Which ABF size for dead sticking?

Hey guys,

Looking to pick up a couple ABF reels for dead-sticking. It’ll be used for a mix of walleye and pike dead sticking. My main concern is will the ABF-20 hold up for pike? I know an ABF-20 will do fine for walleyes. Possibly bump up to the 30 or 40?

Thanks for the insight.

The ABF-20b has a max drag of 8 lbs with a spool capacity of 90 yards (8 lb mono) while the ABF-30b has a max drag of 12 lbs with a spool capacity of 160 yards (8 lb mono). I guess it depends on how attentive you’ll be to the deadstick and how likely a pike would be to strip more than 90 yards of line. The size 40 is much, much bigger than the size 30. Hope that helps

I am using okuma ceymar 500 baitfeeder 8 BB and 7# drag.
Nice micro bait feeder.
I took 2 of the 20s off that I bought last year and replaced them with these.
I did it for the size.

I have the 40 for BIG fish and it’s gigantic! It still caught plenty of 15in walleye though so it can work but it’s more specific for monsters in that size!

[/quote]

Kyle Wills wrote:

Hey guys,

Looking to pick up a couple ABF reels for dead-sticking. It’ll be used for a mix of walleye and pike dead sticking. My main concern is will the ABF-20 hold up for pike? I know an ABF-20 will do fine for walleyes. Possibly bump up to the 30 or 40?

Thanks for the insight.

Yes the 20 will be plenty big for pike. IMO
But opinions vary

I wouldn’t have any hesitation about spooling my 20’s with a heavier line and chasing pike if I wanted to.

Kyle Wills wrote:

Hey guys,

Looking to pick up a couple ABF reels for dead-sticking. It’ll be used for a mix of walleye and pike dead sticking. My main concern is will the ABF-20 hold up for pike? I know an ABF-20 will do fine for walleyes. Possibly bump up to the 30 or 40?

Thanks for the insight.

All I’ve ever used is the ABF20 when chasing pike and we’ve been fortunate enough to land our share on the plus side of 40 inches. I’ve always used 30# braid when targeting pike and that reel has always been up to the task.

James Holst wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Kyle Wills wrote:</div>
Hey guys,

Looking to pick up a couple ABF reels for dead-sticking. It’ll be used for a mix of walleye and pike dead sticking. My main concern is will the ABF-20 hold up for pike? I know an ABF-20 will do fine for walleyes. Possibly bump up to the 30 or 40?

Thanks for the insight.

All I’ve ever used is the ABF20 when chasing pike and we’ve been fortunate enough to land our share on the plus side of 40 inches. I’ve always used 30# braid when targeting pike and that reel has always been up to the task.

Thanks James for the insight. What poundage are you using for a fluoro leader and how long of a leader?

Thanks!

Kyle Wills wrote:

What poundage are you using for a fluoro leader and how long of a leader?

80# fluorocarbon. 3′ in stained water. Maybe a little longer in really clear water.

James Holst wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Kyle Wills wrote:</div>
What poundage are you using for a fluoro leader and how long of a leader?

80# fluorocarbon. 3′ in stained water. Maybe a little longer in really clear water.

What your setup be for walleyes for line poundage?

Thanks again!

Kyle Wills wrote:

What your setup be for walleyes for line poundage?

Thanks again!

12 to 15 lb fluorocarbon if I’m fishing larger sucker minnows. 8 lb if I’m fishing fat heads or small shiners.