Posted 7/2/2013 11:16 AM (#649658) Subject: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek
Been seeing a lot more traffic on my local rivers from guys casting the fat line, how many of you would read or contribute if the Almighty Administrators added a Fly Forum?
BenR
Posted 7/2/2013 11:17 AM (#649659 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posted 7/2/2013 12:30 PM (#649666 - in reply to #649658) Subject: RE: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 182
I've been flyfishing for muskies for five years. I played with it for a season, now it is all I do. Started tying flies again. At least I can see the hooks. 6/0 and 8/0. 10"-18" flies. It would be great to see more Flyfishing equipment at the Muskie expos.
It is dangerous on windy days. Only had to use hook removal tools on myself twice.
No barbs any more.
Posted 7/2/2013 12:52 PM (#649676 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 1295
Location: WI
If I could figure out an easier leader system, and casting far wasn't so @#$ hard... I would try it more.
BenR
Posted 7/2/2013 1:06 PM (#649680 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
I typically run a shorter leader, 80lb to 60lb fluoro and it works fine. I use smaller flies and an 8wt, makes it more enjoyable and good results. I tend to sight fish, those neutral to negative fish seem to enjoy the fly. BR
Posted 7/2/2013 1:22 PM (#649683 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek
Struggling with a leader system myself, each has advantages and drawbacks. But yeah, short.
Been tossing the big flies mostly, taken a few on the back of the noggin. Like getting shot with an air gun. Right rod and line (and technique) and they practically cast themselves.
Posted 7/2/2013 2:01 PM (#649694 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 212
I use the KISS formula for leaders. I tie blood knots in 24" of 50#, 16" of 40#, 12-10" of 30# and then nail knot an 8 inch section of 174# wire, and twist the wire back over the knot and on itself twice. I then put a stay-lok on the end and use shrink-tube to keep it straight.
Posted 7/2/2013 2:12 PM (#649696 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 667
Location: Roscoe IL
I just purchased a Sage Response 990-4 with a larger reel and a handfull of flies. Holy cow do I need to practice my casting and I need lot's of clearance. Landed a huge tree branch on a backcast and put it away after I cut the line. Need a new leader already. I also smacked myself on the back of my head, laughed it off and set it down before I hurt someone or myself. Sure would like to take a few lessons from April Vokey.
BenR
Posted 7/2/2013 2:24 PM (#649698 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
A lesson doesn't hurt, but also keep in mind that 80 feet is a super long cast. If you learn to feel the rod load and also keep to shorter casts you will catch on in no time. You will also keep from hurting yourself:)
Posted 7/2/2013 5:47 PM (#649732 - in reply to #649658) Subject: RE: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 1150
Location: Minnesota.
I'd be more than willing to contribute. It's nearly taken over my life, that fly rod. From panfish to bass, pike trout and now muskies.
I'll be on the V right after the 4th in a white Ranger/Yam 150 and sometimes will be swinging the fly rod. If you happen to notice swing by and ask what everyone else does when I'm on their muskie spot..."What in the H are you fishing for?"
Posted 7/2/2013 5:51 PM (#649733 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 383
Count me in. I had Elk River build me a 10 weight. Had one on but learned the hard way that the hook set isn't the same as fly fishing for trout. Looking forward to getting more (fly) time on muskie water!
Posted 7/2/2013 6:48 PM (#649743 - in reply to #649723) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 136
jonnysled - 7/2/2013 4:57 PM
can you just drive the boat around with a fly dragging behind? i want easy ...
I know someone who was getting fish on the fly when nothing else was working, then the next day it was too windy to cast so they pulled the flies around with the trolling motor and continued to catch fish, open water fish I might add.
Posted 7/2/2013 9:34 PM (#649760 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 634
Location: Bloomington, MN
I've purchased Mr. Tomes beautiful book, and love the photographs. I've acquired
lots of gear...12wt., 11 wt., 10 wt., 8 wt., qualitly rods with not so cheap reels and spare spools to match. I had good intentions, but have completely fizzled out with my desire to pursue the elusive with a fly. Maybe an additional forum would help light a fire under my @$$ to get me motivated, but it may also present an opportunity to sell this stuff for next to nuthin'! I will have a rigged fly rod in the boat during the KWMC on Pelican and the Hodag in case I do have fish follow a lure. They do mindlessly eat a fly for some strange reason.
