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For pike fishing, choosing the right fishing rod can make a prominent difference in your fishing success. Because pike is notorious for their fighting spirit and size, that’s why adding a high-quality pike fishing rod is a must-have. The best pike fishing rod should have features like sturdiness, and sensitivity, and should be able to handle the fight of even the larger one.
In addition to the strength the weight is also important, the pike rod should also be comfortable to use for long periods because this type of fishing requires patience along with the right skill and equipment. But with so many options available, finding the perfect rod can be a daunting task. In this blog post, we’ll be taking a closer look at some of the best pike fishing rods on the market so you can head out to the water with confidence and land some big fish.
Top 3 Picks for the Best Pike Fishing rods
- Graphite rod construction
- Stainless steel guides
- Medium Heavy Power
- Fast Action 6.6” long
- Composite rod construction
- Medium heavy
- 7 feet long
- Fast Action
- Fiberglass rods
- Double footed Stainless steel guides
- Medium Power
- 1 and 2 piece rod style
List of Best Pike Fishing rods Reviewed in Detail
To dominate the pike fishing scene, St. Croix Triumph is a true winner here. Its thoughtful design and high-quality construction makes it a true masterpiece.
The standout feature of this rod is its sensitivity, which lets you feel even the slightest fish nibble. Thanks to its SCII graphite blank construction makes it stiffer in addition to sensitive. This stiffness makes it an ideal rod to throw heavier lures up to 1 oz. for pike.
Its manufactures perfectly maintained its weight and any additional feature do not add any additional weight to the rod overall, it’s a light graphite rod suitable for long fishing hours.
Moreover, the reel seat is well-built it offers a secure reel position. The cork handles are comfy and wouldn’t let the rod slip from even wet hands.
Overall, a versatile spinning rod to buy as it is available in a range of lengths to suit your specific needs, whether you’re fishing in a small stream or a big lake. Plus, it has a fast action that allows for quick and powerful hook sets, making it ideal for targeting up to 20 pounds of aggressive pike.
Pair it with a 4000 spinning reel for perfect casts.
- Lightweight rod
- Suitable for heavy lures
- Also suitable for finesse fishing techniques
- Travel-friendly rod available as multi-piece rod
- The tip broke if used aggressively
2- Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod
best all-rounder option
FEATURES
Ugly Stik GX2 is one of my favorite fishing rods that suits most fishing techniques. Its composite construction results in a perfect blend of flexibility and stiffness which is great for any type of fishing whether it’s panfish or pike even 5-footer sharks, from casting to trolling and everything in between.
The main thing you will notice about the Ugly Stik GX2 is its durability. This rod is built to last, with its strong and sturdy construction it can withstand even the toughest conditions. Whether you’re fishing in heavy currents or rough waters, the Ugly Stik GX2 can handle it all with ease.
But this is not all, this rod is also incredibly sensitive. You’ll be able to feel even the slightest nibble on your line, giving you the advantage you need to catch more fish.
So if you’re looking for a versatile pike fishing rod that can handle anything you throw at it, the Ugly Stik GX2 is worth checking out.
It is available in 5 different lengths from 4.9” to 7 feet. You can also select between one-piece and 2 piece rod styles moreover there are also options among rod power i.e. ultra-light to heavy.
- Versatile fishing rod
- Lightweight composite construction
- Budget-friendly rod
- Comfortable handle
- Long warranty card
- Attractive cosmetics
- No cons
3- Okuma Classic Pro GLT & Rods
best trolling rods for pike
FEATURES
Trolling for pike fishing is one of the exciting games to through. So, if you’re looking for a top-of-the-line trolling rod for pike fishing, look no further than the Okuma Classic Pro GLT. This rod is a true workhorse, designed to handle even the biggest and strongest fish with ease.
This rod is great for all types of trolling, from slow and steady to high-speed techniques. And with its comfortable handle, you can fish all day.
The standout feature of this rod series is that it is available in different styles pick from downrigger, lake trolling, or dipsy diver. All these rods are strong enough to throw and handle up to 5 oz. lure weight.
It’s a fiberglass rod so durability and flexibility are guaranteed. The finest quality stainless steel guides are designed to double footed wouldn’t bend easily under heavy load and easily resist saltwater rust.
These long-length rods have up to 30 lb. line rating and are available in one and two-piece rod styles. It’s a medium power trolling rod and with its responsive action, you can easily adjust your technique to suit any situation.
- Suitable for throwing lures far at a distance
- Designed to withstand aggressive catches
- Its EVA grips retain their shape and wouldn’t be disturbed by rod holders
- Budget-friendly trolling rods
- Heavier rod
- Not highly sensitive being fiberglass
4- Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod
best budget pike rod
FEATURES
If you’re looking for a high-quality pike fishing rod an alternative option to the St. Croix rod but within the budget, the Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod is a fantastic option. From its sleek design to its impressive performance, this rod is sure to impress even the most experienced anglers. Keep in mind it is still not St. Croix so you will miss some features.
