Rod and Reel Question

[waskawood]

My daughter and I are going on a fly in fishing trip to northern Saskatchewan next summer. We will be targeting northern pike and lake trout. Since all I fish in the states is walleye could you help me with equipment reccomendations? What length and action of a rod? Do I want a bait cast or spinning reel? Size? DO you use mono or the new super braids? Lenght of steel leaders? Oh, the questions go on and on but the anticipation is half the fun. Thanks for any help you can give me.

[Random guy]

So many options…First off do you plan on bringing one piece rods or do you want to bring takedown or two piece rods. I have heard horror stories of guys getting to the plane and the big long musky/pike rods just won’t fit. Talk with your outfitter as much as possible. About what is the best to bring, especially since you are going on a multi species trip. For the pike this is what I would bring. A rod that is 7’-8’ 2”medium heavy fast action with the ability to handle ¾-1 1/2 oz lures is a good all around set up. A baitcaster is a must for pike, baitcasters offer the power to fight the fish with the ability handle the bigger lures when casting. Spinning reels are great but when your casting heavy lures your finger will get shredded. Also pike have a neat way of pulling drag out of a spinner and turning it into a plate of spaghetti. As far line I don’t think you can go wrong with the super braids. Lines like Berkley Stealth, Power Pro, Tuf-Line etc in a 65lbs test range. They offer good cast ability with the strength and abrasion resistance for wrestling some of those big pike. Leaders should be 8”-12” long with a decent swivel on them and a GOOD SNAP. Pike will roll and can get those snaps to pop open from time to time.

As I said above talk to your outfitter as much as possible, these guys have seen all the bad stuff and will definitely be able to help with what you should bring for both the pike and the trout. Good luck and hope you have one of those days when 15lb pike become a nuisance and keep getting in the way of the 25lb pike.

[waskawood]

Thanks Jon. I appreciate the info. Can you suggest a good quality reel. I bought a new Cardiff last summer for pulling raps but the adjustment for the weight of the lure doesn't work. I am looking for a good quality reel that won't give up the ghost on me out in the sticks. Thanks again for the help.

[Random guy]

If you want a good soilid baitcaster for a decent price look at the Abu Garcia line, model 5500, 5600 and 6300/6500. Good tough reels that will take a beating and keep on working. If you really want to step it up a notch and have a very nice smooth, easy to operate reel look at the Calcuttas in 300 and the 400.

[D-Rock88]

Pike are generally agressive when it comes to attacking baits but in the ultra clear water on some of the Canadian fly-ins, a flourocarbon leader may make a difference in fooling those wise old trophy pike. I would stay with at least 90lb floro leaders, and check them frequently for nicks, once a flourcarbon leader is nicked, replace it. If you are fishing in stained or green water, a solid steel leader, 175lb is ideal. As far as a good, solid, no-nonsense (yet inexpensive) reel, I recommend the ABU 6500 C3, or SSC3 w/ the thumbar, spooled with at least 65lb power pro. Good luck!

[delmuts]

i would strongly recomend that what ever brand reel you buy, get one with a thumb bar and not the little button on it.i have a garcia with the button; ( great reel) but after a day of throwing lures i had such a sore spot from the thing, so now i only use ones with thumb bars. also a question/suggestion for a rod; i use a telescoping flipping stick ( 7-6 H - XH) a lot too. for a braid i would say step up to the #80 instead of the 65 . several of us had troubles with the 65 cutting it self on the spool when tossing heavier lures. i love my PP.

[Random guy]

Try an old trick I use to help with the lighter line cutting in. Tie of to a solid object like a truck or tree and walk out all of your line. Then tighten up the drag and try to land that truck or tree as you walk towards it. The line will wrap nice and tight reducing those nasty dug in backlashes.

[waskawood]

I thank you all for all the thoughts and suggestions.I had forgotten how useful FM can be. Thanks guys