There are two factors when choosing a fishing rod for Northern Pike Fishing.  The rod power and the rod action. Rod power refers to how much pressure it takes to flex the rod. With a light to medium-light rod you will have trouble controlling the cast of larger spoons, where a medium to heavy will give you the cast control for those larger spoons.  Rod action refers to where the rod flexes.  Faster action rods flex mostly near the tip, moderate action rods flex more near the middle of the rod, and slow action rods flex down into the handle section.

So which factors are best for trophy pike fishing?  A medium-heavy/Fast action rod allows you to place your spoon with ease while giving you the ability to control larger pike.  For those that want more response and have a rod that is also satisfactory for fishing walleye as well as pike, a medium/Fast action rod would be best.

Which northern pike fishing rod should I buy?  Like most things we all have our favorite brands.  While there is no comparison between the higher end rod manufactures (Loomis, St. Croix) to your lower end manufactures (Shakespeare, Store Brand), it comes down to personal preference.  As long as the rod of choice is in the medium to heavy power level with a moderate to fast action you have a good foundation to land that trophy northern pike no matter the brand you have chosen.