Mine is a 32" MH Berkeley Lightning rod. It is a standard baitcast style rod. It works great paired with my abu garcia ambassadeur 5500c and 20# power pro. You don't need such a nice reel, but I already have it on my summer rod. If you are more on a budget, I think a spinning set up would be better, assuming you don't have a reel in mind. St. Croix makes a few MH ice rods. Medium action is a little light for pike. You really wan't the stronger rod for two reasons. One, it sets hooks better in the bony mouth of a pike. Two, it absorbs head shakes better. Heavy would work too, but would be overkill for most pike, and you might loose a little lure action with some lures. The Mackinaw series rods would be ideal because they have spiral wraped guides on their baitcasting rods, but cost a lot more. For length, its what you prefer. The reel will be more important than the rod. The main thing to look for is a very smooth drag. You can get a reel thats known for performance like the ambassadeur or president (spinning). I replace all my drag washers with carbontex drag washers and it will improve any reel.