Posted 7/2/2013 10:23 PM (#649766 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK
I'd contribute, but I don't know if it'd have much traffic. Only see a few fly fishing threads on here every once in a while. There's a couple groups of muskie fly guys and one of those groups hang out a lot on fly fishing websites that have muskie/pike/warmwater sections.
As for leaders, 15 years ago I worried about leader formulas and blood knots; and it's not wrong to do that...now I run short and sweet. Sometimes running a bite tippet directly off a clear fly line. I keep them simple and just use different leaders for each fly line.
Posted 7/2/2013 10:33 PM (#649769 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 1150
Location: Minnesota.
If I might offer, I do a good bit of fooling around with my flycasting in the backyard and love it. It's my main hobby.
While I'm not going to be claiming to be any better than a good, solid average, any newby's out there that would like some casting help on the lawn sometime I'd love to be able to help any way I can. You don't need to get out there 1/4 mile but I can likely help you get more distance with lots less effort if you think it would be beneficial.
I'll get you to tighten up that loop, if you need it, bigtime!
Or...just plain fun to fling some lines. Coon Rapids, MN.
Posted 7/3/2013 11:47 PM (#649963 - in reply to #649694) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 1321
Location: E. Tenn
PamuskEhunt - 7/2/2013 3:01 PM
I use the KISS formula for leaders. I tie blood knots in 24" of 50#, 16" of 40#, 12-10" of 30# and then nail knot an 8 inch section of 174# wire, and twist the wire back over the knot and on itself twice. I then put a stay-lok on the end and use shrink-tube to keep it straight.
That's simple enough!! Thanks!
As for adding a forum, why not give it a shot? I suppose you can always get rid of it if the traffic isn't there.. just my $.02..
Edited by miket55 7/3/2013 11:53 PM
Ben Olsen
Posted 7/3/2013 11:54 PM (#649965 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
I'm just trying to find time to learn. I have a beautiful 9 wt Cortland with a nice Lamson and a few flies. There is virtually no Muskie specific fly info out there. Its mostly "Pike/Muskie" stuff. Which is the equivalent of "apples/oranges!"
Posted 7/4/2013 9:43 AM (#649986 - in reply to #649965) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 182
Ben Olsen - 7/3/2013 11:54 PM
I'm just trying to find time to learn. I have a beautiful 9 wt Cortland with a nice Lamson and a few flies. There is virtually no Muskie specific fly info out there. Its mostly "Pike/Muskie" stuff. Which is the equivalent of "apples/oranges!"
Take a class on fly tying. "Esoxfly" has posted some killer paterns in the past. Muskie flies and pike flies are two different animals. Although, some of the smallest pike will hammer some of our biggest flies. Just stupid. If you get into the tying part you will be hooked. On windy days that could be taken two ways. Flatten the barbs.
Posted 7/4/2013 10:34 PM (#650045 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 1150
Location: Minnesota.
My fav. rigging....From the end of your fly line which has a loop tied in the end by way of 3/0 tying thread and the wraps coated with "something hard". I use Sally Hansens Hard As Nails.
Make a 6-7 ft leader out of any 20-30 lb mono. The cheap stuff. You can spend a lot of $$ if you wish ...
As you might tell, I don't use a tapered leader for turning over the fly. A tight cast, the leader straightens and you get the presentation to turn over. For warmwater that's all I need. For trout, that's a whole 'nuther story..;-)) There, it's critical for a drag-free drift etc.
Tie a Perfection loop in the end of this mono leader. Small loop. On the business end I use some supple, braided 26 lb (approx.) American brand Wire or Tyger brand wire.
Attach this to the leader via an Allbright knot and leave it about 16" long. This length makes it easier to use more flies w/o having to re-tie another wire tippet on....nothing other than that. I'll change/re-tie another wire tippet when I get down to around 6-8" left!
The knot!
