Re: Tiger Muskies on the Fly?
Hi, Lotech!
I've fished, a few times now, for your "sort of new non-native fish", particularly up around the lakes outside Spokane. (without digging out the fly fishing journal, I THINK my best luck was on "Medical Lake"?).
Anyhooooo................. your gear selections are about right on. I used a 7 wt, but, wished after the 3rd. T.M. I'd had a bit more "oooompf", like an 8 or even a 9.
On my first attempt/trip, we used too light of wire leaders I think, because after a few fishies they'd be twisted and bent,(kinked),and even a few strands of the wire were broken. Or, it's also very possible, that they were just plain, CHEAP ones!?! Like, I said, this was our first, ever, attempt after these fish.
One thing, however, remained the same on all, 8 or 9 trips we made after these fun foes.... THEY CAN FIGHT!
We used red and white Clousers, mostly, w/sink tip lines. Tried various streamer patterns, but only had hook ups with the red and white Clousers and ONE fish, on a green and white Clouser.
One of the most interesting things about fishing for the Tigers, was how they would actually "hunt" or "stalk" your Clouser as you stripped it in!! We were told to; "Strip the first 20 feet VERY slowly, with "rod tip jerks", then bring in the rest of the line as a rapid strip". When we'd start the rapid stripping, the fish would rise close enough to the surface, at times, to where its dorsal fin was out of the water.
They would stay back about 6-10 feet behind the Clouser, until it was literally ready to be picked up for the next cast, THEN, 90% of the time, they'd strike right at your feet!
LOTS of fun, weird action and I plan on doing a lot more of it, next summer.
I wish I were better at it, I know I missed a lot of chances, due to sheer inexpierience fishing for them.
Paul
Saint Paul-"The Highly Confused"
You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson