When you hook a pike, it’s not just fishing it’s an all-out battle.
To catch these toothy predators, you will have to up your game, and yes, that includes ensuring your gear is up to scratch.
In this article, I detail what to look for in a decent pike fishing rod and offer some options that are considered to be some of the best pike rods on the market today.
All tactics and budgets are covered so there is a rod for everyone.
Let’s dive right in…
Quick Summary
In a rush? If so then here are the top pike rods I have reviewed and featured in this guide.
Please note by clicking on the rod it will take you to a reputable retailer that sells the product at a good price. Alternatively you can skip straight to the reviews below.
| Best Deadbait Rod For Pike | Daiwa Powermesh Deadbait Rod |
| A Great Budget Deadbait Rod | Wychwood Agitator BR-S |
| Good Mid Range Pike Spinning Rod | Westin W3 Powerlure |
| Top Long Distance Spinning Rod For Heavy Lures | Savage Gear Alpha SG8 Monster Bait Rod |
| A Very Popular Budget Spin Rod For Pike | Ninja S Spin Rod |
| Best Pike Boat Rod | Fox Predator Elite XS Boat Rod |
| Best Drop Shot Rod | Savage Gear SG2 Drop Shot Rod |
| A Great Travel Pike Rod | Fox Rage Prism Travel Rod |
| Best Fly Fishing Rod For Pike | Wychwood PDR Fly Rod |
The Different Types of Pike Rod
There are several different tactics that can be deployed to catch pike. Here are the different types of pike rods that are used to catch them:
Dead Bait Pike Fishing Rods
Deadbait rods are the heavyweights of pike fishing, built with stiff blanks that mean business.
They need to be strong due to the substantial weight that needs to be cast with this type of setup which are generally between 3 and 6 ounces.
On top of this, a sturdy deadbait rod provides the backbone needed for positive hook-sets. With multiple treble hooks and the dense flesh of a dead fish, you need serious power to drive those hooks home at range. A softer rod simply wouldn’t have the necessary striking power.
Spinning Rods For Pike
Pike are the ultimate opportunistic predators – if it moves, swims, or even just glimmers in the water, they’ll attack it. This aggressive feeding nature is a lure angler’s dream, but you’ll need the right tool to make the most of it.
The perfect pike spinning rod walks a delicate tightrope. On one end, you need enough ‘snap’ in the blank to propel those lightweight lures – your softbaits, jerkbaits, and smaller spinnerbaits – to where the predators lurk.
But don’t be fooled by the lighter lure weights; when a 20-pound pike slams your offering, that same rod needs serious backbone to control the chaos that follows.
Boat Rods
Sometimes you need to take the fight to the fish, and a great way to do this is to hunt pike than from a boat.
These apex predators often lurk in the vast expanses of lakes and reservoirs, holding tight to underwater structures and drop-offs that shore anglers can only dream of reaching.
Boat rods are the specialised tools for this close-quarters combat. Unlike their longer shore-fishing cousins, they’re built compact and powerful – typically ranging from 7 to 10 feet.
This shorter length isn’t a compromise; it’s a deliberate advantage. When you’re working in the confined space of a boat, the last thing you want is a long rod catching on everything from your fishing partner’s tackle to the outboard motor.
But don’t mistake compact for weak. A decent pike boat rod packs a serious punch into their shorter frame and are usually very responsive.
Drop Shot Rods For Pike Fishing
Drop shot fishing for pike requires a more refined approach than traditional pike fishing methods. While you might be tempted to go heavy given the target species, success with this technique actually calls for a medium-power rod rather than a heavy option.
The ideal pike drop shot rod should be between 7-8 feet long with a medium power rating and fast action. You’re typically working with lighter weights (up to 12 grams) and need to maintain that crucial finesse presentation that makes drop shotting so effective.
The rod needs enough backbone to handle a pike when it strikes, but not so much that it compromises the delicate touch needed to work your soft plastics naturally.
