Big Pike on the Jig Stick (Gear Questions)

I’m going up to LOTW in a few weeks and going to be spending some time on big pike. This year I decided to purchase a couple Ifish pro tipups to catch the gators on my jig poles. I’ve been looking into new rods, reels and line for this type of setup.
ICE HUNTER SERIES 32″ MEDIUM HEAVY ICEROD Paired with
STRAIGHT LINE 261 REEL
20 or 30# suffix ice braid
Tipped with a leader and a quick set rig
Any thoughts or suggestions would be great! Thanks in advance!

I don’t have any advice for you, just wanted to ask that you come back after your trip and let us know your thoughts on those tip ups. I’m interested in trying those out next year. Thanks and welcome to IDO!

Definitely let us know about those tip-up rigs. Personally, I would go longer 36″-40″ rod for fighting Pike but I’m not sure how that works with your set-up.

I have two I fish pro tip ups and absolutely love them for pike. I do feel that the release is a little heavy for walleye. But it has not affected my pike fishing. I have not fished a long rod out of it. I fish a 30″ rod and have been happy with that. I fish braided line with quick strike rig and the hook up percentage is great. I have also stayed away from casting reels and stuck with spinning reels because of back lashes when the fish hits the bait hard. I could run the tension a little harder but I feel that the fish would drop the bait more so I just stick with the spinning reel. Bring extra line stops because you lose a lot of them. As for false flags they are pretty much non existent as I fish pro claims. Good luck with the pike.

Good info so far,
I was leaning towards a spinning reel also. My major concern was trying to find something I could spool enough line on and still have good balance with my jig pole. I will also need a very reliable drag (smooth). Specifically, what reel do you use for bigger fish on your ice set ups?
Using a 36” to 40” rod shouldn’t be a problem with these I fish pro. The rod holder is adjustable and can extend away from the hole.
I’ll definitely give a report when I get back.

I use bait casters because they very easy to use in the winter for pike tip ups. I made my own rods by cutting down cheap casting rods and reglueing the top half or thereabouts in the butt handle. They are stout but have a soft enough tip to handle pike runs.

If you want something you can’t buy, go for it! Have a great trip!

I have 2 I Fish Pros and love them for pike. I generally use a 28″ MH for the pike in Northern Indiana with what ever braid I have left over from soft water. As others have said the trigger is on the heavy side for eyes but you get no false flags.