ECHO EPR 9’ 10-Weight or ECHO Musky 8’ 8” 11-Weight For MT Pike?

[Breck]

Hi friends,

I’ve narrowed it down to these two rods for NW Montana pike. Your experienced input would be appreciated as to which choice I should make.

Going to be tossing giant flies on Stillwater from my Clackacraft Fly Bench drift boat.

I already have reels to handle the job.

Many thanks,

-Breck

 

[Squatchin]

EPR is a lot of fun to cast, but I think the shorter MUSKY rod would be easier to land fish out of a boat. What about the PRIME?

 

[Wetswinger]

Bad Ass Glass. Fiberglass rods are stronger more durable and have better lifting power than graphite. Just a thought...

 

[clarkman]

glass is a blast


Honestly though, for casting big flies, I've always hated an ultra fast action rod. If it were me, and muskies or tiger muskies would ever be part of the equation, the 8'8" Musky would probably be my number one choice. For just pike, you might have more fun with an 8 or 9wt (insert whatever rod here). The Ion XL is also pretty highly thought of for the Midwest musky guys (I dunno if Echo still makes them).

The BAG would be the most fun, but if the wind starts ripping, you may want something a little punchier. I've developed some work arounds since I primarily fish glass heavy weights for tigers.