Read through the recent thread below. While usually the rod and the line are more important than the reel on smaller rods, for pike the reel becomes more important and needs a good drag system.
If you can up you're budget a bit you will probably be a lot happier and won't have to buy another one. You don't have to spend over $500 or anything but an extra hundred would really help you. Check out the link to Snowbee reels in the thread.
there is also the theory that because your using a large diameter reel ....a mechanical drag isnt that important. Case in point sure a Islander reel is nice but many huge salmon and koot trout are caught on inexpensive single action reels. Alot of fisherman would rather trust their ability to palm drag a reel over any mechanical system.....just a thought.
I even remove the winding knob on my winter trout fly reels so i can just apply pressure to the outside face of the spool with my bulky gloves.
I think you'd be crazy to spend more than $100 bucks on a pike reel.A Pfleuger Medalist RC is plenty of reel for any pike that swims for half that much.
on a seniors citizen walk thru WSS they had a large fly reel on the counter that was on sale for 29 bucks with a spare spool....it was decent. Sorry cant remember the normal retail price.
It is the echo and they have it in a 4/5 and a 7/8 and they are regular $59.99. I picked up the 4/5 for my new reddington 4wt and it is actually a really nice reel. I am hoping to come across some spare cash so I can go pick up the 7/8 for my pike rod.
Fly Reel for Pike
Hybrid Mode
