Beginners Set Up

Hi Guys
I've been "assisting" a good friend over the last few months learning the ropes of Piking eg unhooking, returning the fish etc
I would now like to acquire some basic gear and wondered what advice anyone has on the types of;
a) Rod
b) Reel
C) Line
d) Traces

I quite fancy the idea of spinning and lure fishing for Pike first as it seems like a good way to fish for them and I enjoy the roving aspect of it.

Any help would be really appreciated
Thanks

If it's lures you are interested you really need to decide what type/weight you will mostly be using. This will determine the type of gear that is suitable. For example you wouldn't want to be chucking 100g jerkbaits on a light spinning outfit.
There are some good medium weight options around at the mo which will suit most peoples needs. Something like the wychwood / savage gear rods (20-60g) will be perfect coupled with a reel such as the okuma crossover with a decent braid such as power pro or whiplash will be fine and not break the bank.

http://www.okumafishingteam.com/media_2.php

http://www.harrissportsmail.com/Mobile/MobileModels.aspx?ModelID=16657

as tootall has said pick the baits you want to use then buy the other stuff to match

Thanks guys that makes perfect sense .......

there's so much kit around at the moment, picking the lure weights such as Storm and Rapala and matching rods/reels to that seems very logical

Thanks again

in all honesty you should try a few set ups

is it purely for pike or are you after branching out for other species

i mean you can start with 1/32 of an ounce and go up to 2lb bulldawgs

if it is purely for pike then the first option to decide on is fixed spool or multiplier set up

Hi Noodle
Yeah initially I want to concentrate on Piking. I do plenty of coarse fishing float/feeder and have enjoyed the roving style of Pike fishing.
I think initially I'll go for a medium weight spinning rod and free spool reel.

Thanks for the advice

right ok a rod i like a lot for most 'plugs' of around 3/4 of an ounce up to 2 ounces is fairly cheap and it has another hidden advantage in that you can fish for just about any fishi with it using all manner of methods

may i introduce you to the drennan or esox spinflex

its 9 feet and 2.5 tc and so far ive caught fish using mine as far north as jon o groats ive floater fished for carp with it thrown 3 ounce leads at short range with bolt rigs on small waters, used it to throw lures at sea bass trolled deads and lives on boats with it

oh and ive thrown plenty of lures at pike with it as well.

seriously for around 50 quid it is a fantastic rod but if you want a more fashionable fast actioned lure rod then it may be a no go as its a classic parabolic to through actioned spinning rod

couple it with a 4000 sized reel and .28-.36 braid using 40-50 lb wire leaders and you have a good set up.

i have two of the nine foot ones coupled with old aerlex 5000 reels.

Hi Noodle
That's a great help thanks, I've just stumbled on the Drennan rods as well as some Savage Gear & Shimano rods ...
Really appreciate the advice mate cheers

oh the drennan makes a great wobbling rod as well
most of the shimano ive tried tend to be a bit flouncy and i wont use anything from the other company you name(need a spit smiley )

Cheers Noodle ......... a spit smiley .... there's something for the I.T. boys to work on eh ?! Lol !
Thanks again mate ...... I'll have a search for the Drennan rods

where are you?

ive plenty of rods you can play with

but seriously if you can dont just waggle them in shops myther people you see on the bank about what they are using and why

Hi Noodle
I'm down in Tamworth, Staffs. I've been chatting to loads of guys on the banks about what they're using and yes the Drennan E-sox keeps cropping up along with the Wychwood agitator. Fox ready made lure traces also seem popular along with a whole raft of different reels. Do you think it's sensible to start with a fixed spool reel in the 4000 size as opposed to a multiplier ???
Cheers

spiderdave0 wrote:Hi Noodle
I'm down in Tamworth, Staffs. I've been chatting to loads of guys on the banks about what they're using and yes the Drennan E-sox keeps cropping up along with the Wychwood agitator. Fox ready made lure traces also seem popular along with a whole raft of different reels. Do you think it's sensible to start with a fixed spool reel in the 4000 size as opposed to a multiplier ???
Cheers

yes but be warned you will probably want to expand your lure collection sizewise fairly quickly and will probably end up wanting to use shorter rods for lures that are both lighter and heavier. so yes you can start with the fixed spool.

a bit far for me to head down.
one or two useful sites for you are agm lures dirt cheap and look at his soft plastics that one place will do you for all your lightweight needs and a few bigger lures.

pick a couple of shads curly tailed grubs and a few other specials

Cheers Noodle
Really appreciate all the advice........... I'll let you know how it goes !!
Cheers