Fishing in Europe

While the average size of rainbow trout is 15 to 25 inches and 1 to 5lb, this trout species can reach a maximum size of around 40 inches and 35-40lb. Some genetically altered stocks can even produce fish that weigh close to 50lb.

While northern pike have an average length of about 17 to 25 inches and an average weight of 2 to 5 pounds, they can reach lengths of more than 50 inches and weights of 55 to 60lb. European pike are generally somewhat bigger than pike found in North America. 

The following selection of the nine best reel brands is partly based on my own experiences as an angler and partly on the experiences and personal views of thousands of other anglers, whom I have asked for their opinions through several online surveys.

Although both are of great quality and stature in the fishing tackle space, Shimano tends to edge out Penn with the better reels on the market. Their key models have excellent quality, a significant reputation, and millions of satisfied owners worldwide. 

Juvenile brown trout primarily feed on zooplankton, aquatic and terrestrial insects, and larvae, while adult brown trout predominantly feed on other fish and crustaceans. Both egg and fry cannibalism are relatively common in this species and can be a considerable cause of small-fish mortality.

Grown northern pike eat various prey fish, including yellow perch, minnows, chub, shad, bluegill, crappie, ciscoes, and the occasional smaller bass or walleye. They also go for smaller water mammals and their own young. Juveline pike mainly feed on smaller insects and aquatic crustaceans.