The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

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?

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.

Olly wrote: ↑Wed Feb 09, 2022 2:11 pm 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

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

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!

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

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?

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!

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

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