Line Versatility From Crappie to Pike

[MT523]

Next month we are planning to go casting for pike and wondering if someone can help determine if my current setup is ok?

 

I have a spinning 6' ML with no line on it,  and a spinning 6'6" M with 8 lb Stren Magnathin. As long as I have a wire leader will I be ok with the 6'6"?

 

Should I just spool my 6' ML with the extra Stren I have? I want to be able to use it for the pike, jigging soft plastics for crappie and walleye, and slip bobbers.

 

[MT523]

Or can anyone tell me if original 10 lb stren on a 6' ML would be an overkill for crappie slip bobbers and jigs?

[J Francho]

You're going to have your hands full with a medium power spinning rod.

[MT523]

49 minutes ago, J Francho said:

You're going to have your hands full with a medium power spinning rod.

Oh really you mean for the pike? So maybe a stronger 10lb test? I don't know for sure but I don't think the pike are going to be huge.

[J Francho]

Where are you fishing for pike?  Here's an decent, 13.5 lb. pike from my home water:

 

 

 

[MT523]

A reservoir in Colorado. They actually want fishermen to catch the pike so they can eliminate them from the ecosystem.

 

That one is huge. I guess the pike in this reservoir were illegally added not too long ago.

[Turkey sandwich]

Most of what you'll be fishing for pike won't be handled well on such light gear.  We've all caught fish on underpowered tackle, and it does happen, but the big difference is being able to throw 1oz+ plugs and spoons on medium weight tackle with any kind of accuracy/control, and without damaging the rod.  

[MT523]

3 hours ago, Turkey sandwich said:

Most of what you'll be fishing for pike won't be handled well on such light gear.  We've all caught fish on underpowered tackle, and it does happen, but the big difference is being able to throw 1oz+ plugs and spoons on medium weight tackle with any kind of accuracy/control, and without damaging the rod.  

Ahh ok I see. Of course the opportunity for pike came after I got everything set for walleye. Without going too heavy on the lures I might need to just work with the 6'6" M and see how it goes the first time.

[UPSmallie]

I usually fish 15 lb fluoro for everything and have never had a break-off yet.  When specifically fishing for pike I would just tie a 12 inch wire leader to this.  8 lb test is risky imo.  I think 10 lb is the lightest I would go for pike.  If you want to fish crappie after you are done pike fishing, just tie a 6-8 lb leader to your mainline if line visibility is an issue.  Best of luck

[Jtrout]

On Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at 3:29 PM, J Francho said:

Where are you fishing for pike?  Here's an decent, 13.5 lb. pike from my home water:

 

 

 

Is that the fish bleeding or your hand lol

[slonezp]

Have you considered a superline and just changing fluoro leaders when switching from crappie to pike?

[RoLo]

Line versatility from Crappies to Pike is unattainable,

unless you're averaging 2-lb crappies and 3-lb pike.

 

Roger

[MT523]

3 hours ago, UPSmallie said:

I usually fish 15 lb fluoro for everything and have never had a break-off yet.  When specifically fishing for pike I would just tie a 12 inch wire leader to this.  8 lb test is risky imo.  I think 10 lb is the lightest I would go for pike.  If you want to fish crappie after you are done pike fishing, just tie a 6-8 lb leader to your mainline if line visibility is an issue.  Best of luck

 

1 hour ago, slonezp said:

Have you considered a superline and just changing fluoro leaders when switching from crappie to pike?

 

Great idea I didn't even think about that. I did make another topic asking a little more about this and what I think I'll do is put on 15 lb Power Pro to focus on the pike for now. If it is ok to rig slip bobbers on braid then I'll definitely just change the leader if I want to go for crappie and walleye.

 

So yeah I'll put 8 lb Stren on my 6' ML and 15 lb Power Pro on 6'6" M.

 

Thank you for the help.

[J Francho]

13 hours ago, Jtrout said:

Is that the fish bleeding or your hand lol

 

Mostly my hand.  I sliced my knuckle on my first attempt to grab him.  Some is coming from his gill.  It's funny, because I was worried about it.  My buddy Roger caught him six days later.  That was one dumb fish.  I like them that way.

[MassBass]

You could throw 1/4 oz spinners with the 6' 6" M and hit pike. A 6lb pike will hit a little spinner. 

[gim]

On ‎5‎/‎25‎/‎2017 at 7:09 PM, RoLo said:

Line versatility from Crappies to Pike is unattainable,

unless you're averaging 2-lb crappies and 3-lb pike.

 

Roger

 

This is exactly what I was thinking too.  One is basically a panfish and the other is often a large, aggressive, slimy, predatory fish.  Trying to use the same setup for both just aint gonna work very well.

[MT523]

22 hours ago, MassBass said:

You could throw 1/4 oz spinners with the 6' 6" M and hit pike. A 6lb pike will hit a little spinner. 

Sounds good. You think a 1/2 oz spinner would be overkill? The rod is rated up to 5/8oz.

 

Yeah I'm definitely just going to set this rod up for pike for now and not worry about it for crappie. Should I go with 15 lb or 20 lb braid?

[MassBass]

if the rod is rated you could throw up to a 5/8 oz. so 1/2 oz would be fine. I would throw mono to a steel leader with a swivel.