It's called a Jig Loop. Tie an overhand knot about 3" from the end of the wire tippet BUT don't pull it totally shut. Leave it "just loose enough" to insert the end of this wire back into. Now put the tag end into the hook eye.
Now push this tag end through that overhand knot...that you left loose "enough" but not too loose, right? Now, take and make a 1/2 hitch just behind that overhand knot and snug it up.
Make a second 1/2 hitch again behind this one but this time pull her tight with a pair of pliers!
Done! If it turned out right..and sometimes it doesn't, depending on how tight that overhand knot was...you'll end up with a neat little "jig loop" that your fly can swing freely on!!!
If it didn't turn out just perfect don't sweat it. Fish it anyhow. And I find it best to try to tie a few of these in the plain cheap mono before I go fishing...for a test!
Really, it's simple.
Yeah, wire kinks but only when I finish tussling with a fish. If it's too bad I'll just re-tie. And last but not least I prefer to omit any and all hardware as I've had snaps come loose too often plus they're extra weight.
Posted 7/5/2013 4:21 PM (#650122 - in reply to #649986) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK
Corso Mike - 7/4/2013 10:43 AM
Ben Olsen - 7/3/2013 11:54 PM I'm just trying to find time to learn. I have a beautiful 9 wt Cortland with a nice Lamson and a few flies. There is virtually no Muskie specific fly info out there. Its mostly "Pike/Muskie" stuff. Which is the equivalent of "apples/oranges!"
Take a class on fly tying. "Esoxfly" has posted some killer paterns in the past. Muskie flies and pike flies are two different animals. Although, some of the smallest pike will hammer some of our biggest flies. Just stupid. If you get into the tying part you will be hooked. On windy days that could be taken two ways. Flatten the barbs.
Thanks. The beauty of tying for muskies is the freedom you have to tie with; just like making conventional muskie baits...if you make it, eventually something will eat it. I've always tied on the larger side, even for pike. For patterns or styles, like I mentioned above, many muskie fly fishermen more often frequent fly fishing and tying forums in the muskie or warmwater section. Most of them will have a "muskie flies" thread with all kinds of pics.
Posted 7/5/2013 4:42 PM (#650125 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek
Trouble with the Fly Fishing sites is they have Muskie/Pike threads for fly fisherman. I think it would be cool to have fly fishing threads for muskie fisherman. The Fly Fishing sites assume too much, IMO.
Posted 7/5/2013 5:05 PM (#650126 - in reply to #650125) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 104
Location: Grantsburg, Wisc
Flambeauski - 7/5/2013 4:42 PM
Trouble with the Fly Fishing sites is they have Muskie/Pike threads for fly fisherman. I think it would be cool to have fly fishing threads for muskie fisherman. The Fly Fishing sites assume too much, IMO.
Posted 7/5/2013 7:32 PM (#650137 - in reply to #650125) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 566
Location: Elgin, IL
Flambeauski - 7/5/2013 4:42 PM
Trouble with the Fly Fishing sites is they have Muskie/Pike threads for fly fisherman. I think it would be cool to have fly fishing threads for muskie fisherman. The Fly Fishing sites assume too much, IMO.
Sounds like you might be picking nits.....
Kind of like saying the Stanley Cup Champion Blackhawks goalie who should have won the MVP.....sucks.
Posted 7/8/2013 9:42 PM (#650545 - in reply to #649658) Subject: RE: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 182
Most of the flyfishing sites miss it when it comes to muskies. I'm not fishing for bass or trout or panfish. (Unless I have the grandsons to teach the joys of fishing.) I am looking for muskie info.. I've been chasing these things for too long and I am always amazed how much info I get from this site. Boats, motors, electronics, new waters, removing hooks from some extremity. Just looking for muskie related information.
In the winter, this site is a little bit of sanity. A little bit.
mkwit
Posted 7/9/2013 2:33 PM (#650634 - in reply to #649658) Subject: RE: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
the leader thing is easy. Clear INT. line with a loop (or 40lb loop added), couple feet of 20-30lb "break" leader, couple feet of 80lb flouro. All loop knot connected for easy changing.
