pike question

I usually target carp in the summer, and go sturgeon fishing through the
winter, with the occasional foray into trout fishing for a laugh.(not fly!)

this winter i'm going to have a crack at piking.
i have a couple of bungs etc and a few spinners of small to medium size,
wire traces, forceps and a good carp rod - 2.5lb test curve.
Im on a budget so i cant get spinning rods etc until i try it and see how it
goes.

i watched a prog on discovery H&L last week where a top pike man was
explaining the use of bright colours V dull ones and spinners V bungs etc.
what would be the best lure for clear water?
muddy water?
weedy water?
what size mainline is best?
will an ordinary reel do (its a baitrunner type with a good drag)?



any help gratefully received!

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Ah, chaos, panic and disorder - my work here is done.