For pike / sea with enough backbone.
Anyone got a recommendation? Not something that costs an arm and a leg if possible. In fact cheaper the better! :lol:
http://www.anglerscorner.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=229_238&products_id=2696 (http://www.anglerscorner.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=229_238&products_id=2696)
That Shakespeare atlantis looks the business, you can get it even cheaper if you have a hunt on google.
Quote from: piscatus absentis on September 01, 2011, 09:18:55 PM
Free to you if you arrange transport.
Thanks for the offer Bob. I already have a rod that's a bit like that and really want a very powerful #10 rod. I am very grateful for your kind offer, but best offer that one to a future more deserving case. :D
Quote from: paulr on September 01, 2011, 10:28:36 PM
That Shakespeare atlantis looks the business, you can get it even cheaper if you have a hunt on google.
It looks good, I'm just not sure abut that additional higher grip and how it might feel to cast with it.
Any thoughts on that anyone?
Quote from: admin on September 01, 2011, 11:09:10 PM
It looks good, I'm just not sure abut that additional higher grip and how it might feel to cast with it.
Any thoughts on that anyone?
I only tried one for a few hours (in the boat) but really enjoyed it.
The grip did not impede my inept casting and it chucked 6 inch budgies with ease.
It took a bit of getting used to, but then I'd spent the morning with a 7' 6" 4 weight in hand
The owner had had 15lb+ pike on it and reckoned it had the backbone to handle double that.
The expidition XT may be a good alternative, have never tried it but since the Callater Stravaig I have also been looking at ten weight rods.
http://www.nimpopo.com/acatalog/Shakespeare_Expedition_XT-Fly.html (http://www.nimpopo.com/acatalog/Shakespeare_Expedition_XT-Fly.html)
That's what I use Robbie, didn't realise you could still get them. Can't recommend it enough. I've had one for a few years and have no trouble chucking budgies or playing decent fish. I also use it for carp and SWFF.
It packs down tiny too and will literally fit in a pocket.
cheers
Paul
Both these Shakeys look good but perhaps the Expedition XT is more practical. The other is 3 pc and would be more of problem in the rucksack.
I just bought an Expedition XT 9 foot #10 weight from
https://www.tackle2u.com (https://www.tackle2u.com)
£55 inc. shipping. Can't really go wrong at that I think.
Quote from: guest on September 02, 2011, 06:21:25 PM
....except you may to raise your game and stop catching pike bandies in order to get a bend on a 10 weight :lol:
Nah, it's the loops that count - ask Alan if you don't beleive me! :lol:
Loops with a budgie and a #10?
For pike?
Why?
Quote from: Inchlaggan on September 02, 2011, 06:24:54 PM
Why?
Alan will explain this in the special way that only Alan can. :lol:
I also have the expedition and its great, especially if your walking into lochs. Have a more expensive rod now but the shaky is nearly just as good.
Quote from: admin on September 02, 2011, 03:52:30 PM
I just bought an Expedition XT 9 foot #10 weight from
https://www.tackle2u.com (https://www.tackle2u.com)
£55 inc. shipping. Can't really go wrong at that I think.
Or maybe I could go wrong. They were advertising a rod they did not have in stock and won't be getting back in stock.
I got my money back.
Back to the drawing board. :roll: :lol:
Try here Fred, £47.99.
http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_copy_of_Shakespeare_Expedition_XT_Fly_Rod.html (http://www.tacklebargains.co.uk/acatalog/copy_of_copy_of_Shakespeare_Expedition_XT_Fly_Rod.html)
I'll try that one next Sandy. I just ordered one from some lot in the North East of England. Just on 50 quid inc shipping.
Yes, chancy area, I know. :lol:
I ordered mine from here:
http://www.nimpopo.com/acatalog/Shakespeare_Expedition_XT-Fly.html (http://www.nimpopo.com/acatalog/Shakespeare_Expedition_XT-Fly.html)
I got the Expedition XT 9 foot #10 today. Now THAT'S what you call a stiff rod.............................. :shock:
Yesterday I was playing with the Expedition XT 9 foot #10 with a Wildfisher #10 WF.
