Casting for big bait Pike

Blog Rodhouse

06 Mar 2024

Fishing for Pike with big baits is becoming increasingly popular in France, and regular photos of big fish caught with this technique increase the interest of many anglers. As big bait fishing can be practised all year round and you're going to be casting "heavy" lures, you'll need perfectly adapted equipment first and foremost to prevent this fishing from being uncomfortable, and so be able to fish for long hours to find the coveted big fish. The rod plays an essential role in giving you pleasure on the water, and in building the stamina you'll need to reach your goal. If your rod-and-reel set weighs more than 600 grams and hits are rare, you'll soon put it down and move on to something less tiring.

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Suitable blanks

Big bait fishing includes large soft lures, tubes, swimbaits, glidebaits, big jerkbaits, and spinnerbaits. Fishing “big bait” doesn’t necessarily mean fishing heavy—it’s more about moving a large volume of water through the lure’s action. To fish comfortably, you need power, length, and a progressive action. Power is required to cast large lures and fight fish that can exceed 10 kg. Length helps achieve long casting distances and effective hooksets. A progressive action reduces lost fish and makes the fight enjoyable, even with smaller catches.

The same blank can be used for both “hard” swimbaits and “soft” swimbaits, but to maintain good hook-setting efficiency and reduce lost fish, progressive blanks are recommended for hard lures, while faster-action blanks are better suited for soft lures.

NFC SWB 806 IM: 2.43 m, 30–100 g

This blank is particularly progressive, making it very enjoyable both for casting and fighting fish. It can be pushed to 105–110 g occasionally. It is highly appreciated for fishing with lures such as the I-Slide 187, Dunkle 7", or Replicants 18 cm.

NFC BB 809-1 IM: 2.43 m, 50–150 g

Originally designed for back bouncing (an American fishing technique that involves letting your bait drift in the current), this progressive blank is very popular for fishing with the Balam 210, Dunkle 9", BBZ 8", Miuras Mouse, and can handle a 23 cm Replicant at the upper end of its range.

NFC SWB 807 IM “Slim Swimbait”: 2.43 m, 30–150 g

Slightly faster than the BB809, this SWB 807 has become a major reference in the big bait market. For anglers who want full control during the fight and the ability to cast 80% of their pike lure box, this blank is ideal.

Rodbuilders' Republic PPS80XXH: 2.43 m, 80–220 g

An impressive value-for-money blank for fishing with lures like the Replicant 23, Balam 300, or Wolfcreek Shad 30 cm.

NFC SWB 809-1 IM: 2.43 m, 60–220 g

This SWB 809 retains a classic design and offers a perfect balance between progressive action and power. Ideal for casting a Miuras Mouse, a 25 cm 4D Trout (193 g), or a weighted Balam 300. It can cast up to 250 g and has a softer tip than the PPS80XXH.

NFC SWB 808 IM “Slim Swimbait”: 2.43 m, 80–250 g

Featuring the same slim design as the SWB 807, this blank is truly exceptional. Weighing only 128 g, it can cast a 55 g paddle tail or a large 300 g trout (occasionally without strain). It has phenomenal power reserves to stop any large pike or even occasional catfish. Its sensitivity, resonance, and casting distance performance make it perfect for large trophy fisheries such as Alpine lakes. A blank that will redefine your expectations.

NFC SWB/MUXH 809-1 IM: 2.43 m, 170–450 g

A blank designed for serious big bait anglers who regularly cast lures like the 30 cm 4D Trout or the 35 cm Giant Replicant Wobble (443 g).

NFC 16Oz+: 2.43 m, 250–700 g

An exceptional blank capable of casting the 40 cm 4D Trout from Savage Gear (685 g), the Eastfield Viper 40 cm (595 g), or even the Line Thru Pike 48 cm (820 g). Despite its power, this 174 g blank is incredibly light.

SKU

SWB806IM

SWB 806-1 IM

266,21€

Select

Lightweight

Progressiveness

Power reserve

Versatility

SKU

BB809-1IM

265,00€

Select

Lightweight

Progressiveness

Power reserve

Versatility

SKU

NFC16oz+

NFC 16oz+

(1)

297,00€

Select

Lightweight

Progressiveness

Power reserve

Versatility

Our recommended handles

When targeting pike with fairly heavy lures, casting gear (baitcasting reels) is generally preferred. It allows for more precise casts, better control to cushion the lure on impact, a lighter reel for greater power, and a more ergonomic wrist position. It’s up to you to adjust the length behind the reel seat according to your fishing style (bank, kayak, float tube, boat) and the lever arm you’re looking for. A standard handle length typically corresponds to a trigger distance of 40 to 45 cm.

Compatible rings

For this practice, we are once again opting for an Assembly inspiral casting. This rotating Brazilian Assembly prevents the braid from touching the blank and means fewer rings on the blank, saving weight. We offer 3Guide packs Fuji of different finishes, corresponding to different budgets and frequencies of use. The first segment of the range is occupied by GuideAlconite ceramics and Inox frameworksThey offer excellent value for money and are ideal for occasional use. The frame of these Guides is made of Inox with an anti-corrosion coating. The Alconite ceramic provides good glide and a high heat dissipation rate for the braid, but take care not to spool dry fly braid onto these guides. The second level of the range is occupied by Guide with armature.Inox and SIC ceramics. In this Guide range, the frame is still made of coated stainless steel, but the ceramic is made of Fuji SIC, which offers better glide and greater resistance. Finally, the top-of-the-range Fuji range is represented by Guide rings inTitanium-Torzite. The Titanium frame is much lighter and, above all, totally insensitive to corrosion. The ceramic is made of Torzite, another Fuji proprietary material that enables the braid to glide perfectly over the ceramic. This ultra-high-performance ceramic requires less material, enabling the use of smaller tunnel guides. Less weight = greater sensitivity and performance.