I'd be tempted to go for a heavier line rod but with a softer action, if you understand what I'm saying.
I have a few 9wts and find the easiest to cast big heavy flies on are the mid/tip action ones rather than tip action 'fast' rods. This may seem a bit counterintuitive but the slightly softer rod helps cushion the 'bang' made by a big fly when it turns over on the back cast. This can send a big shockwave up the line and put all sort of confused messages into the rod and line at the start of the forward cast. Oh, and talking about lines, if your going to buy a new one specifically for pike fishing consider a speciality 'pike' taper. There are quite a few to choose from and do help when chucking chickens.

Good Luck

Andy

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GAIC Single Handed Casting Instructor

http://www.andygreyfishing.com/