Fly Rod Weight for Pike fishing

bobby2unes · #1 03-04-2011, 08:24 AM

I was going to check out good sales at BPS or the Fishin Hole Show. Can anybody suggest a good fly rod weight for pike? I was thinking 7/8. Is this too light? Thanks.

ULTRAlite · #2 03-04-2011, 08:32 AM

Ive gone as light as a 6 wt. and caught 5-8lbers. I like the fighting butts on the heavier rods though. 7/8 should do you well... 8/9 if you want to get the monsters

flyguyd · #3 03-04-2011, 08:40 AM

I use a 9.5 ft 7/8 salmon/steelhead rod and it works just fine

Gumbi · #4 03-04-2011, 08:40 AM

I use a 7/8 and i like it.

35 whelen · #5 03-04-2011, 08:49 AM

i use a 9wt 9ft loomis and it works great for big pike ,

tacklerunner · #6 03-04-2011, 09:01 AM

8 wt would be the most common choice from what I've seen. That's what I use.

Dust1n · #7 03-04-2011, 09:05 AM

i like a 6/7wt or a 7/8wt. 9 or 10 ft rod. because when u up the od wt u also up the rod wegh in grams which can tire someone out on a day of casting large streamers i recomen sink tip line or floating line both good choices. i got a TFO in case the flysmacks my fly blank and cracks it
http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/pro...ods/axiom.html
http://www.templeforkflyrods.com/pro...er-series.html
I have the clouser series just check out the specs to see which one suits you the most.

tacklerunner · #8 03-04-2011, 09:12 AM

Also the reel is a little more important than being just something that holds the line like it does on most lighter trout rods.

If you can find a reel with a good drag system with extra cartridges you'll be set for everything. I matched my rod with a Snowbee XSD reel. It has huge line capacity and I loaded 1 cartridge with a WF dry line, 1 with a sink tip, 1 with 40 lb braid, 1 with 20 lb mono and the 5th one is empty still. You don't have to take anything apart to change the spools. Just compress 2 tab and you're done.

I've used it for casting and trolling for Pike, Gerrard Rainbows and will for Coho Salmon too and if I ever get the chance bonefish, permit and maybe even some juvenile tarpon.

The XSD 780 is for 7/8 wt rods and they are great value and strong reels.

http://www.snowbee.co.uk/fly-fishing/fly-reels/

bobby2unes · #9 03-04-2011, 12:06 PM

Thanks, guys! All useful information. Nice pic 35 Whelen. Can't wait to try fly fishing on Wabamun again.

ÜberFly · #10 03-04-2011, 01:01 PM

x2

Quote:

Originally Posted by tacklerunner

If you can find a reel with a good drag system with extra cartridges you'll be set for everything. I matched my rod with a Snowbee XSD reel. It has huge line capacity

I've used it for casting and trolling for Pike, Gerrard Rainbows and will for Coho Salmon too and if I ever get the chance bonefish, permit and maybe even some juvenile tarpon.

The XSD 780 is for 7/8 wt rods and they are great value and strong reels.

http://www.snowbee.co.uk/fly-fishing/fly-reels/

rielbowhunter · #11 03-04-2011, 01:38 PM

I use a 8wt, and big reel.

Zuludog · #12 03-04-2011, 01:49 PM

Although I'm really new to this (fly fishing) I use a 9wt, 9 foot rod made by Temple Fork Outfitters. I've pulled in a nice 25 lb pike last year and a couple 20's and my Mom's husband landed a pile of 20's and a 34lber with it. It should do for all your needs if you're going after monster pike. A decent reel is a must too. I don't think you need to spend a fortune but 200 - 300 should do you more than well. Good luck, its addictive.

crazyfish · #13 03-04-2011, 04:38 PM

8 wt is all you need , fished wab for lots of years with one, no isues, good real with a good drag and backing and your laughing ! Big streamers, have fun !

birchy · #14 03-04-2011, 06:33 PM

8

Erik · #15 03-04-2011, 07:20 PM

Recently purchased a Redington Predator in 9 wt for Wabumun. It's 8'3" and is a tank of a rod. That's probably a bit extreme, but I had some other ideas in mind when I purchased it. Good for chucking big flies though and can be handy for trolling as well.

I also own an 9' 8wt. This will cover you for most pike fishing, unless you want to lighten it a bit and seek the hammer handles. Get a nice Clouser or Pike line from Rio and you're laughing.

The Great Outdoors · #16 03-04-2011, 07:25 PM

8 wt is good enough for the fishes around here. I went with a 9 wt as I had a few trips to the Caribbean and the Keys a few years ago and I am glad I went one size bigger.

Gumbi · #17 03-04-2011, 07:34 PM

in the vid its my 7/8 http://www.youtube.com/user/gumbi131...28/TrM5q1dOTlw

NUK SOO KOW · #18 03-05-2011, 09:42 AM

I have used an 8 weight 9' temple fork for 5 years now. It is great setup. Fly fishing pike is veeery addictive!!

Alberta Bigbore · #19 03-05-2011, 10:06 AM

I had a 10wt. I used to use for Pike... but yoru arms are sure sore after a days fishing. 8 or 9 for sure

Doc · #20 03-05-2011, 10:28 AM

A 7 wt up to a 12 wt works for pike. If you're going after the monsters at Wab, 8 wt to 12 wt. The weight of the rod after an 8wt should be determined by the size of flies you're chucking not the fish. All rods between an 8wt and a 12 wt have enough backbone to get your fish in without it being overly exhausted. The heavier weight your rod the bigger and heavier flies you can cast with the least amount of effort. It's the same idea as smaller rods. Can you catch a 30 inch bull trout on a 3wt rod? Absolutely. Good luck casting those big flies on it though.