I’m looking into getting a new baitcast reel for Northern Pike fishing. I will be targeting pike mainly in Canada, and am looking for a reel that will be durable enough to handle fish in the 25+lb. range, down to 4-5 pound pike. In years past I have used spinning geer, so a baitcaster is new territory as far as pike are concerned. The typical line I’ll use is 20lb monofilament (I’m not completely opposed to braided line, but I’ve never had a problem with the monofilament, so I’m not sure if I’m missing out. Suggestions here would be welcome), I’ll cast everything (spoons, cranks, jerkbait, spinners, ect.).
I just picked up a St. Croix Avid 7’3 MH fast action rod that I would like to pair this reel up with (I’d usually wait to buy both together, but the Rod was marked down 25%….couldn’t resist!!!). I’ve always been a big Shimano fan, and I’m not overly concerned with cost, but am concerned with quality, so I’ve been considering the Calcutta 400 CTE, Curado 300, or Calaris 200. OPEN TO ANY SUGGESTIONS