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fly set up

Posted 3/7/2014 7:16 PM (#697204)
Subject: fly set up

Posts: 222

Location: c.wis

hello all,

i picked up a 9 wt rod and im looking for some imput on line and a reel.....

i got a st croix imperial 9' 9 wt

pointers would be great,

im thnking of 40 lb flouro with a little afw wire on the end for a leader?

help!

Posted 3/7/2014 8:45 PM (#697242 - in reply to #697204)
Subject: RE: fly set up

Posts: 1084

Location: Aurora

Reels - The reel is essentially a line holder when it comes to big pike & muskies so nothing fancy needed there but reeling is favoured over stripping a fish in and a good drag is always nice to have. With that in mind, choices are endless and you can spend as much as you want. However, sizing up to a 10wt reel allows for more versatility in line choices. Bumping up your line weight can be nice for throwing larger flies and larger reels can accommodate them but some reels can be tanks and balance/bulkiness can be an issue so try um on a rod before pullin the trigger on a reel. I'm a big fan of the old Hardy Marquis line as they're light even by today's standards and narrow enough not to get in the way while fishing but there's tons of choices. Just don't forget to try them on a rod first as balancing your set up and width are top considerations.

Line - Again, heavier weighted lines will allow easier throwing of larger flies. Weight forward floating for topwater poppers, divers and the like, sink tip for streamers and other sub-surface flies. Line colours range from bright hi-vis to natural off greens and off browns to clear if you're so inclined. Shooting tips are helpful for big flies and windy conditions. They make your set up more versatile for switching approaches while on/in the water.
Lots of line choices too when it comes to brands but no need to go high end, just be aware/suspect of buying sight unseen online or used as old can sometimes = dry & cracked.

Leaders - 80lb tapered fluorocarbon leaders can be found in 9ft lengths or you can build with different sections of decreasing test (ex: 4 ft of 80, 2 ft of 40, on down to the wire).

Here's some resources that cover most of the basics as well as line/leader, general techniques, including tips regarding retrieving flies & landing fish:
http://midcurrent.com/techniques/fly-fishing-for-muskie/
http://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/video-lessons/chapter-three-pike-musk...
http://www.rioproducts.com/blog/general/
http://www.swimtrue.com/gpage1.html

Good luck!

Posted 3/8/2014 5:06 PM (#697439 - in reply to #697242)
Subject: RE: fly set up

Posts: 209

Well said and you also can over-line by 1-2 weights depending on your rod and how it reacts.

Sidejack - 3/7/2014 8:45 PM

Reels - The reel is essentially a line holder when it comes to big pike & muskies so nothing fancy needed there but reeling is favoured over stripping a fish in and a good drag is always nice to have. With that in mind, choices are endless and you can spend as much as you want. However, sizing up to a 10wt reel allows for more versatility in line choices. Bumping up your line weight can be nice for throwing larger flies and larger reels can accommodate them but some reels can be tanks and balance/bulkiness can be an issue so try um on a rod before pullin the trigger on a reel. I'm a big fan of the old Hardy Marquis line as they're light even by today's standards and narrow enough not to get in the way while fishing but there's tons of choices. Just don't forget to try them on a rod first as balancing your set up and width are top considerations.

Line - Again, heavier weighted lines will allow easier throwing of larger flies. Weight forward floating for topwater poppers, divers and the like, sink tip for streamers and other sub-surface flies. Line colours range from bright hi-vis to natural off greens and off browns to clear if you're so inclined. Shooting tips are helpful for big flies and windy conditions. They make your set up more versatile for switching approaches while on/in the water.
Lots of line choices too when it comes to brands but no need to go high end, just be aware/suspect of buying sight unseen online or used as old can sometimes = dry & cracked.

Leaders - 80lb tapered fluorocarbon leaders can be found in 9ft lengths or you can build with different sections of decreasing test (ex: 4 ft of 80, 2 ft of 40, on down to the wire).

Here's some resources that cover most of the basics as well as line/leader, general techniques, including tips regarding retrieving flies & landing fish:
http://midcurrent.com/techniques/fly-fishing-for-muskie/
http://howtoflyfish.orvis.com/video-lessons/chapter-three-pike-musk...
http://www.rioproducts.com/blog/general/
http://www.swimtrue.com/gpage1.html

Good luck!

Posted 3/9/2014 12:01 PM (#697613 - in reply to #697204)
Subject: Re: fly set up

Posts: 222

Location: c.wis

thank you guys