I personally look for a tubular tip rather than a solid one. This is because it provides better sensitivity throughout the entire blank, which I find important when you’re working larger soft plastics for pike.
Fly Fishing Rods For Pike
When it comes to fly fishing for pike, you need to think big. These aren’t your delicate trout presentation rods; we’re talking about throwing massive streamers and dealing with serious predators.
For pike fly fishing, you’ll want to step up to at least an 8-weight rod, with many experienced pike fly anglers preferring 10 or even 11-weight rods for throwing those larger pike flies.
The ideal pike fly rod typically runs between 9 and 10 feet in length. This length gives you the leverage needed to cast those larger flies while maintaining enough backbone to handle powerful fish.
The extra length also helps with line control and fighting these toothy predators when they decide to make a run for it.
Finally, I personally look for a fast-action rod. This will help you turn over those big, water-logged flies and give you the power for quick hook sets when a pike strikes.
What To Look For In A Pike Rod
Before you splash out on a pike rod, there are several key features you’ll need to consider to make sure you’re getting the right tool for your specific fishing method and circumstances.
Length for Your Method
Rod length isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair. If you’re fishing from a boat, shorter rods around 6-8 feet give you better control in tight spaces. I personally prefer a 10 foot rod when pike fishing from a boat (If space permits) as I like the additional power and leverage this size rod provides.
With spinning rods you will typically see 8 to 9 foot lengths in the tackle shops although they do go up to the 11 foot mark with some models. Longer rods will help achieve better distances although will be more cumbersome when fishing in tight spaces.
Drop-shot specialists often prefer 7-8 foot rods for optimal lure control, while deadbait anglers typically opt for rods around 12 feet for maximum casting range.
Power and Action
Pike are powerful predators, so your rod needs serious backbone. However, the exact power rating depends on your technique:
- Deadbait fishing demands heavy power rods to handle weights up to 6 ounces plus the fish
- Lure fishing works best with medium to medium-heavy power for better lure control
- Drop-shot setups can go lighter with medium power for finesse presentation
- Fly fishing requires 8-11 weight rods to handle larger streamers
In terms of action, the better pike fishing rods tend to have a fast action to them with the exception of deadbait rods where more of a through action is needed due to the additional casting weight typically seen with this method.
Here’s a summary table of rod characteristics for different pike fishing methods:
| Method | Length | Power | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deadbait | 11-13 ft | Heavy | Moderate / Progressive Action |
| Lure/Spinning | 7-11 ft | Medium-Heavy | Fast |
| Drop Shot | 7-8 ft | Medium | Moderate / Fast |
| Boat | 6-10 ft | Medium-Heavy | Moderate / Progressive Action |
| Fly Fishing | 9-10 ft | #9-11 weight | Fast |
Build Quality and Materials
The highest-quality pike rods typically feature blanks made from high-modulus carbon fibre, offering the perfect balance of strength, sensitivity, and weight.
Look for reinforced sections around stress points, which are particularly important given the aggressive nature of pike fights.
The guides should be high-quality with a smooth and hard-wearing material (like Silicon Carbide or similar materials) that can handle the abrasion from braided lines without wearing down.
The reel seat needs to be rock-solid so look for double-locking mechanisms or skeletal designs that help keep your reel firmly in place during the fight and whilst casting.
When it comes to handles, high-grade cork or EVA foam provides comfort during long sessions, with many anglers preferring cork for its warming properties in cold conditions and superior grip when wet.
The Best Pike Rods
So now it’s time to detail eleven top options that are considered some of the best pike fishing rods in the tackle shops today.
These rods have been extensively tested and exude a lot of the features and characteristics I have outlined in this article.
You can check out how the rods have been tested and scored on our dedicated page here.
The following rods achieved the best scores and have been listed to cover different rod types and budgets.
Best Deadbait Rod
Daiwa Powermesh Deadbait Rod
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.5
Casting Performance - 8.5
Playing Fish - 8.5
Value For Money - 8.0
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The Daiwa Powermesh Deadbait rod masterfully combines traditional aesthetics with modern performance, featuring a premium high-grade carbon blank with 1k woven carbon construction.
