Best Rod And Reel Combo For Northern Pike Fishing: Top 7 Picks

Intro Into The Best Rod And Reel Combo For Northern Pike Fishing

Northern pike is one of the most desirable fish to hook in the world. Their size and power make them exciting to catch as they put up a great fight. 

However, because of their size, speed, and rapid movements in the water, they are renowned for breaking angling equipment. Making sure you have the best rod and reel combo for northern pike fishing will both help you hook the beast and make sure your equipment is up to the challenge.  

You don’t want to be out there fishing with a small and weak rod. We would always recommend a medium to a heavy rod that is long enough for a long-distance cast and a reel that has a smooth action and a spool big enough for a good amount of fishing line. 

You also want to consider that the northern pike has a set of razor-sharp teeth. It’s common for them to slice your line with a swift jerk of their head. If you want to land a northern pike you want to make sure you’re using a strong fishing line.

Finding the best rod and reel combo for northern pike fishing can be a difficult task, especially with the number of products that are out on the market today. The team at Water Sporting Adventure has poured hours of research into finding the best of the best rod and reel combos so you can spend less time searching on the internet and more time fishing. 

Pike Rod and Reel: Quick View

Best Overall: Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2

Next Best: Penn Squall Level Rod and Reel Combo

Best Value: Abu Garcia Commando Rod & Reel

Best Rod and Reel Combo for Northern Pike Fishing – Top 7

Best Rod & Reel Combo For Northern Pike
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo
$78.99

Key Features:

  • Fishing rod and reel combo ideal for anglers of all skill levels
  • Graphite and fiberglass construction offers lightweight durability and sensitivity
  • Clear Tip design delivers added responsiveness and strength
  • Lightweight EVA grips provide comfort during lengthy fishing outings
  • 3 ball bearings and one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing ensure smooth operation
  • 66 Medium Heavy Spinning Combo
  • 1 piece rod construction
  • 5:2:1 ratio
  • 3 bearings; 210 yds. 10 lb. mono cap
02/18/2024 02:09 am GMT
Next Best
PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo

Key Features:

  • Level wind trolling reel for big game fish in a variety of saltwater and freshwater conditions
  • Durable construction with lightweight graphite frame and side plates and bronze main gear and stainless pinion gear
  • HT 100 carbon fiber drag system provides powerful drag without sacrificing smoothness
  • 2 stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearing that eliminates rotor back play
  • Durable, ultrasensitive rod with tubular glass blank construction. Max Drag:15 lbs
  • Lightweight graphite frame and side plates
  • Marine-grade bronze alloy main gear; one-piece tubular glass blank with solid tip
  • High strength marine-grade bronze alloy main gear
  • Great for fighting big fish like the northern pike
KastKing Centron Spinning Combos 8ft Heavy KastKing Centron Spinning Combos 8ft Heavy
$81.99

Key Features:

  • Centron Spinning Combos feature a sensitive and light-weight Toray IM6 Graphite blank designed to provide exceptional value and performance for all anglers.
  • All combos are 2 pc and come in lengths from 6’ for Bass, Trout, and Panfish and go all the way to 8’ for Catfish, Steelhead, and even Northern Pike
  • Strong and durable stainless-steel guides are used on all models with premium O-ring inserts that perform perfectly with both mono or braided lines. The lightweight stainless frames look great and keep the weight down for a perfectly balanced rod blank
  • The rods have been finished with contoured EVA handles and fighting butt, so the rods feel great in your hand and provide all-day comfort and a sure grip while providing for a perfectly balanced rod. Split rear handles are used on the 6’ to 7’ all-purpose combos and full-length EVA handles on the 7’6” medium heavy & 8’ heavy action combos which are perfect for catching Northern Pike
  • Each combo includes a perfectly matched KastKing Centron spinning reel that matches the rod and the type of fish that it is intended for. Reel sizes start at a compact size 2000 and go all the way to a powerful size 5000 that is perfect for the 8’ heavy action rod intended for Northern Pike
  • The KastKing Centron features a 5.2:1 or 4.5:1 gear ratio, 9+1 Maxi-Dur ball bearings, anti-twist line roller, lightweight graphite frame, and aluminum spool.
  • The super-smooth reel action is complemented by a powerful triple disc felt drag system
04/04/2023 01:21 pm GMT
Pen Battle II Combo - Medium Heavy Pen Battle II Combo - Medium Heavy
$169.99

Key Features:

  • Full metal body and side plates. The gear ratio is 6.2:1
  • Machined and anodized aluminum spool
  • 5+1 stainless steel bearing system
  • Graphite composite blank
  • Aluminum oxide guides
  • This fishing combo pairs a robust full metal body fishing reel with an ultra-responsive fishing rod, giving you a potent combination of strength and sensitivity
  • Full metal body, side plate, rotor, and the five sealed stainless steel ball bearings, each component is designed to help you land your catch
  • The reels HT-100 Versa-Drag carbon fiber drag system leverages both sides of each drag washer to provide maximum drag, and its instant anti-reverse bearing eliminates pullback, so you can reel in your catch without interruption
  • The spool is fitted with a rubber gasket that prevents the Superline from slipping under pressure, meaning anglers can use braided line without a monofilament backing. And thanks to its line capacity rings, the spool displays at a glance how much line is remaining
04/04/2023 07:26 pm GMT
KastKing Sharky III Spinning Combos KastKing Sharky III Spinning Combos
$45.00

