| Lengths | 9ft, 11ft, 12ft |
The W2 Deadbait Boat ST is Westin's only boat-specific model in the W2 range, and that 8ft 8in length tells you everything about where it's meant to be used.
This is a short-rod solution for hire-boat deadbaiting on UK reservoirs and lochs, where you're working in limited space with no need for distance. The semi-telescopic build is the real selling point for me.
You get a genuinely compact collapsed length without committing to a full telescopic blank, so there's less compromise on feel compared to a four-piece folder. That matters when you're casting repeatedly through a session rather than leaving a rod on a rest all day.
The 3.25lb test curve sits right in the pike deadbaiting sweet spot. Enough backbone to drive hooks home and control a double at close quarters, without being over-gunned for typical whole-bait work at 20 or 30 yards.
The 24/30T carbon blend is a sensible choice for this type of fishing. You're not chasing ultra-light sensitivity when you're lobbing a mackerel tail and a weighted rig, but you do want a blank that won't fold under pressure when a fish comes up angry beside the boat.
The medium action cushions those sudden lunges without feeling soggy on the strike. The S-TLSG guides and VSS reel seat are solid fittings for the price. The full EVA grip is personal preference territory.
Some pike anglers prefer a split grip for better palm contact and I can see the argument, but in a cold wet glove in February it rarely matters.
At around a hundred quid it does exactly what a boat deadbait rod should do. Compact, practical, and genuinely purpose-built for a style of fishing that most manufacturers simply ignore.
| Feature | What this means |
|---|---|
| Model: W245 | This is the W245, the only boat-specific rod in the W2 Deadbait range and the shortest model in the lineup. It sits in Westin's entry-to-mid tier, below the W3 range. |
| Fishing Length: 8'8" / 265cm | At just under 9 feet, this is a compact rod designed for close-quarters boat fishing for pike. It gives you enough leverage to handle big fish without being cumbersome in a small boat. |
| Collapsed Length: 114cm | When packed down, the rod is just 114cm long, making it easy to transport in a car or carry to the water. This is one of the main advantages of the semi-telescopic design. |
| Construction: 2-Piece Semi-Telescopic | Semi-telescopic means the upper sections collapse down into the lower section for storage, but the rod still joins as a 2-piece when fully extended. This gives you a more compact package than a standard 2-piece rod without fully committing to a solid telescopic build. |
| Blank: 24/30T High Performance Carbon | The blank uses a combination of 24T and 30T carbon fibres. The 30T sections add stiffness and strength where needed, while the 24T areas contribute flex and feel. This blend helps keep the rod responsive without being brittle. |
| Action: Medium | A medium action means the rod bends through the middle section rather than just at the tip. This gives you a good balance between bite detection and the cushioning needed to absorb the lunges of a big pike at close range. |
| Test Curve: 3.25lb | A 3.25lb test curve is well suited to pike deadbaiting, giving you the backbone to set hooks firmly and control heavy fish. It pairs well with mainlines in the 15 to 20lb range typically used for pike fishing. |
| Casting Weight: 200g | A maximum casting weight of 200g means the rod can comfortably handle a whole deadbait rig with a sizeable lead attached. This is more than enough for typical boat deadbaiting presentations. |
| Rod Weight: 216g | At 216g the rod is a reasonable weight for its size and power. It won't cause any fatigue during a day's boat fishing where you're mostly resting the rod rather than holding it continuously. |
| Guides: S-TLSG Premium | S-TLSG guides are Westin's premium guide fitting for this range. Good quality guides reduce line friction and help protect your line from wear during casting and playing fish. |
| Reel Seat: VSS Screw Down | A VSS screw-down reel seat locks your reel firmly in place with a threaded collar. This keeps the reel secure during the fight, which is particularly useful when dealing with a heavy pike close to the boat. |
| Handle: Full EVA | EVA foam handles are comfortable to grip and hold up well in wet conditions, which is exactly what you need when fishing from a boat. EVA is also easy to wipe clean after a session. |
| Included: Line Clip | A line clip is included with the rod. This lets you secure your line when the rod is stored or transported, helping to keep everything tidy and preventing tangles between sessions. |
See how the Westin W2 Deadbait Boat ST compares with other pike rods on overall score and current price.
| Name | Price | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Westin W2 Deadbait Boat ST | £81.71 | |
| Fox Rage Predator Elite Pro Rod | £125.99 | |
| Daiwa Whisker Spinning Rod | £152.99 | |
| Fox Predator Elite XS Boat Rod | £134.99 | |
| Daiwa Wilderness Spin Rod | £79.99 | |
| Savage Gear SG2 Drop Shot Rod | £70.05 | |
| Wychwood PDR Fly Rod | £169.99 | |
| Fox Rage Prism Travel Rod | £79.99 | |
| Westin W2 Deadbait Easy Travel Tele | £89.99 |
Tracked shop prices over time.
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It is a boat rod, chosen for the situations that style of fishing calls for.
9ft, 11ft, 12ft.
Semi-telescopic means the upper sections collapse down into the lower section for storage, but the rod still joins as a 2-piece when fully extended. This gives you a more compact package than a standard 2-piece rod without fully committing to a solid telescopic build.
A medium action means the rod bends through the middle section rather than just at the tip. This gives you a good balance between bite detection and the cushioning needed to absorb the lunges of a big pike at close range.
A 3.25lb test curve is well suited to pike deadbaiting, giving you the backbone to set hooks firmly and control heavy fish. It pairs well with mainlines in the 15 to 20lb range typically used for pike fishing.
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