Hi everyone,
I've been fly fishing for about 1 year - and I love it. A lot of my coarse fishing is for pike, so naturally I'm now looking at fly fishing for pike. Forgive me if this sounds like a silly or naive question. I've read a lot of articles and reviews but there is one question I have that remains unanswered. When lure fishing there have been times when I have snagged the lure and had to break off. What if this happens when pike fishing? Where is the "weak link" in the set up? Even knowing the depth of the water and likelihood of snags, the risk can only be reduced. I have heard that one good method is to use a sinking line with a buoyant fly or to use inverted hook flies. I know weed guards can also help. If a snag up happens, is it just a case of pull and hope?

Thanks

You do snag flies, specially if you are fishing in deep water/near the bottom. Of course you can try diffrent methods to release the fly, but some you have to break off. The weak link...keep in mind that most lines used have core with breaking strenght from 25-35lbs. Most have 30lbs. So make sure your tippet is weaker. Some lines have braided loops. Some folks do not agree with this, but with time they get weaker (after so and so many snags) and you either pull it off the line together with coating or they break. Had that happen on factory made loops with tippet with lower braking strenght than line.

Here is solution i use:

http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?to...084823#post782

BlueOne

Hi BlueOne
Thanks for your reply. The link is really useful so thanks for that. Can't wait to get started!

Never pull for a break using the rod, always turn your face away from the direction of the pull
I find that wrapping the line a couple of times round my arm or a stick works well.

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Hi
snagged ? floating line .. pull line from the reel and let it float downstream well beyond the hooked up fly and let the drag of the line on the water pull the fly free from behind the snag.
sink line if water deep enough same applies...
OR-
Buy an 'otter' most salmon anglers carry one and believe me they work ..this is a flat circular plate of hard plastic about 4'' across .
The line is inserted into a slot which is then snapped shut allowing the 'otter' to run freely on the line.
When it hits the water the 'otter' swims down the line and ducks under the surface allow enough free line for the 'otter' to swim behind the snag pulling the bait free.
This easily frees heavy treble hooks on spinners and spoons too.
TIP...A fairy liquid bottle or such like with the same type of snap cap works just as well !
Always pull behind and away from the snag if by hand

Hope this helps
Kindest regards
John

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