The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

No it didn't. The float is self made and perhaps a little big!

It whizzed across the surface well though!

I wasn't bothered by the size that day though. It was the fish I had when I went after 7 species in 7 hours - all on cane and pin. So they all counted, regardless of size.

The Avon Royal Eagle seemed to go well with the 3 lb TC North Western glass rod . I used an old standard Polaris float but to be honest could have done with one of the Polaris Pike floats when it got a bit windy.
I've never had a pike on a centre pin so I would have been very grateful for even a 3 lb one .
The pike run to 30 lb but are used to being fished for and have 115 acres to hide from me in so I suspect it might be while before I report back how the reel peformed actually catching something ......

ive thought of using my ray Walton pin for piking

Apologies for the rod, if it's any consolation , it was an old one,





Uprated barbel master no problem!

Purist reel is built of solid stuff

The carp was 41' 13,

I've also used a ray Walton reel which is built using strong stuff, however I had garry Mills take the rotating element of the reel out so that it's a fixed reel, I know it sounds daft but I like the tapered spool which still gives you the option of side casting the reel.

My purist reel is the 2030 4inch a very good all rounder, when it first came out is was the closest thing you could get to a new aerial and was modelled on the aerial match they can be picked up reasonably priced on tinternet.

A Milwards Gyrex 3.5" is what I will use, dates I think from the fifties but still working great

I also use the little Gyrex for pike or zander fishing - especially when I use heavy spoons or plugs. Very reliable, lovely bakerlite reel with a simple but effective tension nut.

I use a Ray Walton Rolling pin.
Please excuse the rod in this picture. It was from my dark pre-cane past!

Some fabulous looking pike – they really are beautiful creatures. Not sure I'd lay a fishing reel on one. As Watermole+ and others would rightly say – fish care…

I also have a Youngs 2030. I really rate it very highly and really enjoy using mine. Worth seeking one out. I like the size, the optional line guard, the switch position and action and particularly the solid drum. I also think it looks gorgeous as well in the understated bronze finish. I bought mine mint second-hand, probably unfished, from a dealer as I wanted one in a hurry.

I use a Marco Cortesi Mk11 and a Mordex Merlin both are 41/2'' x 1'' both work for me.
I do most of my Piking on rivers and don't use huge baits.

I have just acquired a Youngs Seldex which would be suitable for piking. As an aside Damflask( I live about 1 1/2 miles away)has fished very poorly for pike as far as I am concerned,this season . I have fished it three times (once in the company of Bendsomecane)and not had a run. I have been drop shotting for perch fairly regularly and again not caught any perch, although I did lose a good chub at the net. In my view Damflask is poorly managed for angling by Sheffield City Council.