...for serious pike and predator anglers!
Rod and reel must feel like it belongs in your hand.
Where does the angler interested in pike fishing start when it comes to purchasing rods and reels?
My advice, would be to take advice from somebody who has been pike fishing for a number of years - but keep an open mind, what appeals to one pike angler may not appeal to you!
Let me explain...
There are various ways, methods and techniques that can be used to entice pike.
Some pike anglers like one method far more than they do all others - where other pike anglers like to diversify more and use many methods and techniques. What is important, is that you do what you, personally, enjoy doing most.
To find out what method or technique you'll enjoy most, may mean having to have a few trips out with some of your pike fishing friends. If you haven't any friends that pike fish, you could alternatively have a couple of trips out with a professional pike fishing guide. Believe me, it pays to go with a guide who knows what he is talking about and diversifies greatly on your trip out with him. Personally, I give my clients a choice of what 'they think' will be most enjoyable and beneficial to them. For example, I ask which of the following they would like to try on our day out together:-
Ultra light lure fishing - using lures from 1-10gms.
Medium lure fishing - using lures from 14-56gms.
Heavy lure fishing - using lures no bigger than 8in (15cm).
Jerkbait fishing - with jerkbaits no longer than 8in (15cm).
Deep water lure fishing.
Shallow water lure fishing.
Top-water lure fishing.
Weed walking.
Float fishing.
Float trolling.
Leger fishing.
Paternostering.
And so on...
After you've been out a few times and finally made up your mind as to what type of pike fishing is for you, it will then be time to set about the task of buying tackle. When it comes to purchasing your desired item/items of tackle, it pays to shop about a bit - as tackle can vary greatly in price from one tackle shop to another. To see what rods and reels I use for all my pike fishing, go to Predator Tackle Guide.
If you would like more information on my lure or bait fishing tackle, or anything else, please feel free to email me. I always have time for anglers that want to learn more about pike fishing.
Email: charlie@esox.co.uk
Note: Tackle is a very personal thing, what suits me may not suit you.