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Posts: 626
Location: Bloomington, MN | I thought I would give fly fishing for the fish I can't catch on conventional gear a shot in 2010. I've got a 10 wt. Targus Gary Borger rod on the way, which was strongly reccomended by my friend, Ken Krzeminski, who works part time at The Fishing Connection is Tinley Park, IL.. Ken has numerous high end fly rods, but he really likes these $150 rods in 10 & 12 wt. He gave me some great looking flies he tied up, so I'm getting amped up for the Minnesota northern pike opener. I most likely will be signing up for a fly casting class at The Flyer Angler shop at Thorne's, and will purhase Robert Tomes book "Musky on the Fly". Any reel or other tackle suggestions would be appreciated. The input I have received for a reel lean toward the Lamson Velocity and the Ross CLA 5. These low end reels sure are spendy!
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| Rabbit Strip "Zonkers"
...so easy to tie...and even easier to use.
They're rabbit hide strips. They soak up a lot of water and are like casting a wet sock without 10ish weight rods, but MAN do they last forever and the pike and musky love them. Use them in the shallows in the spring. They pulsate in the water every time you strip line.
Don't get the little ones (2-3 inches), shoot for the 5-6 variety. If you want them, and are having a tough time finding them, I have a few and can whip some up as well if you wanted something I didn't stock.
Example Picture: http://www.allseasonssports.com/catalog.asp?prodid=501849&showprevn...
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| We Tie It Fly Shop in Boulder Junction. Talk to Bill Sherer. I have a few of his videos I would dig out and loan to you, but they are packed in boxes and I have no idea where they are at. |
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Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK | Learn to double haul!! Tomes' book is pretty decent. The flies are good. I only agree with about half of it, but hey, he's the one who wrote a book, so who am I to dispute it? LOL I guess I'd recommend using his book as a guide or a starting point, and not the Bible. Like anything, there's alot of room for different techniques.
I actually learned to muskie fish on a fly....and that was an uphill battle to say the least But I didn't own any conventional gear. Then I got to LSC and had to relearn alot of what I "knew" about muskies and picked up conventional gear to start making more fish...to go back and hit them on a fly. Don't be afraid to take the conventional gear and just move fish on conventional baits and get them marked for later targeting on a fly. There'll be alot of days when a fly is just not on the menu and it's nice to pick up the XH and at least move and mark some fish for later pounding on the fly rod.
Edited by esoxfly 2/24/2010 11:00 PM
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Posts: 1290
Location: WI | Barry Reynolds (sp?) Mastering Pike on the Fly is another good book. I think I'm finally going to get serious about trying it this year. |
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| Both of Barry Reynolds books are good. They have quite a bit of info on muskies in them. They also have tons of patterns that are fun to tie. |
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Posts: 994
Location: Minnesota: where it's tough to be a sportsfan! | I almost want to say turn back now! Ha Ha I've been chasing those rascals on fly's now going on 15 years. I can say without a doubt it is not the method for putting numbers in the boat. But then there are days.....I have found any number of fly creations to work and am now almost 100% into circle hooks for my fly's. "Long and sleek, blues and greens on the back and a long tail." From there I have all sorts of goofey looking flies tyed. Often will use casting methods to locate fish and then change up on them. One of the concerns on the fly rod is getting the fish landed in decent time so you don't wear them totally down. That can be a challenge at times. I do know that if you choose your water wisely, and give the ugly fly a chance you will meet with success. If I can do it anyone can! |
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Location: MN | In my opinion you don't need super high-end fly reels unless you are doing saltwater fly fishing and in need of a solid drag. I have done a lot of fly fishing for a variety of species including steelhead (which like to run) and I have never had issues with my reels (all under $250 price tag). Recently I have heard some good stuff on Colton Fly Reels; there have been some recent good deals for new ones on Ebay. |
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Posts: 275
| While you are at Thorne Brothers, talk to Scott, Brian, or Mike. They are great guys and will steer you right.
Tom |
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Fly Fishing for Muskies