If I'm running a non clear line...I'll run 2-3ft. 40lb, than a couple feet of 20-30 "break" tippet, then flouro.
Picked up the new Sage Pike (10wt) this spring...it's easily my go to stick right now...hucks its out there.
A fly forum would be cool...but plenty of other fly guys out there in cyberspace to talk to already...not sure if it would get a lot of traffic other than showing off flies and fish.
I'd sign up here..but I'm on too many forums as it is..and don't have a ton to contribute. I just end up lurking around every couple weeks. Rather be fishing anyway...haha..
Posted 7/11/2013 9:59 PM (#651179 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
no because from what i know of musky fly fishing,the fight is way too long,releasing a exhausted fish is never the best way to help them.
but i can be wrong
Posted 7/12/2013 9:03 AM (#651235 - in reply to #651179) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek
muskinja - 7/11/2013 9:59 PM
no because from what i know of musky fly fishing,the fight is way too long,releasing a exhausted fish is never the best way to help them.
but i can be wrong
If you're looking to help muskies, I would suggest not fishing for them at all.
Takes a little longer to get them in, but the danger of causing them harm (by hooking) is much less with a fly than a bulldawg.
Plus, a fly angler probably lands about a quarter of what a gear fisherman catches in the same amount of time.
Posted 7/12/2013 10:46 AM (#651253 - in reply to #651235) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 58
as long as you are using the correct gear, fish can be beat on fly gear in the same amount of time as conventional gear. if you want to put "max pressure" on the fish, my fly reel has a higher LB drag than a tranx does. or lock them both down, either way paired with good saltwater fly rods in 10-12 wt.....no question as many of the top saltwater game fish are bested by fly anglers in equal time compared to conventional gear.
Posted 7/12/2013 2:18 PM (#651289 - in reply to #651287) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 58
the core of modern fly lines designed for big game can be up to 75+ lb break strength. rods that i use for pike and musky have taken down Tarpon in Minutes by good angers, and thats using IGFA LEGAL leaders. For us who run straight high lb leaders off of the fly line, its absurd to say that the fish cannot be beat in the same amount of time as using conventional gear. now whether
an angler wants to put that kind of pressure on a single hook is up to them, but you cant tell me that it isnt possible with a straight face. signed....clueless
Posted 7/13/2013 7:03 PM (#651429 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 104
Location: Grantsburg, Wisc
Ok,
Who can I ask about how and what to make my leaders out of ?
Starting at the fly line, what do I need after that ?
What is the best knot to tiie to the fly ?
Posted 7/14/2013 3:20 AM (#651488 - in reply to #651179) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 1663
Location: Kodiak, AK
muskinja - 7/11/2013 10:59 PM no because from what i know of musky fly fishing,the fight is way too long,releasing a exhausted fish is never the best way to help them. but i can be wrong
Yes, you are wrong. Just because fly rods are "floppy" or "whippy" doesn't mean they're not strong. A bungee cord is strong. People land tarpon, sailfish and marlin on fly rods...muskie are easily subdued with proper gear.
Posted 7/19/2013 2:27 PM (#652655 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 12
I for one would never listen to anything esoxfly says. Haha. Joking, joking. I agree keep it simple. I usually run 2' 40-50# mono or fluoro for my fly line, something heavy to help turn the fly over, then 12-18" of 40# surflon or some kind of other flexible wire. You WILL get bite offs at some point using something other than wire and it DOES NOT make any difference in hookup rates regardless of what anyone tells you. Musky are not line shy what so ever. Have fished on some of the clearest, most pressured lakes in the country and it makes no difference so why take the chance of having a fish of your lifetime swim off with your fly. Just my opinion of course. Some may not agree. But they would be wrong
Posted 7/19/2013 2:31 PM (#652657 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 12
I agree with esoxfly on the fight on a fly rod. Although some people do "baby" them way too much and don't use the rod's full stregth. If you use a 9-11 wt rod you have plenty to land a musky. It more has to do with how you handle the fish after it's netted. That is one of the biggest misconceptions about fly fishing for musky that you "fatigue them too much." I have caught a few over 50 inches now and it never takes more than a couple minutes to land. To be honest musky do not fight that hard compared to many other species you can catch on a fly rod. All about the takes to me.