The carefully engineered blank, with its stiffer butt section, excels at casting heavy deadbait rigs with impressive accuracy and distance.
The classic full cork handle and reliable Fuji DPS reel seat complement a thoughtfully designed rod that delivers the perfect balance of power and finesse, making it particularly well-suited for pike fishing.
What sets this rod apart is its excellent value proposition, offering quality components without the premium price tag.
The combination of stainless steel frame guides and lightweight LS ceramic rings provides smooth line flow, while the woven carbon butt frame gives you the backbone needed to bully pike away from danger when required.
Available in a 12ft version with 2.75lb and 3lb test curves, this well-balanced rod delivers the reliability and performance that Daiwa is renowned for, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced pike anglers looking for a quality deadbait rod.
Pros
- Excellent value for money at around £100, offering Daiwa’s renowned build quality
- Powerful butt section optimised for casting heavy deadbait rigs accurately
- Strong but lightweight construction thanks to high-grade carbon blank with 1K woven carbon
- Well-balanced blank with enough backbone to control large pike near snags
Cons
- Limited to deadbait fishing specifically, reducing its versatility for other predator techniques
A Great Budget Deadbait Rod
Wychwood Agitator BR-S
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.0
Casting Performance - 8.0
Playing Fish - 7.5
Value For Money - 8.5
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Normally I would personally associate Wychwood rods with being at the lower end of the rod building ladder in terms of overall quality. This isn’t speaking ill of Wychwood at all as they tend to cater for more budget-type tackle.
With the Agitator range though they have produced an excellent product that is proving to be a reel hit with predator anglers. This is because you get a good, solid rod at a very reasonable price.
I tested these out on a large local gravel pit and I have to say I was suitably impressed. The balanced nature of the blank with its through action, yet fast line pick up makes it perfect for fishing for large pike.
Okay so it may not feature all of the bells and whistles you see on the high-end rods but it doesn’t half cast well and plays fish nicely too.
I’m not the best of casters but even I was able to hit 80-odd yards with a rig of around 3-4 ounces using the 12-foot, 3.25lb version.
For those anglers that need a little more oomph, there is a 3.75lb model available and for those that prefer a shorter rod for maybe fishing off a boat then there is a 10-foot length that is perfect for this.
During testing, I caught fish up to the mid-double range and playing them was no bother. If I was to be really picky I would say that maybe it lacks the finesse and sensitivity you get with premium offerings but it did the job admirably and I was able to land fish safely with no dramas.
All in all the Agitator is a great rod that is perfect for casual anglers or those new to the sport.
Pros
- Excellent value for money, offering impressive performance for a mid-range rod
- Powerful yet balanced blank capable of casting deadbaits to 80+ yards
- Multiple length and test curve options to suit different fishing scenarios
- Strong through action that handles big pike while protecting softer deadbaits
Cons
- Lacks the finesse and sensitivity found in premium-priced alternatives
Good Mid Range Pike Spinning Rod
Westin W3 Powerlure
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.0
Casting Performance - 8.5
Playing Fish - 8.5
Value For Money - 8.0
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The W3 Powerlure (2nd generation) is a mid-priced spinning rod that comes with a really nice, well-balanced build that utilises good quality materials throughout.
To start off with the carbon blank made by Torayca. This is a brand name of carbon fibre made by Toray industries who are a Japanese company renowned for producing high quality carbon fibre material.
When used on a fishing rod you have a lightweight yet very powerful bit of kit that performs exceptionally well.
On the bank, the lightweight nature of the rod alongside its medium-fast action ensures you can cast and control lures very efficiently and the line pick-up is super fast and well-suited for predator fishing.
When reviewing the W3 Powerlure I was using a variety of lures ranging from 20 to 50g and I have to say I was suitably impressed with how smooth and consistent the rod performed. The specs say it can cast lures up to 60g which I definitely agree with, if anything it could probably go slightly heavier.
