Every angler dreams of the day they land a monster with hundreds of huge sharp teeth weighing over 40 lb. It’s hard to imagine what a pike of this size looks like until you witness it for yourself. With the colder temperatures creeping in, pike are at their biggest making winter the perfect time to fish for them.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a novice, predator fishing is exhilarating and it’s a discipline that doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. With the help of Fishing Republic’s resident product expert and keen angler, Ant Glascoe, we’ve come up with a list of our top affordable products to help you reel in your first monster.
Fishing Facts
Did You Know? The largest specimen recorded in the UK was found in 1992 weighing a hefty 46 lb 13 oz! Now that’s a beast!
Fishing Licences
Before we dive into our top products, it’s worth mentioning the most important part of your gear list. Fishing licenses! If caught fishing without a licence, you can get a fine of up to £2,500.
Top Budget-Friendly Predator Fishing Equipment
Westlake Kougar Carp Rod (10ft, 3lb)
£29.00 £50.00
Don’t be fooled by the name of this rod as carp rods are widely used by pike anglers. For beginners, we’d recommend this Westlake rod as it’s versatile, not too long and very easy to handle. With a test curve of 3 lb, this rod will accommodate bigger baits and can launch baits further. This is great for covering as much water as possible for a higher chance of catching a bite. This rod is made with premium grade carbon blanks and crisp parabolic action*, meaning it’s sturdy and ideal for casting and playing fish. It offers amazing quality and performance at a sensible price.
Shop Westlake Kougar Carp Rod (10ft, 3lb)* 'Playing fish' refers to “fighting” the fish once you hook it and you're trying to land it while parabolic action refers to the bend of the fishing rod.
Ant's Thoughts: This rod is a brilliant all-rounder, perfect for stalking carp in the summer and great for pike in the winter. I’d recommend using them on rivers and canals especially.
Westlake Kougar KDL 5000 Freespool Reel
£15.00 £30.00
Freespool reels are small reels which are simpler to use and are generally recommended for beginners. They are robust and great for use on large species of fish making it perfect for seeking out big pike. This reel is constructed with a forged and machined aluminium spool, paired with an A6061 aluminium handle making it strong and durable. Featuring a hit and run system, a retrieve of 920mm and 3 precision SUS ball bearings, this reel is not one to miss.
Shop Westlake Kougar KDL 5000 Freespool ReelAnt's Thoughts: If you’re a beginner testing out the waters or an angler simply wanting to save some pennies then this is a good solid budget reel for you.
Westlake 2-Piece Specimen Net and Handle
£31.50 £69.99
Predators are strong and powerful fish so choosing the right landing net is essential for confidently landing your catch safely and with care, whether you’re on the bank or a boat. This 2-piece net and handle is the perfect size for cradling large pike and lifting them from the water safely. It comprises of a 42-inch mesh net meaning there’ll be plenty of room to spare. It features a durable 2-piece 6 ft composite handle and is supplied with a compact spreader block and easy assemble arms.
Shop Westlake 2-Piece Specimen Net and HandleAnt's Thoughts: This is a must for any specimen angler. This is a good solid spreader block with a robust handle.
Westlake 5 Fold Unhooking Mat
£15.00 £30.00
Fish care is one of the most important factors to consider. Ensure the fish is comfortable and looked after while you check out your catch and take some pictures with an unhooking mat. This simple and easy unfold design makes this unhooking mat easy to carry. It also features a generous padded area to protect your catch whilst you unhook it. As well, it has a fixed carry strap, robust clips and offers a smaller bulk, so is easy to take with you to the water.
Shop Westlake 5 Fold Unhooking MatAnt's Thoughts: This has to be one of the most important bits of kit for protecting your catch. It’s a great price and makes no compromises on quality or functionality.
Westlake Monex XTL Camo Specimen Line (20lb)
£9.00 £12.50
Mono lines are commonly used for bait fishing for pike and other predators. It is best for when you’re using live bait or trolling. Mono line is abrasion resistant and has a degree of stretch so it will help it to absorb the tug and fight of a fish, which can lead to a better hookset on trolled lures or moving live bait. Additionally, mono allows your trolled crankbaits or live baits more freedom of movement for a far more realistic presentation. This Monex XTL Camo Specimen Line from Westlake has minimal stretch, is abrasion resistant and casts extremely well. It has the ability to sink very quickly and is made in a camo colour blend which can merge into a variety of lakebeds.
Shop Westlake Monex XTL Camo Specimen Line (20lb)Ant's Thoughts: For its strength, this line has a brilliant diameter making it ideal for any specimen fishing.
Pike fishing doesn’t have to be costly, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available to get you started. The predator season runs from October through to March so if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush this winter, why not try your hand at catching a fierce predator.
Who knows what monsters are lurking beneath the waters… As long as you’ve got the essentials, you’ll be ready to net some beasts! Check out Fishing Republic online and in store for our wide range of predator gear.
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