Tom & David's Guide to Pike Fly Fishing Setup

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Targeting pike on the fly is one of the fastest growing – and most adrenaline fuelled - branches of the sport so Sportfish Tuition Manager Tom Festing was keen to catch up with one of the undoubted maestros of the method, David Wolsoncroft-Dodds

Tom and David fished together on the delightful Bowood Estate Lake, venue for our pike on the fly courses, and selected their top tackle to tame big, toothy predators.

RODS

For rods look for a progressive action to make casting big, hairy pike flies a relaxed process so that you can enjoy your sport without aches and pains. Your choice also needs to be able to handle big fish comfortably. The Greys GR80 Fly Rod is ideal tool if you are looking for a great value-for-money option.

The Sage Maverick with its fast recovering tip action is another one to look at, and if it's a complete outfit you're after then take a look at the Vision Pike Read-To-Go Kit.

REELS

David has read articles that state you do not need a good drag for pike – and he disagrees strongly – you most certainly do! His choice is the Sage Spectrum Max reel but is also happy to recommend models from Tibor, Nautilus and Lamson. The important factor is to ensure that the reel is big enough to hold the fly line without cramping it into coils that are too small.

FLY LINE

Fly lines for pike need to have short head lengths which load the rod quickly and make casting big pike flies (relatively!) straightforward. The freshwater RIO InTouch Pike / Musky fly line is a good choice and David also recommends using a buoyant fly for bumping close to the bottom.

A fine example of a stunning pike!

TIPPET

David recommends attaching your fly to about 12" of Rio Powerflex Wire Bite Tippet (30lb) using a Rapala Knot. This forms a secure loop that allows the fly to wiggle enticingly. Join the wire to a Seaguar fluorocarbon leader with a shock leader knot; the total length of the leader should vary from about 8'6" with a floating line down to 3'6" with a T14 head and a buoyant fly.

FLIES

David ties his own flies but if you prefer to buy yours then take a look at the Perch Baitfish, the Rabbit Roach, the Roach, the Perch Fry or the Electric Yellow Roach. You will also need a Big Fly Box to store them in.

ACCESSORIES

You will need a suitable landing net, designed to cope with big fish and David’s recommendation is the Mclean Salmon/Sea Trout Weigh Fishing Net.

You will also need some wire cutters and pliers / forceps and the Sportfish fishing pliers are the ideal tool to make unhooking easy.

If you want to know more about catching pike on the fly then take a look at our very popular ‘Pike on the Fly’ courses.

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Tom and David fished together on the delightful Bowood Estate Lake, venue for our pike on the fly courses, and selected their top tackle to tame big, toothy predators.

Pike Rods

For rods look for a progressive action to make casting big, hairy pike flies a relaxed process so that you can enjoy your sport without aches and pains. Your choice also needs to be able to handle big fish comfortably. The Greys GR80 Fly Rod is ideal tool if you are looking for a great value-for-money option.

The Sage Maverick with its fast recovering tip action is another one to look at, and if it's a complete outfit you're after then take a look at the Vision Pike Read-To-Go-Kit.

Pike Reels

David has read articles that state you do not need a good drag for pike – and he disagrees strongly – you most certainly do! His choice is the Sage Spectrum Max reel but is also happy to recommend models from Tibor, Nautilus and Lamson. The important factor is to ensure that the reel is big enough to hold the fly line without cramping it into coils that are too small.

Pike Fly Lines

Fly lines for pike need to have short head lengths which load the rod quickly and make casting big pike flies (relatively!) straightforward. The freshwater RIO predator fly line is a good choice and David also recommends using a buoyant fly for bumping close to the bottom.

Pike Tippet

David recommends attaching your fly to about 12" of Rio Powerflex Wire Bite Tippet (30lb) using a Rapala Knot. This forms a secure loop that allows the fly to wiggle enticingly. Join the wire to a Seaguar fluorocarbon leader with a shock leader knot; the total length of the leader should vary from about 8'6" with a floating line down to 3'6" with a T14 head and a buoyant fly.

Pike Flies

David ties his own flies but if you prefer to buy yours then take a look at the Perch Baitfish, the Rabbit Roach, the Roach, the Perch Fry or the Electric Yellow Roach. You will also need a Big Fly Box to store them in.