Playing fish is equally as pleasurable with pike up to around the 10lb mark and smaller Jacks being caught in testing resulting in some great sport.
All in all the Westin W3 Powerlure is a superb spinning rod and one that is reasonably priced judging by what you get for your money. As such, I thoroughly recommend it for both beginners and experienced anglers who want a well-balanced spinning rod that performs well and is very enjoyable to use.
Pros
- High-performance carbon blank is lightweight yet strong
- Great blank recovery allows for consistent casting with heavy lures if needed
- Good quality, lightweight LTS guides
- Good solid reel seat
Cons
- Some anglers have said the aesthetics on the rod are pretty ordinary
Top Heavy Duty Spinning Rod For Distance Casting
Savage Gear Alpha SG8 Monster Bait Rod
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.5
Casting Performance - 9.0
Playing Fish - 8.5
Value For Money - 7.5
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Savage Gear has built a strong reputation in the predator fishing market, and the Alpha SG8 Monster Bait Rod certainly lives up to their high standards.
As its name suggests, this is a rod designed specifically for throwing and working large lures, and it performs really well at this thanks to its high-end carbon blank construction and 4X Wrap V2 carbon technology.
This combination provides exceptional strength while keeping the overall weight manageable for when you are handling the rod for hours on end.
The Reset Accelerator technology is particularly impressive, offering incredibly fast blank recovery that maintains accuracy even when repeatedly casting heavy lures.
During testing, the rod handled a wide range of lure weights comfortably, with the 2.46m version managing lures from 42g up to 140g without compromising accuracy.
The Fuji components, including SiC guides and reel seat, are top-quality as you’d expect at this price point, while the Duragrip handle (which I love) and FFG Fixed Fore Grip design provide excellent control when working larger lures.
Fish-playing capability is impressive, with the blank offering enough power to control hard-fighting pike while maintaining enough sensitivity to prevent hook pulls.
While it sits in the higher price bracket, the build quality and performance justify the investment for serious predator anglers who are looking for a top-quality spinning rod.
This is a specialist tool that excels at its intended purpose. So if you’re looking for a rod capable of handling the biggest lures and fish, the Alpha SG8 Monster Bait deserves serious consideration.
Pros
- Exceptional build quality with premium components throughout
- Outstanding casting performance with large lures
- Fast blank recovery thanks to Reset Accelerator technology
- Excellent fish-playing capabilities with a nice balance of power and sensitivity
Cons
- Premium price point
A Very Popular Budget Spin Rod For Pike
Ninja S Spin Rod
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.0
Casting Performance - 7.5
Playing Fish - 7.5
Value For Money - 8.5
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The Daiwa Ninja S Spin rod is an excellent entry into Daiwa’s renowned spinning rod range, offering solid performance at an attractive price point.
The premium carbon blank construction provides a good backbone while maintaining sensitivity, which is exactly what you want in a spinning rod.
The combination of AAA grade cork handle with EVA fore grip shows Daiwa’s attention to comfort and practicality, while the DPS downlocking reel seat ensures your reel stays firmly in place during use.
During testing, the rod performed well. The titanium oxide rings provide smooth line flow that aids casting accuracy. I was using a variety of lures with the 8ft version up to around the 1.5-ounce mark and I never felt that accuracy or distance was compromised at any point.
The Ninja S is available in 7ft and 8ft versions so there’s an option to suit most spinning situations.
While it may lack some of the refinements found in Daiwa’s premium offerings, the Ninja S delivers reliable performance that will satisfy both newcomers to predator fishing and more experienced anglers looking for a dependable spinning rod that is exceptional value for money.
Pros
- Excellent value for money with good build quality
- Smooth casting performance and line flow
- Multiple length options to suit different scenarios
- Comfortable hybrid handle design
Cons
- Basic components compared to higher-end models
Fox Predator Elite XS Boat Rod
Best Boat Rod For Pike
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.5
Casting Performance - 8.0
Playing Fish - 8.5
Value For Money - 8.0
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The Predator Elite XS Boat Rod is a specialised offering from the reputable Fox International that is designed and engineered for boat fishing and targeting larger pike.
