Howdy. I'm looking to chase some pike and smallies this year via fly and I'm wondering how heavy my outfit needs to be. Will a

[Sage Sam]

Howdy. I'm looking to chase some pike and smallies this year via fly and I'm wondering how heavy my outfit needs to be. Will an 8wt be a good rig?

[chuckles]

8 wt is a good choice for most northerns unless you are going somewhere where they get huge, 25# plus. It will do fine for smallies but maybe a little on the heavy side. You won't have any trouble keeping them out of snags. Have fun!

[buckhunter]

My pike rod is an 8wt and it works fine. I sometimes go to a 6 wt if the wind is not blowing or my arm is tired from casting the 8wt all day. I would suggest a rod with a fighting butt for the 8 wt. I use a 6 wt for smallies and it works fine for me. I fish shallow water so I'm not throwing a heavily weighted fly.

I prefer a 9ft rod or longer.

Goodluck. Pike on the fly is one of my favorite things.

[TheEasternShoreHunter]

that might be heavy for smallies
it would be good to buy two rods and use the same reel.

[shane]

Yes.

[MLH]

Consider pike leaders - braided wire.

[matouse3]

8 wt. should be good. Little bit heavy for the smallies, but will get the job done. Drop to a 6 if you feel like a good fight.
Be sure to tie on some big green uglies for those pike and don't forget the leader.