Predator tackle,advice wanted!

[EC]

I have never been predator fishing before,and I am about to jump in with both feet. Advice needed on a good general purpose lure rod (does such a rod exist for starters or do I need to specialise?) This will be used for canal perch/piking and also the upper Severn and the odd stillwater (do I need a multiplier?). Also I would like to know the best value for money unhooking equipment, lures, and a good quality braid (floating?)and anything else. Maybe I should just buy a book?

Cheers

Eddie Cardus

 

[Rob Brownfield]

Eddie, Several approaches. You could try speaking to Harris Angling (www.harrisangling.co.uk)who do several starter kits from about ?150. These are good quality kits, or maybe the Brundal Angling Centre (http://www.tackledirectory.com) who do rod/reel combos cheap.
As for braid, well I use Fireline and Andico braids. Both good. I have heard good reports about Whiplash too.
Start with a fixed spool reel first, much easier to get along with, and a rod of about 7 feet should surfice, that casts about 28-40 grams. This is a little heavy for Perch, but ideal for Pike.
Lures, well, Abu do a range of good, cheapish plugs (Terminators), but dont forget about spoons as well. Rapala sha and super shad raps are a must. Again, Harris angling can help. There site lists there top ten selling Pike lures.
I hope this helps a little

 

[Chris Bishop]

You can get lure rods fairly cheaply but make sure it's light and stiff enough to work the lure.

Mistake I made was buying too soft a rod to start off with - you miss a lot of takes because you can't whack the hooks in.

You don't need to spend a fortune on lures. Start with a few simple ones - spoons are great producers, as Rob says and they're a couple of quid a throw.