The high-quality carbon blank construction delivers impressive strength while maintaining a manageable weight that works well when out on the water.
The build quality is solid across all components, featuring a comfortable EVA handle and a reliable screw-tight reel seat that keeps everything secure during use. Fox has clearly focused on durability here, which is exactly what you need when targeting specimen pike from a boat.
During testing, the rod demonstrated good casting capabilities, easily managing 4-ounce lures to distances of around 60 yards. The through-action blank provides good power transfer, though recovery speed is slightly slower compared to premium alternatives.
While the 3.5lb test curve performs well when targeting larger specimens, it can feel somewhat overwhelming when handling pike under 10lb. The rod’s power really comes into its own though when you need to bully fish away from snags and obstacles.
In my opinion, the Fox Predator Elite XS Boat Rod is best suited to experienced predator anglers who specifically target larger pike from boats. If you’re new to predator fishing or typically catch pike in the 5-10lb range, you might want to consider something with a lighter test curve.
However, for those after specimen pike and fishing mainly from boats, this rod offers excellent value for money and the kind of reliable performance you need when that big predator bites.
Pros
- Good build quality with premium components
- Excellent power for controlling large pike
- Capable of casting heavy lures / baits
- Good length for boat fishing
Cons
- Slightly too powerful for smaller pike
Best Drop Shot Rod
Savage Gear SG2 Drop Shot Rod
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.0
Casting Performance - 7.5
Playing Fish - 7.5
Value For Money - 8.5
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The Savage Gear SG2 Drop Shot Specialist Rod showcases the brand’s commitment to creating high-performance predator fishing tackle that delivers outstanding value for money.
Built using premium Japanese Toray carbon blanks, this specialist rod combines finesse with reliability for those targeting predators on lighter tackle.
Having used this style of blank before I can categorically say that it tends to be lighter than most but never to the degree where it sacrifices performance.
The build quality is impressive throughout, with high-end components including Seaguide CCS guides with SIN rings that ensure your line flows smoothly during both casting and retrieval.
The competition-grade double lock carbon reel seat keeps everything stable while fishing, and the ergonomically designed EVA handle provides excellent grip and comfort during use.
On the bank, this rod really shows its class. I really like the fast action tip as it not only offers exceptional bite detection but it does this while maintaining enough backbone in the mid-section to control larger fish effectively.
The lightweight blank makes it perfect for constant handling where you’re working lures continuously, and the casting accuracy is spot-on.
For anglers focusing on drop shot techniques and light lure fishing, this rod delivers everything you need.
It’s equally at home fishing small soft plastics for perch as it is working larger lures for zander, though I’d recommend the 8′ version if you’re regularly targeting the latter.
Pros
- Lightweight yet strong
- Excellent sensitivity for bite detection
- Very accurate casting performance
- Great value for money
Cons
- Limited to lighter lure techniques
Best Travel Rod For Pike
Fox Rage Prism Travel Rod
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.0
Casting Performance - 7.5
Playing Fish - 7.5
Value For Money - 8.0
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The Fox Rage Prism X Travel Rod demonstrates Fox’s expertise in creating practical, high-performance fishing tackle that doesn’t break the bank.
The high-modulus carbon blank construction provides an excellent balance of strength and sensitivity while maintaining a surprisingly lightweight feel for a travel rod.
I was particularly impressed with how the four sections come together. There’s minimal movement at the joints and the overall feel is remarkably similar to a one or two-piece design.
When testing various soft plastics and small jerk baits, the fast action provided excellent feedback, and I could detect even subtle takes that might otherwise have been missed.
During a recent trip where I had to pack light, this rod proved invaluable. I managed to land several decent pike up to 8lbs, and the blank had more than enough power to control them effectively.
The casting accuracy was very good with me hitting spots around overhanging trees at 30 yards with 30g lures fairly consistently. The recovery speed particularly impressed me, allowing for good lure control even when working faster retrieves.
