Best Baitcasting Reel for Northern Pike 2023 [The Ultimate Guide]

There are different reel types so it is normal for preferences to differ among anglers. However, irrespective of where you intend to apply your fishing prowess, there is no reel that matches the baitcaster when it comes to accuracy.

Northern pikes are huge and playful fish hence the need for accuracy that only the best baitcasting reel for Northern pike can give you.

Come with us as we help you make the right choice.

Best Baitcasting Reel for Northern Pike

Top-Rated Northern Pike Baitcasting Reels: Comparison Table

Before we get started, we’d like to draw comparisons between different reels available out there. Here’s a short table meant for that.

RankingNameBearings Material TypeWeight
1Abu Garcia PMAX3 Pro Max Baitcast Fishing ReelStainless Steel11.2 ounces
2Pflueger President XT Low Profile ReelStainless Steel8 ounces
3Shimano Curado 200K XG Freshwater Fishing ReelStainless Steel 12.2 ounces
4TAIRYO Baitcasting Fishing ReelsStainless Steel 7 ounces
5Daiwa Tatula Btcst Reel Type R Tatula Btcst ReelStainless Steel
6Lews Fishing Tournament MB Baitcast ReelStainless Steel9.6 ounces
7Abu Garcia Silver Max Low Profile

1. Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel

It’s a lightweight and rust-resistant reel made up of one piece graphite frame as well and graphite side plates.

With its precise engineering, it features a smooth drag and seven stainless steel ball bearings and one smooth roller bearing delivering a top professional performance.

Key Features

This premium quality angling equipment consists of graphite frame (1 piece), graphite side plates, efficient power disk drag system, 7+1 stainless steel ball bearings, and Dura brass gear.

In addition to that, it also features comfortable handles made up of high-density EVA material, Mag Trax braking system, and a machined double anodized spool made of aluminum.

Pros

  • Lightweight and durable construction
  • The comfortable and lightweight handle
  • Compact design
  • Smooth retrieve
  • Adjustable mag casting control

Cons

  • Not great for heavy fishing

2. Pflueger President XT Low Profile Reel

This Pflueger President is one of the best baitcasters for Northern Pike. Being a low profile reel makes it not only lightweight but also compact.

In addition to that, it’s easy and comfortable to hold, even for long hours of fishing activities. With more attention focused on developing every part of this reel, it works far much better than its predecessor.

Key Features

One of the most outstanding features of this premium quality reel is its C45 side plates that remain functional for a more extended period.

Besides that, it has 9 non-corrosive stainless steel bearings, an effective magnetic braking system, aluminum, and comfy knob.

Pros

  • Lightweight and straightforward to use
  • Durably constructed
  • Comfortable handle
  • Powerful magnetic braking system.
  • Smooth and quiet

Cons

  • Doesn’t cast further as required

Also read: Best Fishing Rods for Pike: A Review of 7 Top Picks

3. SHIMANO Curado K Baitcast Reel

Looking for a sturdy and durable bait cast reel for your angling adventure? Yes, this might be the answer to your question.

This Curado K reel features Shimano Cl4 construction that is more robust than the XT-7 yet 20% lighter. Perhaps that’s why a vast number of anglers love it.

Key Features

It has a micro-gearing system that is great for creating a smooth retrieve. It also has an X-ship that improves the longevity of the gear system.

And on top of that, it features a rigid Hagane body, super free spool, super stopper, Cl4 construction, A-RB ball bearing, and comes in multiple gear ratio of up to 8.5: 1.

Pros

  • Durably constructed to last long
  • A smooth retrieval gear system
  • Lightweight design
  • Rigid Hagane body
  • Smooth handle

Cons

  • Not ideal for new anglers

4. TairyoBaitcasting Reel

This Tairyo bait cast reel is among the top-rated reels that can really change your angling life for better. Moving swiftly, it’s lightweight and incredibly durable to serve you for multiple seasons.

Since this premium quality tool’s construction revolves around the comfort and convenience of the users, it’s designed with high precision EVA handle of premium quality. This is to absorb sweat and moisture, thereby making the operation smooth and less burdening.

Key Features

It has a perfect structure featuring a titanium coating outlet hole that improves the smoothness of the fishing line aa well as longevity.

Also, it has a unique streamlined sports car shape, 5+1 ultra-smooth stainless steel bearing, 9-speed magnetic braking, 12lbs drag made of carbon fiber, and a 7.0:1 gearing ratio.

