HI guys,

to fill the gap before the trout season I thought I'd have a go at pike on the fly.
WCB's thread and a conversation with someone has prompted me to get it together

will a 7 weight be ok to get started? with a 9 ft leader? A standard reservoir greys GRX rod, or will I be under gunned?

Thanks, I'm getting pretty exited about this.

fatfish

Thats what the thread was for mate not to boast as some might think.

Rod weight depend on what type of venue you are fishing and the size of pike to be expected.

Most of the places i fish have pike up to double figures and are narrow drains and canals so i could get away with a 6# rod in good weather.

But a 8# or 9# is a good weight for most piking.

WCB

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Thanks mate, Probably like you down the somerset levels, I don't live far. It sounds like it would be fine to give it a go with. what size hook was that Pink predator you were using? I'm going to order some materials and then hopefully give it a go in a couple of weeks. What brand was the material you use for the fly something like Krystal flash or flashabou etc? or something like these? http://www.lakelandflytying.com/263/...ic_Fibres.aspx


Thanks again

Fatfish if you want to meet up let me know and we can get out for a fish.

The flash i get is from the States.

Not seen anything quite like it over here but flashabou will do.

This looks good also
http://www.lakelandflytying.com/1577...nky_Blend.aspx

Hook size was 1/0 with the barb crushed.

I find smaller hooks better then big 4/0-6/0 hooks as the flash can wrap around the hook.

There are many other people that know far more then i do about pike fly fishing i just know what works for me.

WCB

WCB

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thanks for your help, I'll get tying

Glad to hear you want to give it a go, Fatfish.

This site is essential reading and will get you off on the right foot..
http://www.pffa.co.uk/guidetopikeflyfishing.htm

When fishing the Levels I use a Bloke #8 with a #9 WF 'pike taper' floater or slow sinker. You can pay a fortune of course or you can get a cheap 'n' cheerful Toothy Critter line that does the job for less than £16 incl P&P like me. http://www.firsttackle.co.uk/acatalo...Fly_Lines.html

Synthetic fibres are great of course but don't ignore natural materials especially rabbit zonker strips.

Bunny Leech / Bunny Bug / Al's Eel type flies are among my favouries.

Allrounder

would you say is the need for heavy rods (8/9/10 wts) due to the large size of flies or to handle the big fish? I was going to stick with synthetics for now as they shed the water helping me cast on the 7wt?

My own view is that the bigger sticks not only help you cast big flies easier but also helps you to subdue your quarry quicker, which is kinder to the fish.

If a bigger than average fish took you by surprise, would you feel confident you could keep it out of any snags on your #7 weight?

Allrounder

Dunno, I havn't hooked one yet!

An acquaintance of mine caught a 134cm 20Kg+ (44lb) on a #6 weight and got it out in under 15mins

I personally would keep of bunnies, they cast like a dead chicken. I would recommend going for flashabou flies like these, you can find out how to tie them just here.

You might find this, and this interesting to read.

If you've already got a #7 weight then use it by all means for Pike, however I would recommend using flies tied out of flashabou or equivalent; tie the flies on a 1 or 1/0 hook and try to keep them to a max length of 10/12cm. If you haven't got a #7 weight then it might be worth buying an #8 weight - not necessarily because of the size of the fish but with it its less work casting large pike flies into the wind

Have fun

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