which rods for piking

[darren.cox22]

Hi,

As posted earlier I will be fishing the Avon an Severn in an attempt to beat my pb barbel and also target a double figure pike as this seasons targets... rather than the usual 5 hr match dagging carp after carp after carp etc etc from a puddle in a field.

Now, for my carp set up I have purchased from Ebay a pair of Wychwood the edge 3lb test curve rods matched with Shimano 5000 bait runners. These are perfect for the type of carp fishing I will be doing but my question is are they too powerful for, say chucking a dead bait on the middle/lower severn or should I go for dedicated Pike rods with a softer action and lighter test curve.

Its all new to me as for the past 20 years I have become infected with the dreaded poleitis. I have now beaten this illness and packed away my match gear in favour of a different challenge so please ignore my ignorance if some of my questions seem rather obvious.

Also will my fox micron m`s and swingers be ok for the river or should I go with drop offs.

Cheers in advance for any advice.

[gazguildford]

imo a 3lb tc carp rod is ideal plus its not splashing out on specialist equipment when you already have suitable gear my pike rod is 2.75lb tc casts dead baits well for a cheap ron thompson but like they say you get what you pay for so next rod for me will be a similar tc but more exspensive carp rod for next season

[tjnorton]

That will all be spot on. I use a set of esp reflex 3lb tc as my all round rods for pike and carp.

tj

[Portland Pirate]

I use a 3lb tc carp rod for Pike fishing and also for spoding.

Portland Pirate.

[Mr J]

I tend to use 2.75 Abu Garcia carp rods for Pike but have just aquired myself a pair of Fox Warrior 3lb test so will see how they go. Quite a lot of people talk highly of them.

[Echelon Pest]

I see that the Chub Outkasts are proving popular with Pikers - especially at the price.

3lb TC are fine, but those wanting to chuck a big dead a long way are using the 3½lb TC. Check out how strong these rods are HERE.

For me - I'm still using trusty John Wilson 12ft 2¾lb TC carbon Pike rods I bought almost 20 years ago.

[darren.cox22]

Cheers for the replies chaps, at least I wont have to buy another set of rods.

Just got to get me a 42" net and some drop off indicators and I`m ready for the new season ahead.

One more question for you guys, I have spooled up with 15lb fox warrior line on two of my spools and will be filling the other 2 with braid for lond distance work, what brand and breaking strain would you guys recomend ? I have use the lighter braid on my match reels for feeder work in the winter but only up to 8lb bs which has a diameter of 0.10 which was roughly the same as 3lb reflo power line. Obviously I will need something far heavier for carp/piking gear.

Cheers for your advice chaps it is much appreciated.

Daz Cox

[Pikeman]

Without a doubt Berkley Whiplash 50lb minimum