Quote:
Originally Posted by RavYak
I think you might find that rod is a little under gunned especially when it comes to casting. That rod is only rated for 1.5 ounces whereas you will want to be able to chuck 2-6 oz lures/weights for both big pike and sturgeon.
I have been using a Gloomis 7'6 IMX swimbait rod rated for 4 oz this summer as my heavier pike rod and I quite like it. A bit lighter then I hoped so I can't toss the big lures with it but it handles most of what I usually use and had no trouble with the few 15-25 lbers I caught this year. The 6 oz model probably would have been nice for some lures but overall I am happy with it. Probably not what you are looking for though since they are expensive and have to be custom ordered, I just was mentioning to give an idea of what I think weight rating for a good big pike rod should be. 1-1.5 oz is what I like for an average pike rod.
I also have a 6 oz rated salmon rod that I have tried for pike but I found it a bit too long and too soft, you need to be able to get a good hook set especially when using the larger lures with big trebles, that is one of the reasons most musky lures are like tree trunks. 7'6 to 8' is probably the longest I would want to go on a pike rod unless I wanted a dedicated musky type rod.
I do use that salmon rod as my sturgeon rod though and it works decent for that, a bit soft but plenty of backbone when you get to it. A good sturgeon still gives it a workout though and I wouldn't want anything much lighter. A 4+ ft sturgeon in current is much stronger then a steelhead, just saying  .
One rod that is reasonably priced and I really like the looks of for sturgeon is the Fenwick Predator trolling rod that The Fishin Hole sells. A good blend of sensitive tip, moderate fast action to help fight the fish and strong back bone that is perfect for our sturgeon. It would also work as a bigger pike rod too but is a bit on the heavy side for that if chucking lures all day but if you need something that can do both at a reasonable price point it is one of the better choices.
Which brings me to another point. Not sure if the rod you bought was spinning or casting but if you are serious into pike and especially big pike fishing as well as sturgeon fishing you can't beat a baitcaster. I really like the larger capacity low profile reels like the Curado 300e, Revo Toro S50 and new Tranx 300 but they aren't the cheapest options(Curado might be able ot find decent since they are discontinued now though). The round Abu C4's as an example are decent too just not as nice especially for pike. |
Yeah I agree for heavier lures I will need to get a thicker rod and I may only use it as a backup for Sturgeon.
I was eyeing a different rig that could handle up to 6oz so maybe I'll upgrade once I decide to treat myself again.
I'm just starting my collection so give it time :-) Appreciate the advice!
*edit* I actually just checked the rating on my other 7' rod and its actually rated 2-4oz so I'll definitely be packing that on my trip this weekend up north!