Can’t decide which rod and reel combo for northern pike fishing you should opt for? We did the tough job of finding some of the best so you don’t have to!
If you think that all the enormous predators capable of giving you the excitement you want can only be found in saltwater, think again — there are massive monsters in freshwater that are waiting for you to take on the challenge of catching them, and they’re none other than the northern Pike. There are very few freshwater fish that are as big and fierce as them, and if you’re in for the thrill you should definitely try your hands on angling for these beasts!
But don’t head to the nearest freshwater where the northern pike lurk without the right weapon. Below you will come across 10 of the best rod and reel combo for northern pike fishing on the market these days.
Zebco Dock Demon Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
check price
Whether you are a leftie or a rightie, this is the right rod and reel combo for northern pike fishing to get — it can be changed from left-hand retrieve to right-hand retrieve or vice versa in a snap.
A snapping blank should be the least of your worries while using it for angling for some vicious northern pike because its 30-inch length has a solid core and finished with Z-glass, and that is why we can’t stop raving about how stunning it looks. And by the way, it’s spooled with a 6-lb mono line and features a comfortable EVA handle.
Although it’s good enough for angling for northern pike, we feel that this combo could use some extra inches.
PENN Fierce III LE Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
check price
There is one very important thing to remember when angling for a mammoth such as the northern pike: the blank has to be able to take a beating — lots and lots of it!
It’s because of this exactly why we highly recommend this particular reel and rod combo. Thanks to its graphite composite blank, no amount of brute strength from that northern pike can damage it. And for even more peace of mind, the manufacturer has designed this angling gear with stainless steel guides and full-metal side plates.
For trouble-free retrievals, the reel is techno-balanced and has anti-reverse bearing.
PENN Squall Level Wind Reel and Rod Fishing Combo
check price
This combo is actually being marketed for saltwater fishing. But because it prioritizes durability and performance alike, we find it fantastic for freshwater fishing, too, including most especially for catching northern pike.
What we love about it is that it’s hardwearing without weighing a lot — the frame and side plates are fashioned from lightweight graphite, while the main gear is out of bronze and the pinion gear is out of stainless steel. And just like the other PENN entry we’ve just tackled above, this one features anti-reverse bearing as well.
According to some consumers, the handle’s butt end tends to pop off when taking the product out of its holder.
Abu Garcia Black Max Baitcasting Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
check price
Responsive and durable — these are the claims to fame of this rod and reel combo. Especially if you are angling for an elusive underwater beast like the northern pike, it’s a must for every single bite to register.
We can’t help but highlight the fact that this angling essential is super lightweight. Such can be expected because the frame and side plates are all made out of graphite. Line breaking is very common when trying to reel in that monstrous northern pike. To keep that to a minimum, the product comes equipped with a power disk drag system.
By the way, the reel comes with a Magtrax brake system and the spool is machined aluminum.
AGOOL Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
check price
If you’re a fan of telescoping rods because they allow you to partake in the action without any delay, then you should consider getting your hands on this particular rod and reel combo item by AGOOL.
There are many things about this product that we like, and one of those is the adjustable reel seat. The reel handle is also collapsible, thus allowing for space conservation when it’s time to stash everything in the included carrying case. It looks amazing, too, courtesy of the fiberglass frame and colorful guide rings out of piano porcelain.
A purchase includes the rod and reel combo, lures, hooks and a bunch of other accessories.
M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch Extreme Fly Rod and Reel Combo
check price
This product is the one to get especially if you have never tried northern pike angling before and you want your initial experience with it to go as smoothly as possible.
For instance, this rod and reel combo makes long-distance casting easy as it’s engineered to taper to a very slim end, which allows for loading that’s smooth and efficient. It also boasts of a fly wheel that’s out of lightweight aluminum. To ensure strength, the blank is said to be made out of up to 5 layers of carbon fiber.
By the way, the product ships with a carrying case and a floating fly box — with a dozen of flies included!
Pflueger President Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
check price
If you believe in the power of using a braided line for catching some northern pike, then this is the combo for you. That’s because the spool allows for braid to be tied directly to it.
This beauty that measures 6 feet and 6 inches in length is durable yet lightweight, and it’s all due to the fact that the blank is made out of graphite and the reel and its handle are constructed from machined aluminum. Feel free to use this rod and reel combo for freshwater as well as saltwater fishing — the stainless steel guides are rustproof.
Some consumers, however, say that loading the spool with a heavy line can easily lead to tangles.
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Reel and Rod Combo
check price
Its 2-piece rod construction means that it allows you to spring into action ASAP, although such design makes this reel and rod combo not the most portable angling essential out there.
Despite this, we love that it performs very well when assembled. The blank is made out of a graphite and fiberglass composite, and the clear tip is designed to be hardwearing and sensitive at the same time. For a smooth performance, it has a one-way clutch system. The anodized aluminum spool comes with an oversized bail wire for longevity.
This combo comes fitted with EVA grips for your comfort and also to keep the product’s weight to a minimum.
LONPAR Portable 4-Piece Carbon Fiber Fishing Combo
check price
What makes this particular rod and reel combo a complete standout is that its brass pinion gear is processed by a Japan-made Hamai machine.
Other than that, it has the usual bells and whistles that most anglers hooked on northern pike fishing are looking for: lightweight blank out of 24-ton carbon fiber, anti-reverse bearing, thick aluminum bail wire, interchangeable reel handle position, rustproof ring guides, and EVA handle and reel knob.
The 4-piece design, by the way, lets you go from one freshwater hotspot to the other easily.
Lixada Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
check price
It may only measure 6 feet in length, but this rod and reel combo has everything you will need to get you introduced to the fantastic world of northern pike angling.
The blank is made out of fiberglass, thus making it lightweight and durable at the same time. What’s more, it has a telescoping design for easy storage. And thanks to its EVA handle, that northern pike can fight and fight but to no avail. A purchase comes with all sorts of essentials, ranging from hooks, lures, sinkers, bells to barrel swivels.
We love that there are a couple of reel colors to choose from — blue and gold.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 7-foot, medium-heavy action stick will be a typical pike rod. This should cover most of the bases, but you may want to upgrade the stick to a heavy-action model if the baits you throw are hefty (and the fish grow big in your waters).
Pike fishing reels need to be solid and strong, good recommended reels are located on this page.
Having a drag system of at least 15 pounds with a full drag will help you land just about every pike that comes your way. We prefer to use reels that have a maximum drag of at least 25 pounds when trolling for pikes.
Jerkbaits in the 4 to 5 inch range, such as the Smithwick Suspending Super Rogue hard bait or the Rapala X- Rap’s, are the way to go when picking crankbaits for pike fishing.
It is an excellent time to hunt hungry pike in the early morning just before the sun rises. You will find them hunting down their first meal of the day, either in open or shallow water. Joint raps and top water splashers, such as a Hula Popper, are perfect lures to use in the morning.
