Been reading the thread titled 'winter pike' with interest. One thing stuck out for me between the slaggings! Is it really possible to say, 'your wrong for using an 8 wieght to catch pike but that other guy is doing the right thing by using a 9 weight. How do we know that the 8 weight isn't a poker and the 9 weight a noodle?!

I'm pretty sure a #7 TCX is far stiffer and beeferier than say a my airflo #9 I use for pike.

I agree most rods in the 3 to 6 weight class are too soft (for casting the flies for a start).

Just a thought.

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I agree, I use a 9wt, but I was looking on an american forum and most people recommend an 8wt.

Regards John

Quite a lot of people in the States eat pike and are therefore quite happy to play it on a lighter rod... after all it won't be going back!

Also you might want to try casting a BIG pike fly in the wind with a 7wt

now that is quite a big fly

You sure you have not just stuck a hook through a bird of paradise there mate? How long is that thing?

About 10 inches... but that's what I always answer when they ask

Well there is a little pool by me that crammed full of litle Jack Pike of less than 3lb and Ive had some great sport on a 8` 4# and a Butcher or Alexander on the end

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Allan
Trout always recognise a bad leader.

Ah but wait until you hook one of the big momma`s that are making all those little jacks on your 4 wt
All the best,
Andy

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There is more to fishing than just catching fish....

I only ever fish rivers where the majority of the pike are less than 6lb, and because the river isn't the widest in the world i dont have to cast far, i use an 8wt and am happy doing so, so far i've caught three into double figures with the biggest being 16lbs, and although the fight was thrilling enough thank you very much! it was not overly long, and after being weighed and photograpghed the fish swam off very strongly.

I guess fishing big stillwaters where a lot more casting is involved a heavier rod would ease the arm, but on an intimate river it's a few casts then move etc. Each to their own, but the fishes wellfare is the most important thing here, not how much fun you can have

Cheers,


Graham

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Should be fine its only small and no trees around it and very few snags I will just have to keep running round the outside

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Allan
Trout always recognise a bad leader.