www.hechtjaeger.co.uk

a Pike angling web site

I will be fishing still waters as well as rivers this winter so consequently will be doing a lot of bank fishing. My existing boat rods are 9 foot ET Sneaker 2 rods, good rods for the money and ok in the boat but a little too short for the swims I’m planning to fish on the bank.

Tim Kelly suggested looking at Dave Lumb’s 11 foot P5 predator rods rather than buying an additional set of bank rods. The P5’s are designed for both bank and boat use so dual purpose, I’ll only need one set of rods. Judging by the numerous reviews and seeing DLST rods at the last PAC convention I was easily convinced so I ordered a custom pair. I am very pleased with the build quality and I am looking forward to giving them some proper use later this season.

“In terms of power this rod falls between a P-1 and a P3, as it does in length! Although just a bit too stiff in the tip for casting small, soft baits, (choose the P-2 for that job) the P-5 makes a real go-anywhere deadbaiting rod.

Originally designed for fishing medium to large deadbaits for pike on drains and rivers where being prepared to move can be crucial to success, I have also used the P-5 for boat fishing and from the bank on still waters where I either don't need maximum distance casting, or where I have to fish under overhanging trees.

Standard build is a little different to the rest of my range. The short handle (a couple of inches longer than on the P-2 etc.) is abbreviated Duplon with a 17mm DPS reel seat (which will actually accommodate a big pit reel), and Rover Ringing is standard. A cork handle and/or eight rings can be fitted at a small extra charge. No extra charge for a 30mm butt ring or low set BNOG guides.”

“With its retro look, old school black graphite cosmetics - the new Aero GTE-C hails a welcome return to the fold of this legendary Baitrunner model. Now upgraded with a lightweight double handle, cold forged anodised spools and a micro click multi disc rear drag for flawless Baitrunner and fish playing capabilities. The gear ratio has been tweaked from 4.5:1 up to a 4.6:1 ratio developing more line retrieval per crank. On top of this, there is a 10000 version for long range work and larger diameter mainlines. All the usual attributes are retained in the GTE-C family including Super Stopper II, Dyna Balance, Aero Wrap and 2 speed oscillation making this one of this year's must have reels at an affordable price.”

Shimano Baitrunner Aero 8000 GTE-C features:

•  Weight (g): 580

•  Ball Bearings: 4

•  Roller Bearings: 1

•  Line Capacity (mm/m): 0,30-390/0,35-290/0,40-200

•  Line Capacity (lb/yds): 10-420/12-320/14-270/16-220

•  Spare Spool: 1

•  Gear Ratio: 4,6:1

My fixed spool reel of choice is the Shimano Baitrunner range. My exact model is the Shimano Baitrunner AERO GTE-C 8000.

This holds more than enough line for boat fishing but still plenty for bank fishing - basically more line than I could ever cast and all within a practically sized reel.

I have replaced the twin handle with a single handle, much better grip in the cold, especially while wearing gloves.

My custom build specification

• 11 foot

• 2 piece

• 3 lb test curve

• 6 rings plus tip

• Rover Ringing

• 25mm butt / 10mm tip ring

• DLST P-5 blanks made by Harrison

• DNPS-B Fuji reel seat with stainless steel collars

• Fuji BSVOG guides

• Duplon butt grip with stainless steel button

• “Hechtjäger” inscription