Hey guys,
I know you are going to say, well it depends where you are fishing and what type of fly. However, do you feel one type of line might limit you more than the other?
Unless the fish are deeper than the length of tippet you are comfortable throwing, go with floating. The only deep water Pike I know of were caught using a big jig. As a compromise you could go with sink tips like Orvis has. I have used them with success. Also, I find full sink lines wear me out faster than floaters. More than likely you will be tossing big divers and a floating line is great for that.
You could also go the multiple head route. For example Rio’s Versi-tip or SA’s Quad-tip. That way you are ready for most situations with just a single line and some a few tip sections (usually floating, intermediate sink, fast sink, super fast sink) you can switch out as the situation changes. One reel, one spool, four lines, and I find the tips I’m not using store very well in the same pocket my leaders are in. They are a bit pricey, but still cheaper than if you bought a different line for each situation. One caveat, though, don’t buy one with too short of tips (under 15’) as it will minimize the effectiveness of the sinking tips.
Craw;
I would suggest a 7’ floroucarbon furled leader and 5 - 6 feet of floroucorbon tippet. This will get you down to 12 - 13 feet quickly. You can vary the tippet length for shallower depths. The floroucarbon used for the leaders can also vary the sink time.
It’s not in your profile! Where will you be fishing?
Hey guys, thanks for the replys. I like your suggestions, I will have to definitely try them.
Jack - I will mostly be fishing in Illinois and Wisconsin. I thought my location was in the profile, thanks for the reminder!
Craw,
Where at in WI? I was up there last month and am moving back there next month. Was on Lake Mohawksin (Tomahawk) one chilly morning fishing poppers on the weedbeds and the pike were nailing them. If it caused commotion, they wanted it. A big Muskie came up to the boat but didnt strike. So oviously this was with a floating line (on a 5 weight, even more fun) but I have fished with fast sink tip when the water got warmer and they werent as active. Had to put it a little more in front of their face to elicit a reponse.
Pike on a fly, especially topwater, waaaay fun
Hey Gary-
We’re officially moving to Richmond the first week of August. I hear the smallie fishing has been pretty good…stopped in at the Orvis shop over the weekend and got a report.
Looking forward to rock-hopping the low water with you!
Marty
Ah bummer, I think our timing will be off by about a week. We just sold our house and are heading back to Wisconsin where the family is. I can, however, pass along some great info about spots to hit. And yes, Tye and company at the Orvis shop are also a great resource
Hey Cheli,
I plan on hitting up the Manitowish chain, mostly Island Lake…One of my old friends from High School’s parents own a resort up there in Tomahawk!
Craw;
you coming up the Michigan Fish - In? It’s a short drive to Grayling.
Which resort???
Cheli;
Gate’s Au Sauble Lodge. Kneff Lake campgrounds.