Wow.................................... :shock:
That is certainly going to propel those big pike flies. :lol:
I will be contacting you shortly about a 10 wt line :D
Quote from: Robbie on September 27, 2011, 04:43:11 PM
I will be contacting you shortly about a 10 wt line :D
Right now I only have Highland White floaters in the new 9 and 10 weights, Heron Grey will follow in a week or two as will the new "secret" intermediate. The blue intermediate was just a ruse to wind up the competition. I know how overly serious at least one of them takes himself. . :lol:
Quote from: piscatus absentis on September 27, 2011, 08:45:34 PM
So I ask again - why 9/10 weights?
Size and weight of fly. No woolly bugger I have fished with is anything like as heavy as a wet 6" pike fly.
Oh aye, and POWER :lol:
PA,
Wht not use 9/10?
I think it's a bit light and prefer a 12 weight S/H but I switched to double handed and now use the S/H equivalent of about AFTM15. It makes casting any size of fly so easy. I agree the big flies aren't always necessary but we have a choice if we use a heavy rod. Casting a big lure on a light rod is purgatory.
I actually thought you were an evangelist for proper line weights as in a previous post I said that 8 weight was perfect for streamer fishing on rivers and I think you were the only one who agreed with me.
Bob,
What big Malky said..................... :lol:
The only time I have fished for Pike I used a seven weight rod, it was fine when using small poppers but with a water logged lure it was a nightmare to cast. Using a more specialised line I could probably have made life a lot easier, but they are not cheap.
As Malcolm says why not use 9/10? Just because you can catch and land pike with a 7wt rod it does not mean it is the best tool for the job.
Col I have a quick search on-line, those lines seem to come in either 9 or 10wt. In my earlier post I was meaning specialist 7wt lines, I have not really looked into alternative and there are probably cheaper options available. However I was the Orvis shop in Banchory recently and was advised the their 7wt wonderline, think it may have been the power taper line but not sure, would cast 5-6in pike flies no problem. These lines cost about £42.00.
http://www.mullarkeys.co.uk/fishing/Lines/Mill-End-and-Budget-Fly-Lines/ (http://www.mullarkeys.co.uk/fishing/Lines/Mill-End-and-Budget-Fly-Lines/)
I use these to make up heads, but you can use them as they are. Never had a bad one yet and I and many others have been using them for years.
TL
MC
Quote from: piscatus absentis on September 28, 2011, 08:29:18 PM
Just to help amplify my point. How many forum members have had a 20+ pike on the flee? I've been close.
Well that's me, but I cannot prove it, estimated at 27lb, put it on the bank without a net, unhooked it, turned around for the camera and it was back in the water and gone, cry me a liar if you like.
Strangely, a gentleman I consider to be the UK's most astute pike fisherman arrives here this weekend.
I'll pick his brains (yet again). Any questions from the forum I will happily put to him.
He usually picks up a 30lb+ pike on deadbait, 20lb spinning, and an 18lb+ on the fly in three days of fishing.
I've had quite a few over the years, most of them on a 9´6" #7 weight in combination with a #12 34 foot intermediate shooting head. If you want bigger fish then you have to use bigger "flies" because the larger fish only tend to target prey in certain size ranges. If you are outside that range you wont get many bigger fish. You need the heavy line to carry big flies, but you don't need a heavy rod.
What people use is always down to personal preference and what they happen to believe.
TL
MC
I've had a couple of twenties but plenty over 10. Normal size of fly is about 7 inches for me unless I'm using poppers which are around the 3-4 inch mark.
I liked Mike's observation
Quote from: Traditionalist on September 28, 2011, 08:55:15 PM
What people use is always down to personal preference and what they happen to believe.
TL
MC
Can I also add that it's down to handstrength. There's no use using single handed heavy rods if your hand gives up the ghost after 20 mins.
I like double handers as they make everything so easy and relaxed but the learning curve has to be taken into account. Apparently Switch rods are extremely popular in the Baltic.
Indeed, many people here use double handers for sea trout and cod in the salt. However, one reason for this is so that they can switch to Sbirulinos if conditions require it. Also, most use relatively short heads ( 30...35 feet), with a "special" dynamic roll cast.
This is certainly easier than using heavy single handed rods for any length of time, but of course you still have to learn how to do it.
The cast is described fairly well here;
http://www.robertgillespie.net/page4/page7/page7.html (http://www.robertgillespie.net/page4/page7/page7.html)
TL
MC