Over the years, I've had the opportunity to try out a wide range of the best pike rods, from budget-friendly options to high-end, specialised models. Through my experiences, I've learned what to look for in a top-quality pike rod and have carefully selected the best options available.
In this guide, I'll be sharing my insights on the essential features to consider when choosing a pike rod. From deadbait rods for fishing from the bank on canals and lakes to boat rods for fishing afloat on expansive reservoirs, there will be a rod to cover all styles.
Best Pike rods at a glance
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Best Pike Rod: Daiwa Powermesh 12ft Deadbait Rod - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait
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Best Budget Pike Rod: Wychwood Agitator BR-S Bait Rod - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait
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Best Beginner Pike Rod: Daiwa Blackwidow Deadbait Rod - View offer on Amazon
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Best boat pike rod: Fox Rage Predator Elite XS Boat Rod - View offer on Fishing Tackle & Bait
We'll delve into factors such as rod length, action, and power. By the end, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to select the perfect pike rod to elevate your fishing game and increase your chances of landing these toothy predators. So, let's dive in and discover the best pike rods on the market...
Best boat pike rod
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
One of Fox Rage's Predator Elite range, the Fox Rage XS Boat Rod sports a 3.5lb T/C and is designed specifically for anglers seeking to land big pike from boats or close to the bank. Its increased power output ensures you can confidently control large fish, safely steering them away from anchor ropes and other obstacles.
With high quality carbon blank and premium guides this rod can propel large baits the required distance and subdue even the biggest pike.
Pros
- Short and powerful
- Suitable for large expanses of water where a boat is necessary
Cons
- 10ft length means it is not suitable for fishing at distance
Best specimen pike rod
A rod designed for anglers who prioritise compactness and power. The Daiwa Black Widow 4lb T/C boat rod is comparable to the deadbait rod but its reduced length makes it ideal for situations where short-range casting is essential and space is limited. The rod allows for easier manoeuvring and closer encounters with landed fish, enabling you to fish tight swims that are often overlooked.
Despite its compact size, the 4.0lb test curve delivers ample power to launch even the largest baits, and ensuring you can effectively strike the hooks out of the bait into the fish. The carbon blank construction provides strength, sensitivity, and a lightweight feel, while the cork fore grip and handle with EVA butt grip offer comfortable grip and control.
Additional features include a DPS reel seat for a secure fit, a hook keeper for convenience, and stainless frame guides with aluminium oxide rings for smooth line flow.
Pros
- Able to cast the biggest baits
- Fast powerful tip action
Cons
- It's 4lb T/C may be too powerful for some angler's preferences
Best pike rod
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Pike rods are designed to deliver the progressive power required for effective deadbait fishing and the Daiwa Powermesh Deadbait Rod does just that. The versatile action allows for powerful casting while maintaining flexibility during fish playing, ensuring optimal control over your catch, which will result in more fish being landed.
Built using a high-grade carbon blank reinforced with 1K woven carbon for enhanced durability and performance, this rod features a Fuji DPS reel seat for a secure, comfortable grip and a full cork handle. It is equipped with stainless steel frame guides and lightweight LS ceramic rings for smoother line flow, along with a woven carbon butt for added strength. Available in 3lb and 3.5lb test curves (T/C).
Pros
- Powerful progressive action whilst retaining sensitivity
- Suitable to be fished with a float rig or on alarms
Cons
- Rod isn't the most suitable for fishing smaller venues and canals
Best beginner pike rod
The Daiwa Black Widow Deadbait Rod is a powerful tool designed for targeting large predators. The rod's progressive action strikes a perfect balance between casting ability and fish playing action, making it suitable for a wide range of predator fishing scenarios.
Key features include premium-grade carbon blanks for strength, sensitivity, and a lightweight feel, along with a cork handle and EVA rear grip for comfort and security. The rod is fitted with stainless steel frame guides for smooth line flow to improve casting, and lightweight LS rings for enhanced balance and sensitivity.
Available in an 11ft 2.75lb T/C model suitable for short-range fishing and canals, and a 12ft 3lb or 3.5lb T/C version for longer distances and larger reservoirs or rivers.
Pros
- Range of length and test curves to suit different venues
- Perfect rod for beginners
Cons
- Would like to see a shorter model for canals and small rivers
Best budget pike rod
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
Delivering performance and value, the Wychwood Agitator BR-S Bait Rod boasts a powerful through-action high-modulus carbon blank that allows for effortless casting of soft baits without the fear of casting them off. However, the rod retains sufficient power in the butt section to ensure effective hook sets, even at long distances.
The combination of a hybrid EVA and cork handle, an Atlas reel seat, and an ergonomic fore grip makes the Agitator Bait Rod a visually appealing and comfortable tool to use. The double-leg braid-friendly SiC guides throughout the rod are built to the highest standards.
Available in 10ft 3lb & 3.25lb T/C for short-range use, 12ft 3.25lb for larger venues, and a 3.75lb T/C for long-range models, there is an option to suit your needs.
Pros
- Excellent performance, a great all-round rod
- A choice of different lengths and test curves to suit preferences
Cons
- Action is a little too soft for casting larger baits
Best pike lure rod
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The Westin W3 Powerlure 2nd Generation 9ft lure rod is designed for predator anglers seeking to cast medium to large sized lures after pike. Built using high performance carbon, these rods offer exceptional sensitivity and power, allowing you to detect even the slightest bites and set hooks with ease.