Pros

  • Durable design
  • Lightweight
  • Comfortable EVA handle
  • Unique and attractive shape
  • Comes with 1-year free service and support

Cons

  • Designed with only one tip

5. Daiwa TatulaBaitcasting Reels

This is yet another excellent bait cast reel that you can consider in your list of options. It’s made up of light-weight aluminum frame as well as the side plates, and ultimate Tournament carbon drag.

In addition to that, it also features a 90mm large swept power handle designed with useful cutouts for increased performance.

Key Features

It has a lightweight and robust design that assures high performance with minimal effort. Besides that, this reel for Northern Pike gives better control over your casting using the mag force-Z cast control.

Moreover, it features seven durable ball bearing and clutch mechanisms that are all smooth and corrosion-resistant. And on top of that, it has a 5.4: 1 gear ratio designed for high performance.

Pros

  • Lightweight and durable
  • Better cast control
  • High drag power
  • Rust-resistant clutch

Cons

  • Dial positioned at a strange position

6. Lews Fishing Tournament MB Baitcast Reel

This Lew’s Tournament baitcasting reel comes with advanced features and components that increase performance while minimizing fatigue on the user.

For smoother performance, it’s designed with ten stainless steel ball bearings with one anti-reverse bearing.

Also, the reel weighs reasonably low (7.6 Oz) and designed with a carbon composite frame that not only cuts down the weight but also makes it extremely durable.

Key Features

This premium quality reel features a durable aluminum frame, drilled and forged U style spool that’s double anodized. 

Also, it features robust gearing made up of heavy duty brass, multiple settings brake system, composite carbon drag system, external lube port, 10+1 shielded ball bearing made up of stainless steel, and much more.

Pros

  • Constructed with premium quality material
  • Durable
  • Has a smooth retrieve
  • Ultra-light carbon composite frame
  • Adjustable braking system

Cons

  • May transmits the spinnerbait vibration to your torso.

7. Abu Garcia Silver Max Low Profile

This casting reel specially designed to offer top-notch performance, thereby allowing seamless operations with minimal effort.

To minimize its weight and improve on usability, this equipment is designed with the machined aluminum spool to provide more strength.

Key Features

One of the incredible features of this reel is the Dura gear brass gear that increases the gear lie. Besides that, it features a power disk drag system for a smooth performance.

On top of that, it has Magtrax breaking system that maintains consistent pressure throughout the casting process.

Pros

  • Durably constructed
  • Has a smooth power drag system
  • Adjustable braking system
  • High strength machined aluminum spool

Cons

  • Not ideal for beginner anglers

How to Choose a Baitcasting Reel for Northern Pike

Prior to settling on a reel, you want to considera fewfactors that signify its effectiveness. These include:

Reel Brand

Themanufacturer or brand of reel matters. Different brands will create products with different features that you may or may not need.

You want to go for a reputable brand that is known for producing quality products.

Reel Weight

A fishing reel is an essential angling tool and it is important to consider its weight particularly if you will be spending a lot of time fishing.

Your fishing style is also a determinant when it comes to reel weight.Generally, low-profile reels are lightweight hence preferable for freshwater and inshore angling.

Conversely, if you will be angling in saltwater, you want to go for a round profile reel that is heavier.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following answers and questions may help you get a clearer idea on this topic.

Why should I use baitcasting reel?

These reels are recognized for their efficiency and great control that is unmatchable. Baitcasting reels are essentially the backup system that offers stability when angling.

Should I use a braided or mono line on my baitcaster?

Most anglers use braided lines for baitcasting forvarious reasons the main one being the improved set up stability.

Although braided lines help achieve firm setups, they do come with their own disadvantages. For instance, some anglers find it difficult and tricky to master braided lines.

The kind of line you choose use depends on your personal preference and your setup. Ideally, you should find something that works for you and stick to it allowing you to make modifications along the way.

Our Best Pick

Based on our careful research and analysis, “Abu Garcia Pro Max Low Profile Baitcasting Fishing Reel” is the best. And it’s not difficult to tell why.

One of its impressive features is its comfortable EVA-made handle that does not cause fatigue and wrist strain even if you use it for a more extended period.

In addition to that, it features a graphite frame as well as the side plate, power disk drag, adjustable Magtax gearing braking system, and smooth 7+1 ball bearings.

Whether you’re looking to add a new reel to your fishing toolbox or needed one for the first time, this is one of the products that you should not overlook.

Final Thoughts

Seeing, as the Northern pike is a large fish species, it can push your angling resources to the limits. In that regard, you do not want to take any chances hence the need for a powerful and quality reel.

We believe that the information in this guide is useful enough to help you pick the perfect reel.

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