| |
First thing, (apart from your casting ability) which will make or break casting large flies is your set up. Not having the right set up for large wind- resistant flies can be an experience of near-death with a double helping of frustration.
Thankfully it doesn't have to be that way:
My 9" musky flies need a 10 wt or 11 wt line. Be aware that not all 10 wt lines are suited for large flies. The best place to start looking is with lines designed for saltwater. (My recommendations follow)
I keep my leader and shock tippet on the heavy side. In the past, fly-fishers have been accused of over playing large fish like muskie. This certainly doesn't have to be the case. Keeping things on the heavy side will minimize the time it takes to play out your muskie. Remember that long, drawn-out fights take a toll on muskie, stressing them unnecessarily. The bonus of putting the brakes on a muskie, is getting a taste of the roar power these fish possess.
Some Tips that may help:
Flylines: I been using Airflo Forty Plus cold salt WF10 intermediate clear line for a few years now, In my opinion Its the way to go unless you need to go deep. This line has Airflo's ridge line technology for the running line it's thin and shoots like a rocket.
Flyrods: A 10wt saltwater type fast action rod is your best bet. You get what you pay fore in most cases.(I use a G-Loomis Crosscurrent GLX. It's a ripper)
Leader set up: A real benefit of using a clear intermediate line is the leader setup. Leaders can be kept short and simple. Example: I use 3'of 50lb mono and 12" of 80lb fluorocarbon, taking care of the business end. Use a loop type knot like a the Rapala knot or a 50lb cross link snap to attach the fly.
Stripping and Hooksetting: Regardless of the speed of your retrieve, always point the rod at the fly. This will set you up for a solid hook set. Never ever use your flyrod for setting the hooks. (Trust me!). Make two, long, hard line strips with the rod still pointing at the muskie. Muskie really clamp down hard when they strike, so unless you get a solid hook set Mr muskie will open his mouth and say good bye till next time.
Sharpen Hooks: Large hooks really need to be sharp, giving you the best chance of a good hook set.
Debarb Hooks: Not only is it best for the muskie, but if you misjudge a cast it really pays to have debarbed large hooks.
A quick note on landing musky, when fishing out of a boat a large muskie net is the best by far. It enables you to keep the muskie in the water where it can be measured, de-hooked, photographed and safely released.
|
