Pike Rods
Guideline 4 Piece Elevation Fly Rod - 9ft
Elevation 9ft #4-5-6: The 4 and 5 wt are typical all-round trout rods for dries, nymphs and lighter streamers. The 6wt is the choice for bigger flies, bigger fish and more windy conditions. Elevation 9ft #7-8-9: Typical rods for the heavier fishing after migratory trout, pike, salmon, seatrout and bonefish. These rods suit rivers, lakes, coastal and flats fishing where big fish and demeaning conditions are common. Unique balance and wt for rods in this category.
Pike Rods
What Are Pike Rods and How Do They Work?
Pike rods are specialist fishing rods designed specifically for targeting pike, one of the UK’s most powerful and aggressive freshwater predators. Known for their explosive strikes, sharp teeth, and strong runs, pike demand tackle that offers strength, control, and reliability. Pike rods are engineered to handle heavy lures, large deadbaits, and hard-fighting fish while still giving anglers the sensitivity needed to detect takes and work baits effectively.
Unlike lighter coarse or predator rods, pike rods feature reinforced blanks, stronger guides, and robust reel seats to cope with high line strengths and repeated casting of heavier weights. They are typically used alongside baitcasting or fixed spool reels and paired with braided or high-breaking-strain monofilament lines. Whether you are lure fishing on large reservoirs or deadbaiting on rivers and lakes, a dedicated pike rod provides the backbone and confidence needed to fish safely and efficiently.
How to Choose the Right Pike Rods for Your Needs
Selecting the right pike rod depends on how and where you plan to fish. Pike angling covers a wide range of techniques, from mobile lure fishing to static deadbaiting, and rod choice plays a key role in both performance and enjoyment.
Rod length is one of the first considerations. Shorter rods around 7–8ft are popular for lure fishing from boats, offering accuracy and control when casting and working lures. Longer rods, typically 10–12ft, are better suited to bank fishing and deadbaiting, where longer casts and line control are essential.
Test curve and casting weight determine how much load a rod can handle. Lure rods are often rated by casting weight, with ranges such as 20–60g or 40–100g indicating the ideal lure size. Deadbait rods usually list a test curve between 2.75lb and 3.5lb, giving the power needed to set hooks at distance while still cushioning powerful lunges at the net.
Action and blank construction influence how a rod behaves under pressure. Fast or progressive actions are favoured for lure fishing, providing crisp lure control and solid hook sets. More through actions are often preferred for deadbaiting, helping to absorb head shakes and reduce hook pulls when playing large fish.
Other practical features to consider include high-quality line guides for use with braided lines, comfortable handle materials such as cork or EVA, and overall rod weight, which becomes especially important during long sessions or active lure fishing.
Matching Pike Rods to Fishing Styles
Different pike techniques benefit from different rod setups. The table below offers a simple guide to help match rod specifications to common pike fishing methods.
| Fishing Style | Typical Rod Length | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Lure fishing (bank) | 8–9ft | Accurate casting, good lure control |
| Lure fishing (boat) | 7–8ft | Compact, easy handling in confined spaces |
| Deadbaiting | 10–12ft | Long casts, strong hook setting power |
Top Pike Rods Brands and Models at Uttings
Uttings stocks a carefully selected range of pike rods from respected predator fishing brands, covering everything from entry-level options to high-performance models for experienced anglers. These rods are designed with modern materials and angler feedback in mind, offering dependable performance across a wide variety of waters.
Many anglers choose to pair their rods with complementary tackle from related categories such as reels, fishing lines, and lures, creating balanced setups that maximise efficiency and enjoyment on the bank or boat.
Pike Rods Tips and Expert Advice
For anglers new to pike fishing, versatility is often key. A mid-length rod with a moderate test curve can cover both smaller lures and lighter deadbaiting, making it a sensible starting point. As experience grows, adding more specialised rods allows you to fine-tune your approach for different venues and seasons.
Professionals and dedicated predator anglers often carry multiple rods to adapt quickly to conditions. A shorter lure rod excels when actively searching for fish, while longer, more powerful rods come into their own during colder months when static deadbait tactics dominate.
Regardless of experience level, always ensure your rod is matched with suitable terminal tackle and strong traces. Pike fishing places a strong emphasis on fish welfare, and using correctly balanced equipment helps land fish quickly and safely.
Pike Rods FAQs
What length pike rod is best?
The best length depends on your fishing style. Shorter rods suit lure fishing and boats, while longer rods are ideal for bank fishing and deadbaiting.
What test curve should a pike rod have?
Most deadbait pike rods fall between 2.75lb and 3.5lb, offering the strength needed for large baits and long-distance hook sets.
What casting weight is suitable for lure fishing pike?
Lure rods are rated by casting weight, with common ranges between 20–60g and 40–100g depending on lure size.
Are pike rods suitable for braided line?
Yes, most modern pike rods are designed with robust guides that handle braided lines safely and efficiently.
What action is best for pike rods?
Fast or progressive actions suit lure fishing, while more forgiving through actions are popular for deadbaiting.
Can beginners use specialist pike rods?
Yes, entry-level pike rods are designed to be user-friendly while still offering the power and reliability needed for predator fishing.
Do I need different pike rods for rivers and lakes?
Not always, but longer rods can help with line control on rivers, while shorter rods may be more comfortable on smaller waters.
Why Buy Pike Rods at Uttings
Uttings is a family-run business based in Norwich, established in 1976, with decades of experience supplying high-quality outdoor and field sports equipment. Our pike rods are sourced from leading brands and chosen for their performance, durability, and value.
With over 45,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, Uttings is trusted by anglers across the UK for expert advice, fast delivery, and outstanding customer service. Our team shares a genuine passion for fishing and the outdoors, ensuring you receive informed guidance whether you are buying your first pike rod or upgrading a specialist setup.