I have found a right hand retrieve reel is better for a long day casting, something about switching hands after the the cast helps with fatigue.
I fish for pike a lot and could land the biggest pike in the lake on a small reel, pike are powerful but the runs are short.
My go to is a Calcutta 50 I bought from Japan.
I would highly recommend one of the new small low profile lightweight casting reels with a magnetic brake, easier to learn on than a centrifugal brake.
I own a dozen Abu Garcia round bait casters and they have become trolling reels... technology has left them behind
agreed. My two biggest pike came on my walleye rods on 8 lb plus many more over 36 inches. Two to three runs then they're done. Biggest mistake people make is the first time you get them to the boat and reel in too much line and they make an explosive run again.
Heading over to Noxon in a few weeks for pike
