When it comes to northern pike fishing, your gear matters more than you might think. These aren’t delicate panfish or even mid-sized walleye. They’re powerful, toothy predators that can shred light tackle and leave you empty-handed. So, if you’re serious about catching one of them, you’re going to need equipment built for strength, durability, and control. We’ll use this guide to walk you through rods, reels, line setups, and even the tackle choices that give you the best chance to handle pike and bring them to the net.
Choosing the Right Rod
Power and Action for Heavy Lures
Pike strike hard and fight even harder, so a medium-heavy to heavy rod is essential. Look for a rod with fast action — stiff enough to set hooks quickly, yet with enough bend to handle head shakes.
Length Considerations for Casting Distance
A 7-8 foot rod will give you the casting distance you’ll need for large lures like spoons and spinnerbaits. Longer rods also help when fighting the fish near the boat, allowing for better leverage and control.
Best Rod Materials for Durability
Graphite rods are lightweight and sensitive, but many anglers prefer composite blends for added strength. Durability matters when you’re throwing oversized lures into heavy cover or battling a 20-pounder.
Selecting the Right Reel
Spinning vs. Baitcasting Reels for Pike
Spinning reels are user-friendly and great for beginners, but baitcasting reels shine when throwing large lures or trolling. A baitcaster’s control and line capacity can give you an edge if you’re chasing a trophy fish.
Gear Ratios Explained
For casting lures, a medium gear ratio (around 6:1) balances speed and power. If you’re trolling or working big swimbaits, a lower ratio provides more cranking power.
Drag Systems and Line Capacity
Smooth drag is critical as pike make sudden runs. It’s smart to look for reels with strong, reliable drag systems and enough capacity to hold 150 or more yards of 30-50 pound braid.
Line and Leader Setup
Why Braided Line Is a Popular Choice
Braided line offers superior strength-to-diameter ratio, letting you throw big lures without sacrificing casting distance. Its lack of strength gives you instant feedback and solid hooksets.
Fluorocarbon vs. Steel Leaders
Northern pike have sharp and strong teeth, making leaders a must. Steel leaders are nearly bite-proof and great for most situations. Fluorocarbon leaders, on the other hand, are less visible and can tempt wary fish in clear water. Many anglers carry both.
Setting Up for Different Conditions
In weedy lakes, choose a heavy braid and a short leader for control. In clear or pressured waters, downsize your leader to a thinner fluorocarbon for a more natural presentation.
Must-Have Pike Lures and Tackle Additions
Spoons and Spinnerbaits
Few lures are as iconic for pike as a big, flashy spoon or spinnerbait. Their wobble, flash, and vibration mimic baitfish perfectly, often triggering violent strikes.
Jerkbaits and Crankbaits
When pike are holding near weed edges or drop-offs, suspending jerkbaits and crankbaits can be a major mistake. The stop-and-go action entices pike to strike out of aggression as much as hunger.
Soft Plastics and Swimbaits
Large soft plastic swimbaits are ideal when fish are feeding heavily on larger prey. Rigging a weedless plastic lure can allow you to probe dense cover without constant snags.
Essential Tools and Add-Ons
Beyond lures, don’t overlook long-nose pliers, jaw spreaders, and a sturdy landing net. Pike’s sharp teeth can shred your hands if you aren’t careful, so having the right tools is as important as the rod and reel in your hand.
Final Gear Checklist
Before you hit the water, make sure you’ve got the essentials. Having the right gear doesn’t just make fishing more productive, it also makes it safer and more enjoyable. Here’s what should always be part of your northern pike setup:
A Medium-Heavy or Heavy Rod (7–8 Feet)
The backbone of your setup is your rod. A rod in this class gives you the casting distance you need for oversized lures and the strength to fight pike that can easily weigh 10 to 20 pounds.
A Spinning or Baitcasting Reel with Smooth Drag
Whichever style you prefer, the reel’s drag system is what saves you from broken line when a pike makes a sudden, blistering run.
30–50 lb Braided Line
Northern pike are notorious for making powerful runs and darting through weeds. Braided line has the strength and sensitivity to handle those situations.
Steel or Fluorocarbon Leaders
Steel leaders are your go-to when pike are aggressive, and water clarity isn’t an issue. Fluorocarbon leaders, on the other hand, are nearly invisible underwater, making them ideal for clear or heavily pressured lakes where pike can be finicky.
A Selection of Lures
Spoons and spinnerbaits are classics that never go out of style, thanks to their flash and vibration. Jerkbaits mimic wounded baitfish, perfect for triggering strikes along weed edges. Large soft plastics and swimbaits imitate bulkier prey, ideal when pike are hunting larger forage.
Safety Tools: Pliers, Jaw Spreaders, and a Landing Net
Pike are equipped with sharp teeth and strong jaws that can easily injure you if you aren’t prepared. Long-nose pliers let you remove hooks without putting your hands near their mouth. Jaw spreaders keep the fish’s mouth open long enough for a safe, quick release. And a sturdy landing net helps you control fish boatside without losing them at the last second.
Having the right gear won’t guarantee a fish on every cast, but it will make sure you’re prepared when a monster pike smashes your lure. Invest in strong, reliable equipment, you’ll spend more time fighting fish and less time dealing with broken line or lost lures.
If you’re looking to do some world-class Northern Pike fishing, consider booking a stay at Mattice Lake Outfitters. Our remote fly-in camps are the perfect place to get out on the water and enjoy some peaceful fishing. Call us toll free at 1-800-411-0334 or email us at mattice@walleye.ca to begin planning your trip today!
[TN1]Will link to main pillar post
[TN2]Will link to topic cluster 2
[TN3]Will link to topic cluster 3