Key features include a VSS reel seat for a secure and comfortable grip, LTS Ring Guides for minimised line friction and enhanced casting performance, and a premium grade EVA handle with rubber cork insert for a comfortable and secure grip.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
- Accurate casting
Cons
- Not suited to the really big pike lures
Best big water pike lure rod
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
The Daiwa Ninja Spin Lure Rod is a versatile and affordable option for anglers who enjoy both conventional spinning and bait fishing. Despite its budget-friendly price, the Ninja Spin boasts premium carbon construction and high-grade cork handles, making it a high-quality choice.
Key features include a strong blank, suitable for targeting larger species like pike, and with a casting weight range of 20g to 60g, it will cope with even the biggest lures with ease. The rod remains sensitive with a lightweight feel, it's EVA fore grip and AAA grade cork handle, paired with a DPS downlocking reel seat offers a secure and comfortable marriage with the reel.
The rod is furnished with stainless steel frame guides with titanium oxide rings, a hook keeper, and a low-glare matt finish for enhanced durability and performance.
Pros
- Longer length allows for longer casting
- Plenty of power to cast lures upto 60g
Cons
- Its longer length means its not suitable for smaller venues or canals
Best pike fly rod
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The Airflo Sniper fly rod series is designed to meet the demanding requirements of predator fly fishing. These rods are engineered to handle large, aggressive fish and cast big flies in extreme environments.
Key features include a powerful and smooth taper that harnesses the rod's power deep into the blank, providing the necessary strength to combat large fish while maintaining flexibility for accurate casting. The Sniper series is built to ensure durability and performance in challenging environments. The compact 8ft 6in, 4-section design allows for easy transportation, making it ideal for anglers on the go.
Pros
- Compact 4 piece design perfect for mobile fishing
- Able to cast large flies with ease
Cons
- Highly specialist rod, only suitable for presenting flies
What to look for in a pike rod
When selecting the best pike rod, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, the most important attribute is power. A robust backbone is crucial for handling the strength and power of large pike, and it is especially necessary for effectively striking the hooks out of deadbaits and into the pike.
If you are lure fishing, sensitivity is essential, as a sensitive rod allows you to detect even the slightest bites, increasing your chances of setting the hook. A quality carbon blank will offer a balance of power and sensitivity while being lightweight, which is crucial if you are going to be holding the rod all day without suffering fatigue in your arms.
It’s also important to consider the length, as the ideal length depends on your fishing style and the type of water you're targeting. Longer rods are advantageous for open water fishing, while shorter rods are more suitable for smaller venues or boat fishing.
Glossary of terms
Action: The flexibility of a rod. A fast action rod bends primarily near the tip, while a slow action rod bends throughout its length.
Blank: The main body of the rod, typically made of carbon fibre.
Butt: The end of the rod where the handle is attached.
Casting Weight: The maximum weight of lure or bait a rod can cast comfortably.
Deadbait: A bait that is dead, typically a fish either freshwater or saltwater presented on a rig
Guides: The rings through which the line passes.
Handle: The part of the rod you hold.
Hook Keeper: A small loop or clip on the rod to secure the hook when not in use.
Lure: An artificial bait, usually imitating a fish or to create a predatory response from the fish by uing flashes of light and sound. They can be hard and soft, weighted or floating and some can dive.
Reel Seat: The part of the rod where the reel attaches.
Sensitivity: A rod's ability to detect subtle bites.
Tip: The end of the rod opposite the butt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ideal length for a pike rod?
The ideal length for a pike rod depends on your fishing style and the type of water you're targeting. For open water fishing, a longer rod (around 9-12 feet) can be advantageous for casting larger baits and covering more ground. However, for smaller venues or fishing from a boat, a shorter rod (around 8-10 feet) might be more suitable.
What is the best action for a pike rod?
A fast progressive action rod is generally preferred for pike fishing as it provides better control when fighting a large fish. However, a moderate action rod can also be effective, especially if you prefer a more forgiving feel.
What is the ideal casting weight for a pike rod?
The casting weight of your pike rod should be based on the size of the lures you plan to use. For most pike fishing, a casting weight of 30-60g is sufficient. However, if you're targeting particularly large pike or fishing in deep water, you may need a rod with a higher casting weight 120g+
What is the best material for a pike rod blank?
Carbon fibre is the most popular material for pike rod blanks due to its strength, sensitivity, and lightweight nature. Graphite is another name for carbon fibre.
What is the best type of handle for a pike rod?
A split grip handle, with a cork fore-grip and an EVA butt grip, is a popular choice for pike rods. This combination provides a comfortable and secure grip.
What are the different types of guides used on pike rods?
The most common types of guides used on pike rods are stainless steel frame guides with ceramic or titanium oxide rings. These guides provide smooth line flow and reduce friction.
What is the best type of reel seat for a pike rod?
A DPS (Downlocking Power Screw) reel seat is a popular choice for pike rods due to its secure and ergonomic design.
What is the best line weight for pike fishing?
The ideal line weight for pike fishing depends on the size of the fish you're targeting and the conditions you're fishing in. However, a braided line in the range of 20-30 pounds is a good starting point.
How often should I maintain my pike rod?
Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the longevity of your pike rod. Clean the rod after each fishing trip to remove any salt or debris. Inspect the guides and reel seat for any signs of wear and tear, and tighten any loose screws. Additionally, consider having your rod serviced by a professional every year.
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.