What stands out most is how little compromise there is compared to a one-piece, telescopic travel rod. While setting up takes an extra minute, the performance rivals standard rods while offering the convenience of packing down to a mere 65cm.
For travelling anglers or those tight on storage space, the Fox Rage Prism X Travel Rod is an excellent solution that doesn’t sacrifice performance for practicality.
Pros
- Excellent build quality that rivals one-piece rods
- Versatile performance across different techniques
- Compact when broken down (66cm)
- Good value for money
Cons
- Would have liked some length alternatives
Best Fly Fishing Rod For Pike
Wychwood PDR Fly Rod
Score derived from the average of these ratings:
Build Quality - 8.0
Casting Performance - 8.0
Playing Fish - 7.5
Value For Money - 8.0
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The Wychwood PDR Fly Rod is a capable pike fishing tool that combines performance with affordability. Built using high-modulus Toray carbon blanks, this rod delivers impressive power for throwing large pike flies while maintaining enough finesse for proper presentation.
I’ve been testing the 9ft 9-weight version, and it handles typical pike flies with ease. Even when casting larger patterns like 6-inch bunny strips, the rod loads smoothly and delivers them accurately at range.
During a recent session on a local reservoir, I was consistently reaching 20+ yards with heavy pike flies, and the rod showed no signs of struggle even in a challenging crosswind.
The medium action really proves its worth when fighting fish. I managed to land several pike in the 8-12lb range, and the blank provides plenty of power in the bottom sections while maintaining enough give in the tip to prevent hook pulls.
The fighting butt came in particularly handy when steering larger fish away from weed beds which is something that’s often necessary when pike fishing.
What impressed me a lot was how nice the rod was to handle during long sessions. The EVA handle remains comfortable even after hundreds of casts, and the balanced design helps prevent fatigue which can sometimes be caused by a clunky setup.
While it may not have quite the refinement of premium rods costing twice as much, it more than makes up for this with its practical performance and reliability.
Pros
- Excellent power for casting large pike flies
- Well-balanced and comfortable to use
- Fighting butt provides good leverage
- Good value for money
Cons
- Only available in one length
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions we get asked about pike fishing rods at eTackle.
Modern pike rods typically use high-modulus carbon fibre blanks. Premium brands often use premium materials for example Japanese Toray carbon, known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
These materials provide the perfect balance of power, sensitivity and durability needed for predator fishing.
For general pike fishing, look for rods rated between 30-80g casting weight. This range handles most common pike lures and techniques.
For specialist applications, you might want heavier (up to 150g for big lures) or lighter (20-40g for finesse techniques). Always match your rod’s casting weight to your typical lure size.
It’s good practice to use quality guides when pike fishing. The best options include Fuji K-series or similar designs with SiC (Silicon Carbide), Alconite or Titanium Oxide rings.
These provide smooth line flow, durability, and can handle braided lines well. Double-leg guides offer extra security for fighting large pike.
Pike rod length varies by fishing style. For boat fishing, 8-10ft rods work well. Bank fishing typically requires longer rods (10-12ft) for better casting distance and line control. Lure/spinning rods are often shorter (7-9ft) for better accuracy and lure control.
DPS (Double Position Screw) or similar screw-lock designs are ideal for pike fishing. They provide secure reel attachment and won’t loosen during heavy use. Look for models with metal hoods and composite or metal frames for durability.
A fast or medium-fast action is generally best for pike fishing. This provides good hook-setting power and lure control while maintaining enough tip sensitivity for bite detection. For deadbaiting, a more through action might be preferred as it helps prevent hook pulls.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pike rod is essential for both successful predator fishing and an enjoyable experience on the bank.
While aspects like build quality, power rating, and action are all important considerations, the key is matching your rod to your preferred fishing style and typical venue.
Whether you’re casting lures from the bank, deadbaiting on large reservoirs, or targeting specimen pike from a boat, there’s a rod out there to suit your needs and I hope this guide has helped you make an informed choice.
Thanks for reading.
Tight Lines!