Fly Fishing for Pike

[smarr7]

with the new season i have set myself a new goal, i want to catch a pike on the fly. I have seen it done on tv programs, and im wondering has anyone here done it? what kind of tackle etc do i need to get?? many thanks

[Dan77]

I'd recommending starting here http://www.pffa.co.uk/

[carpexfishing]

I thing that the best fly for pike is frog or a little fish , sf use a streamer it will be better if it is red and yellow.

[smarr7]

maybe not just yet lol. I need to upgrade my kit.

[Dog & Gun]

I had one pike on the fly last season. caught it on a big yellow streamer, on a 7 weight rod, on the river Derwent in Derby. was'nt a very big fish but great sport on the fly rod. best of luck getting into them mate.

[Pleccy]

Originally Posted by Dan77

I'd recommending starting here http://www.pffa.co.uk/

That's definitely a good starting point.

I would also recommend getting some casting lessons, casting is the biggest hurdle that you will have to jump. Take a look at the AAPGAI website for a list of qualified instructors.

I've had many large pike from Rydal water and Grasmere on the fly, all I can say is you will never get a better fight out of a fish then with a fly rod! As you will have to cast large flies you will need a rod that can cope, something along the lines of a 9 or 10wt rod should be fine. What ever you do don't get lured into buying expensive gear, it's the angler that brings fish to the bank. You can pick up good quality fly rods these days from as little as £40, the Masterline toothy critter fly rod won a best value award from the Trout fisherman rod test last year. I use a Greys Platinum XD saltwater and a Sage Xi2 myself, however when I tried the toothy critter it felt just as capable.

In terms of reels, you don't need to pay top dollar for a precision-engineered reel made from the same chunk of metal. Just try to get something with a decent drag. Fortunately there quite a few reels which have good drag mechanisms yet have a low price tag, the Vision Koma seems to be a favourite. They can be purchased for around £50 brand new and they come with a spare spool so you can use two lines with different densities.

For fly lines, it's definitely worth getting something that is made for the job. While many people will recommend any ordinary trout line, they don't normally go above #8 on the AFTM scale, making them a bit light for the rod. Good brands include Scientific anglers and Rio, however the latter come with welded loops on the end to which you can attach your leader, I've found these to be very brittle so it would be best to cut them off.

All you need now is a fly box with a range of big, fluffy patterns such as pike bombers and baitfish patterns intended for Bass. I've even used Bonefish flies such as the Crazy charlie to good effect. Leader material should be strong, go with fluorocarbon or clear monofilament with a breaking strain of around 20-25lb. You will also need some wire traces with a snap-swivel on the end to which you can attach your fly.

Good luck!

[Fish8myfly]

made up a pike fly the other day, out bow fishin stuck it on, sink line 5 casts 5 offers, caught 3 of them, roly poly retrieve. now made it on a smaller hook so can fish it easier for rainbows. Have to name it now. :)

Ali