Traditional rods for pike

[Riparian]

Following on from discussions elsewhere on the forum about what is traditional and what is merely nostalgic, I would be interested to know which cane rods members are using for pike fishing. I have a number of traditional float and ledger rods which I use often but the pike rods I remember from my youth were monstrous things, apparently capable of landing a Blue Shark. I've never handled the Dennis Pye type of rod - is that what traditional pikers are using?

[Olly]

I use the Hardy LRH 2 - very capable but not for long chucking a big bait. I have a Dennis Pye but it can be too powerful.

[Moley]

I use the Hardy LRH 2 - very capable but not for long chucking a big bait. I have a Dennis Pye but it can be too powerful.

But remember Dennis Pye was only really interested in pike over 25lb.

It is a fine rod the Chapman's Dennis Pye and used to live bait largish fish, in the hope of a big pike.

The 500 style rod is fine for light baits and medium pike. The B James Carp is good too but remember not to overload the rod. The Avon is fine for small dead baits and surprisingly resilient.

All good stuff.

As ever,....



Moley

[Santiago]

Plenty of cane spinning rods that will handle double figure pike, and cast a hefty lure if required. And most are not too pokey!

[Riparian]

Many thanks for the replies. I should have said that I fish small deadbaits at close range on fen drains, so these suggestions will be worth serious consideration. I own a couple of 500s but had never considered using them for pike!

[BoltonBullfinch]

Might I just suggest the Chapman 550, it has a bit more about it. I wouldn't use my 500 if there were big pike about.

Thanks
BB

[Riparian]

Thanks, BB. You're second person to suggest the 550, and I do indeed own one - I simply had not considered using it for pike. It's the best cane rod I possess for landing carp, so why not?

[Olly]

It is the casting not the playing that can damage the cane rod. I am used to chucking 1/2 a mackerel on big gravel pits/lakes. I normally used 12ft 3lb t/c glass rods so cane does have severe limitations.

I certainly would not be wanting to play a 20+ on a 500 - a 550 perhaps with a 1.5 t/c - but much prefer an even higher t/c.

The problem in some ways - you never know how big your pike can be! 5lb - 30lb they still take the same bait!

[Paul F]

Chapmans Dennis Pye for dead baits & Hardy LRH No2 for wobbling for me, both matched with a large 4" centrepin, more than capable outfits

[Mr B]

I have a nice 9ft Dawsons Of Bromley Burley.
I haven't landed a fish on it yet but lost a good one a few weeks ago (got my hook back)
Its a powerful rod and quit stiff but I was surprised by the nice bend it took on before the Pike come off. Only hadnit on for about 5 seconds.
Nice rod to have in your armoury
Mr B