Cane beachcaster for pike?

[Dave Burr]

Gorgeous fish Dave! Nice reel too, is it an old alvey side cast?

It's a Scout - the biggest size (120?) and very useful for piking. Don't worry too much about shorter rods ability to cast, I've put 2.3 oz 85 yards with a Hardy LRH1 and the Scottie in the picture, as long as you cast correctly - will put a sizeable deadbait out with ease. Remember, most rods used to be no longer than 10'.

[Bill]

Certainly can't speak of them all Bill, but definitely not the Dawson I own! I'd imagine all but very light beachcasters ie bass/flattie rods will be overkill for pike fishing? I found exactly what I was after in a trio of Conoflex glass blanks sold to me by a retiring rodbuilder. I hope you find what you are looking for

Righto, I’ll bear that in mind. Thanks for the advice

[Bill]

Gorgeous fish Dave! Nice reel too, is it an old alvey side cast?

It's a Scout - the biggest size (120?) and very useful for piking. Don't worry too much about shorter rods ability to cast, I've put 2.3 oz 85 yards with a Hardy LRH1 and the Scottie in the picture, as long as you cast correctly - will put a sizeable deadbait out with ease. Remember, most rods used to be no longer than 10'.

Looks spot on, I’ve never used a side cast, what’s it like for long casting? Yeah I’m more leaning towards that length because I’ve found through trial and error that it’s what works for me. I’ve got a good long while to find something before I’ll be defrosting the deadbaits again though, so I’m sure something suitable will pop up on the bay

[Dave Burr]

Gorgeous fish Dave! Nice reel too, is it an old alvey side cast?

It's a Scout - the biggest size (120?) and very useful for piking. Don't worry too much about shorter rods ability to cast, I've put 2.3 oz 85 yards with a Hardy LRH1 and the Scottie in the picture, as long as you cast correctly - will put a sizeable deadbait out with ease. Remember, most rods used to be no longer than 10'.

Looks spot on, I’ve never used a side cast, what’s it like for long casting? Yeah I’m more leaning towards that length because I’ve found through trial and error that it’s what works for me. I’ve got a good long while to find something before I’ll be defrosting the deadbaits again though, so I’m sure something suitable will pop up on the bay

As far as the Scout side cast goes I'd highly recommend a fixed spool. They are not very nice pins to use, more okay for a novelty day out. Good luck with your search

[Bill]

Old thread but thought I’d make a note of the end result for anyone else with the same predicament I had. I waited it out and ended up getting an allcocks easicast heavy spinning rod (10ft, rated 2-4oz). It was in a sorry state when I got it and I picked up a partial refund from the seller, and after a lengthy restoration, it is a lovely, strong piece of cane. Just need to find that river 30 now and put it to the test thinking of pairing it with a Mitchell 306. Thanks for all the advice guys, tight lines

[Olly]

I changed to 306's a long time ago - and still have them. They were matched with Conoflex glass rods 1 X 3lb soft 12 footer and 1 x 3lb fast taper also 12ft. Covered all my needs from lives to big leads chucked a long way.