11 replies to this topic

[Luccio]

Looking to buy a bait caster and was wondering is it a viable option for fishing pike? I know they are mainly for bass and dont think I've heard of anyone using it for pike? What do you guys think? Or even better what other species would a baitcaster be a good option for?

 

Cheers.

[ChromeAddict]

Baitcasters are not really species specific, they are designed to fish with heavier lines. Guys use casting reels for steelhead, salmon, etc. And yes, a casting reel will work for pike.

[Luccio]

Looks like Ill be spending some money in the near future!

Any suggestions on a good baitcasting setup?

[ChromeAddict]

How much are you willing to spend?

[Luccio]

What would you say is the best price point for quality, preformance, durability etc without breaking the bank.

[ChromeAddict]

You could get a good combo for approx 200. For the rod, get a Fenwick HMG casting rod, and for the reel, look for a Shimano Caenan. That should put you at just over 200. For less, you could get a decent Rapala casting rod for 40-50$.

[popofish]

My simple answer: You definitely should be using a baitcaster for pike fishing!

 

There are a few reasons why you would want to use a baitcaster:

 

1. You are throwing heavy or big baits or your baits are creating a lot of resistance in the water.

 

     - Spinning reels cannot throw heavy baits well and you will destroy them doing so. Hence why everyone uses baitcasters for musky fishing.

 

2. You want better control and sensitivity with you baits.

 

    - Combined with braid, baitcasters give you excellent feel for what your lure is doing in the water (ie. hitting structure)

 

3.  You want to fish jerk baits.

 

    - If you want to throw a husky jerk (or other jerkbaits) properly, you need a baitcaster. Simple as that.

 

 

So when it comes to pike fishing, baitcasters make sense since you are typically throwing 1) bigger lures, 2) jerk baits, and 3) often fishing in and around structure.

 

 

My choice for an all-around great baitcaster (best bang for your buck) is the Shimano Chronarch 200 series (E6 or E7). You can pick it up on kijiji for ~$150 in very good shape. Once you start getting into musky or big pike, I would go with the Shimano Curado 300 series.

 

For a rod, I would go with 7' foot, medium-heavy, and fast action. Find something that you like. A lighter rod will make a lot of difference on the water. The mojo bass rods are pretty cheap and get the job done.

[Luccio]

All great info I will take into consideration!

[flowerjohn]

Hi luccio I am john a fisherman from Toronto. A bait casting option for pike is always useful. I use mine for both trolling shorelines and casting everything from spoons to buzz baits and surface lures. You can't beat the bait casting setup for accuracy. I fish a lot and I favour a Duckett 7'6" heavy rod combined with a Lews tournament pro speed spool reel. Both are well built and super light which means you can throw them all day. I also use forty pound braid for spoons and trolling and 12 pound clear fluoro for surface casting. That is just my two cents worth. Hope it helps. J.

[OCDComputing]

I have a fairly cheap Diawa Laguna 100H mated up with my little 6 foot ugly stick...and it does wonders for Bass/Pike/Salmon/Steelies....but to each their own!

[thorzep]

I was thinking about getting either the daiwa Tatula or bps pro qualifier to use for pike myself!! I'm normally a shimano guy.. but I've heard great things about these reels

[Urban Fishing Channel]

Abu Garcia Rod - $65

Abu Garcia Reel -$95 

 

Saw both at a Canadian tire the other day. Not sure which ones but its worth taking a look if you're interested.