (6 1/2'-8') with a very solid backbone, and extra fast tip with some flex. I stick to the graphite for sensativity... its easier to pick up when your lure is fouled. A quality baitcaster will make the rig complete.

[Steve Foss]

I like the graphite best too. Seven foot medium-heavy action with a stiff butt and soft tip gets my vote for most conditions, and I spool up the baitcasters with 25/12 fireline. That rig will let you cast lures from bass-size spinnerbaits up the smaller musky baits, and is a good trolling setup too. So senstive you can tell the instant you're weeded, and can snap the weeds off better with the no-stretch line.

One note: when trolling rocky areas, a slow action fiberglas rod (most commonly found brand is the Ugly Stick), one that bends its whole length, can keep you from snagging up as often when trolling cranks down on the rocks.

Oops, another note: When you're trolling graphite and fireline, make sure your drag is set light, especially when you're speed trolling. Hard hits from big fish or sudden snags on rocks have been known to snap graphite rods with no-stretch superline if the drag's too tight.

Everybody has their favorite brand of graphite rods, and you can go up to $200-$300 on some brands like G. Loomis, but day in and day out Berkley's Lightning Rod series, which is graphite composite, cork handle, etc., is hard to beat for the money. I've got two of them. About $40 each at the major retailers like WalMart and KMart.

They're about five years old, and have landed tons of pike and the odd 25-lb channel cat as well.

------------------
"Worry less, fish more."
Steve Foss
[email protected]

[This message has been edited by stfcatfish (edited 05-11-2003).]

[todd518svs]

Thanks for the information. I ended up getting a St.Croix Pro-Glass rod in a 7' MH. I will pull some cranks this weekend and see how I like it... Thanks again..