Musky On Fly?

[RSBreth]

I've caught some Tiger Muskies out of Fellows on large Clouser Minnows on my 9-weight, but none were very big. Early spring, South facing coves, right on the points leading into the coves.

[Col Ron]

Cole & Co:

Just my two cents worth, and I will leave this alone. I moved from Cass Lake, Minn. to Bull Shoals two years ago. For nine years I guided for walleyes and muskies on some of the best waters in the US. Muskies fascinate me and are a thrill to catch, and yes, can be dangerous. They are MEAN. The equipment I used was an 80 pound line, steel 120 pound leaders, the top of the line Calcutta reel, and a Muskie rod from St. Croix.

It is a great thought to try to land a Muskie on a fly rod, which is possible with a very heavy fly rod. But for the life of me, I can't see how you can do it in a Kayak. When you land a 45 plus Muskie, it really is offended that it is in your boat!! The fish reacts, if not properly restrained, much like a pit bull.

Secondly, you must use heavy line for the big muskies. Not that you can't land a Muskie on 25 or 30 pound line, that is not the problem, the problem is they will bite through lighter line, or roll and easily cut it with their gills.

Best of luck to you, we all have our dreams.

Col Ron

[Guest]

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[zsmith62]

Secondly, you must use heavy line for the big muskies. Not that you can't land a Muskie on 25 or 30 pound line, that is not the problem, the problem is they will bite through lighter line, or roll and easily cut it with their gills.

Best of luck to you, we all have our dreams.

Col Ron

Don't know what your fly fishing background is, but I don't think that the 30 pound backing is really gonna make much a difference... Odds are, if he hooks onto a fish that will break the 30 pound backing (which is just a back-up measure), I imagine that the leader would break much sooner. I'm not real familiar with musky fishing in these parts, but I'm not too sure he would hook onto anything that would threaten that anyways...

Just my 2 cents, not trying to question anyones knowledge or anything...

[Geoff]

If i get into the 30 pound backing of my fly rod im in a whole new world of uh oh haha. the steel leader that i have is ... 30 or 40 pounds, so i think it should be able to hold up to one of them, i havent decide what to use for my mono between the fly line and leader but im sure i can figure something out.

[Gavin]

Its certainly possible...I've seen pictures of guys landing 100+ lb tarpon from 12' kayaks in Florida. Did a guide trip for Muskie on the fly up in Ontario several years ago..Ken Collins from Grand River Troutfitters was our guide..the flies we used were big articulated monsters over a foot long..10wt, short section of heavy sinking line, and a steel leader..Keep 10-15' outside the rod tip, water load it on the back cast, & fling it, then strip like mad...Funny but the only musky we hooked was on a 3" long black sparkleminnow & 3x...that didnt last long.

[ohmz138]

Cole & Co:

It is a great thought to try to land a Muskie on a fly rod, which is possible with a very heavy fly rod. But for the life of me, I can't see how you can do it in a Kayak. When you land a 45 plus Muskie, it really is offended that it is in your boat!! The fish reacts, if not properly restrained, much like a pit bull.

Secondly, you must use heavy line for the big muskies. Not that you can't land a Muskie on 25 or 30 pound line, that is not the problem, the problem is they will bite through lighter line, or roll and easily cut it with their gills.

Col Ron

This is what I'm talking about. Those things are mean and really thrash around. Trying to land one in a kayak would be interesting. Id be ready to get wet. Best of luck though. I'm sure it can and has been done.

[zsmith62]

Not that you can't land a Muskie on 25 or 30 pound line, that is not the problem

Sorry didn't read that right the first time... I get what your saying now. I still think that for around here, that'll probably do okay.

[ColeM.]

Great info guys! I am sure it has been done and I know that if I plan things right, I should have no problems landing one with my kayak. I will have some help so getting things under control should not be a problem. 2 kayaks vs one fish, should be able to slow him down enough to gain some line. I am thinking a cradle is the only way to go when dealing with trying to land one of these from a kayak. A net is just a big no-no in my book for any species that has enough pulling power to be able to roll you etc... I fish out of a Native Ultimate and I stand and cast 100% of the time, so casting the 10wt with some sinking line if need to be is not a big problem. I am trying to mark off, musky from my list of species to catch from a kayak on fly. Here is the plan, take 2 weeks off and head to a couple of different locations trying to catch one of decent size, I hope to not hook into a monster but if so, I will deal with it accordingly.

[Ämp]

I have caught a few at fellows lake . The only problem I see is that every time i catch one they get air fighting and thrashing about... I would hate to catch a muskie to the face sitting in such a vulnerable position. literally 3-4 ft. jumps, they can clear a patch of water and land before you can even react. If you would like a bass boat tag along to help land the beast just set up a time , it would be worth it just to catch on video.