Pike fishing can at times be very demanding and frustrating. And for that reason, you might easily find yourself wondering where to start. You need not worry, however, because, with the following guide, we can help you find the right fishing gear for pike.
In particular, we’d like to place our firm focus on finding the right kind of rod for the job. Remember that pike is primarily a predatory fish with a tremendous appetite for battling tough. And because this fish can reach formidable weights, your safest bet is to find a no-nonsense rod.
Basically, most 7-foot medium action rods should be enough to get the job done. However, if you’re planning to throw some heavy baits, it’d be a good idea to opt for a heavy-action model. Let us guide you on the best way to go about this.
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Pike Fishing Rods Compared
Even the tiniest pike is not to be underestimated as it can pull some surprising acrobatic jumps. So, to make sure all your bases are well covered, this table provides a quick decision-making point for you.
Ranking | Preview | Product | Length | Weight | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | UglyStik USCA662MH | 6 feet 6 inches | 13.3 ounces | ||
2 | Ugly Stik Elite | 6 feet 6 inches | 7.2 ounces | ||
3 | Abu Garcia VENGC66-6 | 6 feet 6 inches | 4.8 ounces | ||
4 | Shakespeare USSP661MH/40CBO Ugly Stik GX2 | 7 feet | 22.4 ounces | ||
5 | Shimano CURADO | 7 feet 2 inches | 6.4 ounces | ||
6 | Daiwa 0001-3545 | 6 feet 10 inches | 0.3 ounces | ||
7 | St. Croix Premier | 6 feet 6 inches | 3.2 ounces |
7 Best Fishing Rod for Pike Reviewed
1. UglyStik-GX2 Casting Rod
- UGLY STIK 6’6” GX2 CASTING ROD: The...
- 10-25LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM HEAVY POWER,...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from...
- 7 DURABLE GUIDES: Ugly Tuff one-piece...
UglyStik-GX2 combines weight, balance and high responsiveness to give you a good rod for pike fishing. More so, the reel comes at an affordable price to suit most budgets.
Pikes come in numerous sizes. The good thing is that UglyStik-GX2 are available in various sizes to suit various fishing needs and preferences.
The one-piece rod is constructed from graphite and fiberglass for a strong and durable rod. The rod is fitted with an EVA grip handle for a firm and comfortable grip.
In addition, it has a clear tip design that gives the rod high responsiveness to sense all manner of fish bites and also fish movements which alert you when a fish is about to strike.
Pros
Cons
2. Ugly Stik-Elite Spinning Rod
- UGLY STIK 6’6” ELITE SPINNING ROD: 35%...
- 8-17LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM HEAVY POWER, FAST...
- DURABLE CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from...
- 7 DURABLE GUIDES: Ugly Tuff one-piece...
Ugly Stik-Elite is rightly named, it is an elite fishing rod that is perfect for pike fishing. The reasonably priced brand has various models with slightly different features to give anglers versatility to be able to select the best suitable rod to meet their specific angling needs.
The rod has a graphite construction for lightweight and strength. Additionally, the tip is designed for ultrasensitivity. The rod is unique, having only one-guide that is stainless steel for durability and to eliminate pop-outs.
In addition, the handle is ergonomically constructed for a firm and comfortable grip. Further, the real seat is cushioned and has stainless steel hoods for a secure connection with the reel.
Pros
Cons
3. Abu Garcia-Vengeance Casting Rod
- ABU GARCIA VENGEANCE 6’6” CASTING ROD: A...
- 12-20LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM HEAVY POWER, FAST...
- 24 TON GRAPHITE CONSTRUCTION for a...
- 8 STAINLESS STEEL GUIDES: Built with titanium...
Abu Garcia-Vengeance rod combines style, performance, and affordability to give you a good pike fishing rod.
The rod is constructed from 24-ton high modulus graphite blank, to create a durable and balanced rod. It is fitted with stainless steel guides which have titanium oxide inserts to give the rod durability and lightweight. Further, the lightweight increases the sensitivity of the rod to fish bites and movements.
In addition, the rod has High-density EVA handles for a secure and comfortable grip. Besides that, a hook keeper is fitted to hold the hook in place.
Pros
Cons
4. UglyStik-GX2 Spinning Combo Fishing Reel and Rod
- UGLY STIK 6’6” GX2 SPINNING FISHING ROD...
- UGLY TECH CONSTRUCTION: 1-piece, Ugly Tech...
- SIZE 40 REEL: 3 ball bearing system for...
