fly fishing for northerns

[Doop]

Does anyone do this? A buddy and I are planning a trip to Manitoba and I was thinking about getting a fly rod and trying something different.

Anyone have any information and rods/reels.....or advice?

thanks guys!

mitch

[Giant_Jackpot]

I have mixed feelings on this. I think it would be a blast to try but it seems like fly fishing would put a lot of stress on the fish due to the extended fighting time?

[SteveWilson]

Try the fly fishing forum. You'll need fairly heavy fly gear, probably a 9wt rod (maybe heavier) and a reel to match. Things can get pricy quick.

[buzbunni]

Catching Pike with a fly rod can be one of the most exciting experiences in fishing....or so I've been told .

I plan on trying this myself.

One "must have" item for the fly angler in search of pike is a book called Pike on the fly (Reynolds/Berryman) . I read this book last year, and it is a great resource. Apparently Mr. Reynolds has teamed up with legendary fly angler Lefty Kreh, because there is a new book out there called Mastering Pike on the fly: STRATEGIES AND TECHNIQUES that has a 2004 publishing date. I guess I will have to get this one as well.

Finally, I highly recommend the In-Fisherman flyfishing for pike video with Larry Dahlberg. There is not much practical information in this video, but it will get your juices going. I saw it many moons ago and have never forgotten watching it.

Now I just need to jump in and make the fly rod/gear purchase.

Great, another black hole....

[garytheguide]

I have taken guys out who do this,and they have a lot of fun,,,,one guy was going for pike and ended up catching some real nice eyes with some sort of sinking fly...we were on a small river up here....dont know any thing else about it...but it sure looks like fun...

[ilikepike]

I flyfish for pike, even in the lakes around here. Get a 9wt rod, a WF 9 bass bug taper line, and a large arbor reel rated for 9wt line. Plan on $150 for the rod, $50-60 for the reel, and $30-50 for the line - that's the low end of midrange priced gear. Don't get a cheap all in one beginners pack - not much quality and they are geared for trout and panfish anyway. Practice casting a little before the big trip because it takes a couple hours to get the basic cast down, especially for the large flies/bugs you will be casting.