First of all, it’s a tested graphite rod so it is incredibly sensitive, allowing you to feel even the slightest nibble from a pike. It also has excellent accuracy, thanks to its fast action and powerful backbone.
Another standout feature of this rod is the comfortable cork handles, they are easier to hold which makes it a perfect choice for beginner pike anglers too. It’s also designed to reduce hand fatigue, so you can fish for longer without feeling tired.
Overall, the Fenwick Eagle Spinning Fishing Rod is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for a high-quality pike fishing rod on a budget. It isn’t recommended for fishing in bushy areas as if the lure gets stuck somewhere, the over-pressure can break the rod into two halves.
- The best alternative to expensive spinning rods
- Great for light fishing
- Not suitable for fishing in weed beds
5- Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods
best pike rod under $100
FEATURES
These Okuma technique-specific rods are built to handle bigger and more aggressive catches. It is one of the best graphite rods for pike as you can reel in the biggest and the monster pikes in the water.
Its graphite construction leads to rod sensitivity, and its sensitivity is off the charts, allowing you to feel every nibble and strike with ease. Moreover making it a perfect choice for long days on the water.
The Okuma SST features ¼-5/8 ounces, which in reality you can easily throw lures up to 1-2 ounces lure and 8-17 pounds of a line rating, allowing you to use a wide range of lures and fishing linesto target a variety of fish species.
But what sets the Okuma Celilo Graphite Salmon/Steelhead Spinning Rods apart is the price. At this price point, Okuma SST serves as both lightweight and durable sure to impress even the most discerning fisherman.
Overall, the components are all corrosion resistant, but as guide inserts are of aluminum oxide so make sure to clean them properly after saltwater fishing. Next comes the reel seat, it is a well-built stainless steel seat but it loosens in between so can affect your casting experience. Make sure to make necessary measures for its tightening.
- Budget-friendly graphite rod
- Sensitive tip
- Suitable for surf fishing
- Can throw heavy lures
- The reel seat loosens
Many professional and serious anglers still prefer the baitcasting rods due to the casting accuracy the baitcasting fishing setup offers. Both rods and bait casters allow control of the lure speed and offer pinpoint accuracy to throw the lure.
Following the baitcasting trends, the 13 FISHING Fate V3 Baitcast Fishing Rods are designed to help you land big pike and other predatory fish, making them an excellent choice for anglers who demand the best.
What sets these baitcasting rods apart is their construction from a high-quality blend of 36-ton graphite, which provides exceptional sensitivity and power without adding unnecessary weight. The result is an easy rod to cast all day long, yet still has the backbone to handle even the toughest pike.
In addition to the rod components like reel seat and comfortable handles, the rod has attractive cosmetics too. It’s a good-looking rod and a hook keeper is placed on the rod so the hook wouldn’t disturb its outer appearance.
Overall, it is a medium to heavy power rod and also a recommended rod for finesse fishing techniques. You can select the rod handle design according to your preference. The rods are available in 11 different lengths to fit in all big games.
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7- Daiwa Tatula Series Casting Rods
best durable rod for pike
FEATURES
Daiwa rods are popular among anglers as an ideal option for targeting popular game fish. To handle the power and aggression of larger freshwater fish species like pike, the Daiwa Tatula series is top recommended.
It’s a composite rod with a dominant graphite ratio. These are stiffer rods but at the same time, offer the required flex and durability more than graphite. In this way, it’s a better option than 13 fishing which is all graphite and prone to breaking.
Moreover, it’s a sensitive tip rod, allowing you to feel even the slightest bite and quickly set the hook on a pike strike. Additionally, the rod’s X45 Bias construction minimizes blank twist, ensuring that your line stays in direct contact with your lure for optimal control and accuracy.
The other highlighting features of this Tatula series are Fuji Alconite guides and reel seats, which enhance the rod’s overall durability and performance. Both are designed to handle heavy lines and lures, making them perfect for the demands of pike fishing.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice looking to improve your pike fishing game, these rods are a top-tier choice that is sure to impress.
- Lightweight rods
- Flexible yet stiff
- High-quality rod construction
- Suitable for throwing medium-weight lures up to 2 ounces
- Special cork handles offer a firm grip
- Expensive rod
8- Shimano FX Spinning Freshwater rod
best pike rod under $20
FEATURES
While you have many other premium-quality rods for pike fishing, the Shimano FX Spinning Freshwater Fishing Rods are an excellent choice for anglers on a budget. Priced under $20, these rods still offer outstanding performance and durability, making them one of the best options for pike fishing at an affordable price.
