I have fished for Pike using dead baits up at Loch Awe previously but as a recent and rabid convert to fly fishing I would like to have a go 'on the fly' as it were.

I've searched the forum read a few articles and due to this have a kit list in mind.

If I could trouble some of your experienced heads to comment on my choices it would help me confirm I have a slight idea of what I'm going on about.

I have leaned towards saltwater friendly kit so as I hopefully don't have to buy twice.

I have already purchased a Greys Saltwater Platinum XD #10 9ft as they were in a sale for £100

I have an eye on the Orvis Hydros Large Arbour Reel with two spools but would like to consider the Hardy Demon 9000 as I have the 5000 for my trout rod and love it, is the Hardy saltwater friendly?

I also like the look of the Orvis wonderline shooting head setup , my concern is that changing heads in a boat or bank environment might be asking a lot , any thoughts ? Buying this would pay for itself when it comes to the cost of extra spools for the Orvis reel.

Wire traces are a minefield on this forum so the Rio Toothy critter leader seems ideal for a noob.

I'm aware that this has a pretty hefty price tag for a new setup but I'm a great believer in the ' buy once' strategy and I've been an exceedingly good boy this year and have a feeling Santa is going to be extra generous .

Promise I'll wear my hi-vis ' all the gear and no idea , overcoat on the Loch.

Thanks

i just started fly fishing for pike aswell this year. it's brilliant fun just as good if not better than trout fishing. the follows you get from big pike and when they turn away or engulf your fly gets the adrenelin going.
go on to the piketrek website it will have everything you need.

__________________
stevie

Nothing wrong with your choice of rod, I would choose the Orvis reel. Loads of lines to choose from but the Rio Outbound lines are as good as any. I would get an intermediate and a fast sinker. These should cover most of your options. The only problem with the Orvis shooting head set up is that the shooting line supplied is floating so if you wanted to get down really deep you would struggle.

hi ,you will love it ,best time end , early summer great sport , . the rod you have bought is great for this , the best line you can use with that rod and large flys is RIO PIKE WFF10WT ,this i think is the best line line on the market , make sure its the one with a pikes head on box and is suitable for cold water , they do one similar that everyone tries to sell you which is **** , . hardy demon great choice , trace by AFW SURFLON MICRO SUPREME .this stuff is great and knottable . good luck ,lex

Thanks all.

I may buy the shooting head kit and 1 extra spool for a fast sinker , should cover all situations and still be cheaper than three separate lines

Hi
I'm a lifetime piker who took up fly fishing for them 3 years ago, and love every minute of it!
In regard to leader material I use tuf leader, which I attach via a ring. I then use around 9ft of 20lb fluro. I've caught fish to over 20lb on this set up and had one fantastic afternoon where I caught 5 over 15lb, up to 22lb, on the same fly/leader.
I use the orvis reels you talk of, which are great.
I also use the guideline pike fly lines, they certainly work for me and seem to load the rod, I use a 9wt, easily too.
All the best, I'm sure you will really enjoy it!

__________________
Eagles may soar high....but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines!

Sounds like you know what you are doing already mate, recently got the same rod myself and its a steal at £100

Here`s a very useful Pike leader step by step

SBS Pike Fly Leader

I'd strongly advise against the demon reel - They are hyper sensitive to grit, and really hate salt. The springs which drive the spool lock seize up.

I got a lamson konic as a pike reel - absolutely superb, and very cheap for what you get.

my hardy demon messed up in saltwater for seatrout so wouldnt get one of those

__________________
Harbour lights fly fishers

I use a Demon 7000 without any problems and holds a #10 and ample backing. I'm sure Hardy don't recommend using the Demon in salt, but don't quote me on this.

If you are looking for a good reliable cartridge reel then why not look at the Koma Kassette Vision Koma Kassette - #10 - Vision - Reels

__________________
If you're a defender and he heads it that low you take his head off, it's as simple as that. - Roy Keane