- INSTANT ANTI-REVERSE SYSTEM with one-way...
UglyStik-GX2 Fishing rod and reel Combo combines strength and lightweight features for ultra-performance. Using the combo makes pike fishing an absolute pleasure.
The rod is constructed from a blend of fiberglass and graphite for a lightweight and therefore highly responsive durable rod. Further, the rod is designed with a Clear Tip design for added sensitivity. In addition, the rod’s handle has an EVA grip for a secure and comfortable grip.
The reel has an anodized aluminum spool and an oversized bail wire for longevity. Besides, the reel’s three ball bearings provide for a smooth retrieve. Also, the 5:2:1 gear ratio ensures efficient line management. More so, the one-way clutch system combined with instant anti-reverse features work to avert playback.
Pros
Cons
5. Shimano-Curado Rod - 7'2" - Casting Heavy - Fast
- Fuji Alconite Guides
- Fuji Reel Seat
When quality meets performance, you end up with a premium product. Shimano-Curado is a rod constructed with high-end features for a perfect pike fishing rod.
The heavy and fast action 7'2"rod is built with hybrid high-modulus UD carbon with Nano resin blanks for a highly responsive and strong unit. The rod is fitted with various Fuji components for durability.
The reel seat is manufactured with matte rubberized and then coated with Fuji for durability. In addition, the guides are Fuji tangle free Alconite. Further, the handle is a high-quality cork grip for a durable and comfortable grip for all-day fishing.
Pros
Cons
6. Daiwa-Tatula Casting Rod
- Micro pitch blank finish
- x45 bias graphite fiber construction
- Fuji alconite ring guides
- Daiwa's exclusive SVF (Super Volume Fiber)...
Daiwa-Tatula is a high-end casting rod designed for performance. The combined features in the components will meet your pike fishing needs. Though it is an expensive unit, it is backed by the manufacturer’s five-year warranty.
The rod has an X45 Bias Graphite construction with the addition of Super High Volume Fiber (SVF) Carbon Technology to increase its power. In addition, it is designed with Zero-G design which reduces its weight for a lightweight and sensitive unit.
For guides, the rod has Fuji Alconite for durability. The lightweight designed Daiwa custom reel seat features a machined aluminum hood nut. More so, the rod has split EVA grip handles for a strong unit and a firm and comfortable grip.
Pros
Cons
7. St. Croix-Premier Rod Fresh Water Casting
- PREMIUM SCII GRAPHITE CONSTRUCTION: Perfect...
- PREMIUM-GRADE CORK HANDLE: Ensure you...
- MORE FEATURES: Fuji ECS, TCS, or PSS reel...
- SPECIFICATIONS: Length – 6’6”; Power...
St. Croix-Premier rods are made in the USA. The high-end rods boast of a premium hand-craft construction. The rod is fitted with high-quality premium components for a superior pike fishing experience.
The rod’s blank is constructed from high-quality premium SCII graphite.
The guides are hard aluminum-oxide while the frames on the rod are double-plated black chrome for a durable, ultra-lightweight and sensitive rod. The reel seats are Fuji TCS with frosted silver hood for a perfect fit with your fishing reel.
Additionally, the unit has premium grade cork handle to give you leverage and comfort when battling fishes and when fishing for long hours. The rod has a Kigan hook-keeper.
Pros
Cons
Fishing Rod Buying Guide
The reason why we recommend settling for a 7-foot medium to heavy action rod is that this fish can grow quite big and, therefore, demand a lot. So, you might easily find yourself having to use some hefty baits. Also, pikes don’t give up without a fight and a flimsy rod would easily be broken when dealing with them.
Therefore, you want to make sure that you only settle for a rod that has quite some backbone, especially toward the bottom half. Besides that, it’s important to make sure that the rod offers some limberness toward the top. Such a composite design would go a long way in ensuring better casting capabilities are achieved.
Which One Is The Best?
We’d particularly settle for the Abu Garcia-Vengeance Casting Rod and that’s because it’s quite a heavy-duty rod. Its titanium oxide inserts, EVA handle, and a sensitive tip make it a perfect bet for anyone looking for every tactical advantage possible. When paired up with an equally performing reel, this rod can be a perfect companion, any day.
Final Thoughts
Also known as the “water wolf,” the Northern pike is no doubt one of the fish species that require more than just the basic tactics to outwit. Faced with such a challenge, your best bet is to find a rod that packs the toughness required to back up a hard-fighting fish.