Posted 7/19/2013 9:02 PM (#652713 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 60
Location: Poca, West Virginia
Would love to see a fly fishing section. It sure seems to be picking up here in West Virginia. I invested in 9' 10wt recently and a assortment of chicken size flys, have only fished once with no contact but I'm excited about going again. The water here has been really screwed up from all the rain plus water temps in the few lakes we have are really high so not fishing lakes and waiting on rivers to clear.
Posted 8/2/2013 12:24 PM (#655148 - in reply to #655146) Subject: RE: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 12
I don't know. I don't really pay attention to that stuff. It was a little over 53". Didn't get a accurate girth measurement. Took one quick one in the water and it was around 23" but like I said we didn't do an accurate girth. Wanted to get her on her way.
Posted 8/6/2013 2:42 PM (#655785 - in reply to #649658) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 34
I started out on conventional gear, and now I almost exclusively fly-fish.
One of the main reasons is that I was once muskie fishing with a large crankbait and one of the three treble hooks got into the eye of the muskie, probably permanently blinding the fish if not worse. I think a lot of these fish get injured unnecessarily by lures that have 2 or 3 treble hooks on them. I didn't want that to happen again, so at first I removed all the treble hooks from my lures and replaced them with a single hook, and eventually I just started fly fishing exclusively.
After experiencing the challenge of fly fishing for a while, anything else starts to feel like cheating, and now I have no interest in fishing with conventional gear anymore! Except maybe to bring home some panfish while fishing from a canoe on a windy day or a situation like that where efficient fly-casting is next to impossible.
Plus, fly-tying is a fun way to keep involved with the sport during the winter months or while traveling. When I have to travel for work, I bring my fly tying kit with me and tie flies in the motel room at night. Makes you feel like you are still participating in the sport and building up your chances for next time, even when you can't actually fish. It's much more satisfying to tie a fly and then go out and catch a fish with it than it is to buy a $20 lure at the store. I have bought plenty of $20 lures in my time, and now they all sit unused...
Guest
Posted 8/19/2013 9:58 PM (#658295 - in reply to #649658) Subject: RE: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posted 8/20/2013 7:56 PM (#658496 - in reply to #655785) Subject: Re: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 1150
Location: Minnesota.
Jimmy_S - 8/6/2013 2:42 PM
I started out on conventional gear, and now I almost exclusively fly-fish.
One of the main reasons is that I was once muskie fishing with a large crankbait and one of the three treble hooks got into the eye of the muskie, probably permanently blinding the fish if not worse. I think a lot of these fish get injured unnecessarily by lures that have 2 or 3 treble hooks on them. I didn't want that to happen again, so at first I removed all the treble hooks from my lures and replaced them with a single hook, and eventually I just started fly fishing exclusively.
After experiencing the challenge of fly fishing for a while, anything else starts to feel like cheating, and now I have no interest in fishing with conventional gear anymore! Except maybe to bring home some panfish while fishing from a canoe on a windy day or a situation like that where efficient fly-casting is next to impossible.
Plus, fly-tying is a fun way to keep involved with the sport during the winter months or while traveling. When I have to travel for work, I bring my fly tying kit with me and tie flies in the motel room at night. Makes you feel like you are still participating in the sport and building up your chances for next time, even when you can't actually fish. It's much more satisfying to tie a fly and then go out and catch a fish with it than it is to buy a $20 lure at the store. I have bought plenty of $20 lures in my time, and now they all sit unused...
Posted 9/4/2013 11:54 PM (#661407 - in reply to #649658) Subject: RE: Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
Posts: 6
I think a musky fishing fly forum would be great as more people would be intune to trying something different. The vids above speak the truth on what can be landed on the fly. You figure that a 202lb tarpon was caught on a 20lb tippet fly fishing in 2001 by a Jim Holland Jr. I think people have a misperception of it being too hard. So now I will change my vote to no for a musky flyfishing forum as I want to save all those fly strikes for myself
Flyfishing @ Muskiefirst?
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