| The Contented Angler Musky Flies |
The musky has been called "the fish of ten
thousand casts." It is a savage predator and
very territorial. They prefer clear waters where
they lurk along weed edges, rock outcrops or
other structures to rest. A fish forms two
distinct home ranges in summer: a shallow
range and a deeper one. The shallow range is
generally much smaller than the deeper range
due to shallow water heating up. A musky will
continually patrol the ranges in search of
available food in the appropriate conditions. It
was difficult to choose which flies to use from
our local talent, but I think you will agree that
these are quite impressive.
thousand casts." It is a savage predator and
very territorial. They prefer clear waters where
they lurk along weed edges, rock outcrops or
other structures to rest. A fish forms two
distinct home ranges in summer: a shallow
range and a deeper one. The shallow range is
generally much smaller than the deeper range
due to shallow water heating up. A musky will
continually patrol the ranges in search of
available food in the appropriate conditions. It
was difficult to choose which flies to use from
our local talent, but I think you will agree that
these are quite impressive.
| New Bass/Muskie line available from Airflo in April 2011. |
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The next three flies are from Craig Bollinger. I
particularly like the second one.
particularly like the second one.
The first three flies are from Tony
Artascos. I would have confidence in
any of them.
Artascos. I would have confidence in
any of them.
| The Contented Angler 147 Jefferson Avenue Lower Burrell, PA. 15068 724-337-0437 |
| A muskie usually attacks it's prey by the head so short strikes are really not a concern. |
| Leaders - On a sinking line, I would use a 5 foot leader. On a floating line, I would use an 8 foot leader. When the predatory instincts are aroused, nothing is going to stop the fish from attacking the fly. I wouldn't worry about fluorocarbon although some muskie experts might disagree with me. You need to build a weak point into the leader. If you're using 20lb. tippet, I would use a 10lb. class tippet. Another alternative is to go lighter on the bite tippet and add six inches of single strand wire. A Cortland Toothy Critter leader can simplify matters. You will be glad you have that weak link in the leader if you get snagged. Yes, I've seen fly lines break! Try breaking 12lb. Maxima Chameleon on a snag and you will see what I mean. |
| Unless they are chemically sharpened, the points on large saltwater hooks usually need touched up. Also keep in mind that it will take much longer for a saltwater hook to corrode if you leave it in the fish's mouth. |
More Musky Flies HERE.