Key Features:

  • Sharky III fishing rod and spinning reel combos feature powerful, sensitive, and light-weight Toray IM7 Graphite blanks designed for serious fishing enthusiasts. All spinning fishing pole combos are 2 pc and come in lengths from 6’6” for panfish, trout, and bass fishing and go all the way to 9’ for catfish, salmon, and big northern pike
  • KastKing uses only premium Fuji guides with O-ring inserts that are perfect for mono or braided lines. The Fuji reel seats keep your reel firmly in place during long days fishing and under the pressure of large, hard fighting fish
  • KastKing finishes these fishing rods with first-class EVA handles and fighting butt so the rods feel great in your hand and provide all day comfort and a sure grip
  • Each combo includes perfectly matched KastKing Sharky III fishing reels for the rod and the type of fish that it is intended for. Fishing reel sizes start at a compact size 2000 and go all the way to a powerful size 5000 for the longer rods. A KastKing reel and rod combo will look great in your fishing rod holder
  • KastKing Sharky III spinning reels have 5.2:1 gear ratios, 10+1 stainless steel shielded ball bearings, a lightweight graphite frame, an aluminum spool, and a unique protection water-resistant design for its spool, body, and rotor that helps keep water and dirt out. This super smooth spinning reel has one of the most powerful triple disc carbon drags in the industry up to 39.5 lbs
02/17/2024 10:55 pm GMT
Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo Pflueger President Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo
$107.23

Key Features:

  • 10 Bearing System - Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings
  • Braid Ready Spool - Allows braid to be tied directly to spool without the need for a monofilament backing
  • Aircraft-grade aluminum, extreme durability, and corrosion resistance
  • High modulus graphite blank construction providing both a lightweight rod that is highly sensitive
  • High-quality fishing reel with a 5.2:1 gear ratio and 7 stainless steel ball bearings
  • Corrosion-resistant stainless steel guides that are great for use with mono or braid
04/04/2023 08:57 pm GMT
Best Value
Abu Garcia Catfish Commando Fishing Rod and Reel Combo Abu Garcia Catfish Commando Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
£69.01

Key Features:

  • Baitcast fishing rod and reel combo specially engineered for big catfish angling, however, it will also be great for pike fishing
  • Engineered for smoothness with 2 stainless ball bearings
  • Carbon Matrix drag system provides smooth and consistent drag
  • 6-pin centrifugal brake applies consistent pressure for an exceptionally precise cast
  • Durable yet lightweight composite blank construction with bold styling
  • High density EVA handles ensure you can fish all day long comfortably
02/17/2024 08:14 pm GMT

How to choose the best rod and reel combo for fighting northern pike

Pike rod and reel

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Northern pike is a hard-hitting, strong, and fast fish. To successfully go after the northern pike you are going to need to invest in a rod and reel which is powerful enough to fight them.

With that in mind, I would always opt for a rod that is rated as a minimum medium-heavy rod with a minimum length of 6-7ft. As well as a powerful rod you will also need a reel with a high drag pressure and fast action. I would also always opt for an open-faced reel so it can accommodate the heavy line. 

The durability of the rod is important, you want it to last you for years to come. For this, I would make sure it is made from corrosion-resistant materials like graphite, aluminum reels, stainless steel ball bearings, etc. This will allow you to use it in both salt and freshwater. 

Lastly, you want to make sure the handle is comfortable and grippy. Most nowadays come with a comfortable EVA handle material that is cushioned allowing you to fight the strongest northern pike for longer. 

Conclusion – Best rod and reel combo for pike 

Choosing the best rod and reel combo for northern pike fishing is not an easy task, we understand that the sheer number of options out there can soon confuse anyone.

Especially when you don’t want to be investing in the wrong rod that won’t stand up to the job. 

To avoid going wrong, choosing a medium-heavy rod should be adequate for catching northing pike

To recap our two favorite best rods and reel combo for northern pike fishing is the Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Medium/Heavy and the PENN Squall Level Wind Reel & Rod Fishing Combo

As far as best value goes, and by the best value, we don’t necessarily always mean the cheapest option.

We believe value goes beyond price. Our best value choice for the best rod and reel combo for northern pike fishing is the Abu Garcia Fishing Rod and Reel Combo, Heavy

Overall this is a fantastic fishing rod that is both very strong and powerful. The large reel will allow you to spool heavy rated monofilament or braided fishing line onto it for going after the biggest northern pike

We truly hope that this guide has helped you pick the best fishing rod and reel for northern pike fishing. To go after these monsters you really do have to choose the best possible equipment.

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