"Tackle Talk"
When a pike hits...you better be ready, and I mean ready. They don't call this fish the "tiger of freshwater" for anything, this fish can be a brute. Achieving weights of over 30lbs.....you better be prepared! Flyfishing for pike didn't become popular until recently. It is gaining porpularity more and more and now there are several guides and outfitters that pursure pike on the fly. Many anglers are finding it effective and "sporty" to catch these monsters while flyfishing. In flyfishing, your equipment is important. Preferably use a 8'6" - 10' rod, rated for a 6-10wt. line with a strong butt section, and a fast tip. The fast tip helps in "puching" those flies to distant fish. The fly reel is one of the most important tools in flyfishing for thses monsters, as it must be strong and have large capacity. Large Arbor reels help in line pickup, and anti-reverse reels help protect your hand when the fish strips off the line at tremendous speeds. Line is critical when pike fishing, especially if you like to pursue these fish on the flats, something I love. If you are fishing floating bugs and poppers, using a WF floating line is best. For deep water fishing, a 200-400 grain sinking line is effective. If sightfishing the flats, then an intermediate line will work. Some anglers want maximum distance, and shooting heads can help with delivering flies in the wind. Rio, Scientific Anglers, Orvis, and many companies make lines specifically for pike. They feature short, powerful heads that load easily and can be casted in the wind. I always have a spool of each. An assortment of patterns including minnow imitations, poopers/bugs, streamers, and leeches are best. Leaders must be strong. Usually ones that are 9' long that turnover easily are best. I prefer straight hard mono in 20lb, or even a braided leader. All these methods will produce pike, as these fish will rip up baits and break rods, so pack accordainly and be ready for some great action!
|
