I'm going to be doing some pike fishing this winter, fly and lure/spinner. I've checked the Shimano baitrunner reel that I kept from my barbel fishing days and it looks on the small side to me for pike fishing.

Is anyone familiar with the Shimano range of fixed spool reels and can recommend a good size/model for me to look out for on ebay?

Alternatively any "classic" reels to look out for? The pike rod i'll be using is an old one so a classic reel would suit it well,

Thanks.

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The best things in life aren't things.

What model of Baitrunner do you have? Is it a 5010? If so it would do I suppose.

I use the Baitrunner 8010 Aero GT, the 6010 is same size but lesser capacity spools. Both perfect for deadbaiting or lure fishing for Pike.

These reels are no longer made and although since superceded by newer technology, IMHO the were the best Shimano brought out and can still be picked up regularly on ebay.

Just keep an eye out for lightly used or well looked after examples, they do come up, although there are quite a few listed that look as if they have been dredged up from the bottom of a gravel pit.

Expect to pay between £40.00 and £50.00 for a very good example. Not bad considering they originally retailed for over £100.00 and then were worth every penny.

The Pirate.

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates - No pressure, just pleasure! Pip pip!

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The one i've got is a Aero GTE 5000 B. I know it can handle barbel into double figures but it just doesn't look quite right for pike

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The best things in life aren't things.

I would say although a 5000 is not the most ideal size, it will do I suppose, these reels are well engineered and near bomb proof, I don't think it's necessary to go and splash out just yet.

The Pirate.

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Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates - No pressure, just pleasure! Pip pip!

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/trade-cla...e-bonanza.html

http://www.soniksports.com/

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/fly-lines...unkistbob.html

I ve used a GTE 5000 for pike and for salmon spinning and taken fish to 28lb so I expect you ll be fine with it especially if you are using just standard mono you keep the spool full.

I ve also used a 5010 as recommended by the pirate...amazing reels I am still using mine which I bought in 1996 and it is almost as smooth.

Regards,

Ed

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www.Troutzilla.co.uk

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Is the 5010 bigger than the 5000?

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The best things in life aren't things.

No they are the same size.

If you absolutely need bigger, then go for the 6010 or 8010.

The Pirate.

__________________
Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates - No pressure, just pleasure! Pip pip!

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/trade-cla...e-bonanza.html

http://www.soniksports.com/

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/fly-lines...unkistbob.html

Just fixed spool?

Why not a Shimano Calcutta or other? I used to use 251 for my Pike spinning, though the guides on a spinning rod may not be ideal for an overhead reel. As for classic, you could go for an Abu 6000c

Cheers

Have a look at an old Mitchel 300 or a 410 (I think) or Abu Cardinal 44 if its some nostalgia! I managed to find a Barrie Rickards 11' glass Piker recently. The bend from even a smallish pike is fantastic, coupled with one of the above is a good match!

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Duncan

Cant see the reason why not to use a 5000, Iv used my 6000's fine with no problems and they handle 20+ pike fine. Good drag is what you need and the shims 5 and 6s will cope! roll on Thursday a day on the trent!