With its durable composite blank construction, you can easily land a pike up to 2-4 pounds with the right technique. Although Shimano FX is more popular as an ultra-light setup for pan fishing and trout, its 6.6 and 7 feet rods with medium-heavy power are surely a game changer.
However, you might miss the top sensitivity feature in comparison to other expensive rods but you get what you paid for. It is one of the best regular-use spinning rods and a perfect start-up rod for beginners.
Even though it can handle light saltwater catches, proper maintenance is required to lessen the chances of rust. It is recommended to use it for freshwater fishing preferably.
Overall, the Shimano FX Spinning Freshwater Fishing Rods are an excellent choice for anglers seeking an affordable and high-quality option for pike fishing.
- Best affordable rod for pike
- Best suited for beginners
- Proper packaging comes in a hard tube case
- Better don’t use for saltwater fishing, due to the aluminum guides
How to choose the best pike fishing rods
Here are some key factors to consider when selecting a pike fishing rod.
Rod Length
The pike fishing rod should be 6 to 8 ft. long. These length rods are easy to maneuver and at the same time offer longer casts. Longer fishing rods are usually picked for throwing lures far at a distance but keep in mind the longer the rod is, the more material is used and it influences the rod weight.
The longer rods from 7 to 8 feet are better suited for trolling for northern pike to make longer casts whereas the shorter rods from 6 to 7 feet are best for jigging or when casting in tight spaces.
Rod Power
The power of a fishing rod refers to its strength and ability to handle the weight of a fish. Fishing rods are divided into different power ratings i.e. ultra-light, light, medium, and heavy power. There are also some in-between options for example medium-heavy, medium-light, etc.
The heavier the fishing rod is, the bigger catch it can land. For pike fishing, a fishing rod should have a medium to heavy power rating to handle the size and strength of a pike. The recommended rating is medium-heavy power to handle the weight and strength of a larger pike.
Rod Action
The rod action refers to the rod’s flexibility it is how fast the rod returns to its original position after a bend. Like rod power, pike fishing rods also come in different action types, i.e. fast, medium, and slow.
Fast action rods bend mostly at the tip, they are stiffer of all and are ideal for fishing in open water. Medium action rods bend in the middle, while slow action rods are the most flexible ones as they bend throughout the entire length of the rod.
For pike fishing, fast or extra-fast action is usually recommended. These action rods allow quick and firm hook sets when a pike bites, while still having enough backbone to handle the fish’s size and strength.
Learn more about the rod power and action in this guide “Fishing Rod Power and Action“.
Rod Material
Fishing rods come in different materials, including graphite, fiberglass, composite, and carbon fiber. Graphite rods are lightweight and sensitive, making them ideal for detecting subtle bites. Fiberglass rods, on the other hand, are heavier and more durable, making them ideal for catching larger fish.
Composite rods have combined features of both graphite and fiberglass while the carbon fiber rods being expensive of all are an enhanced form of graphite rods. They are more sensitive, and lightweight than graphite rods.
For Pike fishing, fiberglass rods tend to perform better than graphite rods being more durable and flexible than graphite.
Rod Handle
The handle of your pike fishing rod is another important factor to consider as it leads to comfort. Handles come in different materials, including cork, EVA foam, and rubber. Cork handles are comfortable and provide a good grip, while EVA foam handles are lightweight and durable.
For trolling, EVA handles are recommended as they retain their shape when placed in the rod holders while the cork handles might end up with a disturbed appearance so they are better suited for standing fishing gestures when holding the rod in hands.
You may also want to consider the shape of the handle and whether it’s comfortable for your hand size as fishing rods have a full grip or split grip handle design.
Rod Guides
Rod guides are small circular openings placed along the length of a fishing rod to help guide the fishing line through the rod. These guides help to prevent tangles and allow for smoother and longer casts.
However, for smooth performance, the material of the line guides matters too. The line guides can be of stainless steel, aluminum oxide, titanium, or ceramic. Among all titanium, guides are best but are expensive.
Whereas, the stainless steel guides are strong and corrosion-resistant, which makes them a good choice for saltwater fishing. They are also relatively inexpensive than titanium and also last longer. Aluminum guides are lightweight and durable, but they are not as resistant to corrosion as other materials, this material guide requires maintenance after saltwater fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
With the right rod, you can feel the excitement of the fight as you reel in these powerful predators. Whether your prefer spinning or casting set ups, the market is flooded with plenty of options now it’s up to you how you pick the right one. By considering factors mentioned in buying guide, you can find the best pike fishing rod to help you land your next trophy fish. So, grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure!
Whether you prefer spinning or casting, there are plenty of excellent options on the market to suit your needs. By considering factors such as length, power, and action, you can find the perfect pike rod to help you land your next trophy fish. So, grab your gear and get ready for an unforgettable fishing adventure!