The Baltic Ad Swier

Reservoir Boat Fishing Colin Brett

Pike Flies  Ad Swier

Let the Fur Fly Rob Brownfield

The Dutch Treat or another thought on Pike Flies   Ad Swier

A One Foot fly amidst the lily pads Ad Swier

Predator Power  Hooked 2001

Fly Rod Pike: Cold weather comfort Brian Harris

My Journey into Fly Fishing for Pike Steve Hills

Zander at Grafham Water  John Mees

Many a trout angler has cursed his luck when the giant Rainbow he has been playing has surfaced, only to reveal itself as a pesky pike. However, there is a growing band of anglers who purposely set out to catch this freshwater hunter using little more than a wand of a rod and a bunch of feathers tied to a hook. I of course refer to the Esox Fly Fisher, better known as "That EFFing plonker !"

Now, I know you are all sitting there trying to work out how you are going to cast a herring on a fly rod, but really, there is no need! With a little skill and half a chicken, you can create beautiful fish imitations that weigh mere grams that can be twitched and jerked to impart life….or you can simply buy the flies from a shop! (or me): backs4more@hotmail.com.

Billy Bremner

So, why would I want to catch a pike on a fly?

Simple…the excitement and the fact that this is a devastatingly productive method. "Excitement?" I here you ask. Well, as you are in direct contact with the fish, you feel every lunge and head-shake, the rod takes on an alarming bend, and the reel empties of line faster than a certain Mr. Marsden can empty a Cheshire Mere of bream! "Productive?" Yes…very! I have lost count of the amount of times I have had half a dozen doubles before lunch or had several fish within minutes of each other. Go on, give it a go!

Ok, you have me interested. Can I use my grandfather's old cane fly rod?

The simple answer is no! Although several well known anglers have advocated using trout gear for pike, I strongly advise against this. To land a double figure pike on gear meant for a 2 pound trout takes a LONG time! The poor pike is totally knackered when landed. You really do need a powerful, specialist rod matched to a decent fly reel if you are going after good sized pike. I use a Greys Esox fly rod, but there are many makes such as Scierra, Reddington, Enigma, Loop, Daiwa, etc, that sell suitable rods.

Right, I've binned my grandfather's rod! Tell me what I need!

Ok, for serious EFFing you need a rod of about 9 to 9 ½ ft long, capable of casting a 9 or 10 weight fly line. Rod prices can be anywhere from £80 up to £500.

The line is what provides the weight to cast with. All you really need to know is that a 10 weight line is heavy and can cast big flies. The rod has a line rating printed on it, so, a rod rated for a 10 weight line, surprisingly, casts a 10 weight line. Simple!

Now for a little confusion. The line should be of a weight-forward design. "What?"…don't worry, all it means is that the first 30 feet or so of line has a thicker, heavier cross section that allows large flies to be used and longer casts to be made. I would recommend the Toothy Critter range of fly lines from Masterline (£20).

The reel is a pretty simple affair, similar in design to a Centre pin reel. Make sure it is designed to take a 9/10 line with at least 100 yards of 30lb backing. I use a Dragonfly Magnum which has a very good disc drag too. It costs around £50.

Hmmm, now, I have a rod, a weight forward line and a reel. What do I use as bait?

Bait? Oh dear, remember, this is fly fishing. We don't use bait, we use….a fly! Except, it's not really a fly, more like a giant, rabid budgie. As you can see in the photographs, the flies are very large compared to a trout fly. This is because you will be trying to imitate fish, frogs and voles with your feather and fur creations.

The good thing about using flies made of feathers, etc, is that they have a very "alive" appearance in the water. They pulsate as you strip them in, and hang in the water when you pause. You just can't get that "natural" look with a wooden or plastic lure. If you want to buy flies (remember, I can make them for you!) you would not go far wrong with the Toothy Critter range of flies from Masterline available from Harris Angling. Special thanks must go to Barry Duffy for inspiration as he has tied some beautiful flies that I have copied and "tweaked".

Now then, I have everything I need, can I go EFFing yet?

Well, nearly. The fly line is a very thick line. You need a "Leader" attached to it. A leader is about 8ft of 10 -15lb nylon with a wire trace attached. Yes, you MUST use a wire trace. In America, some anglers use a very heavy nylon trace, but please, in the UK, use wire. I use the Soft Wire from Fox. The 15lb breaking strain stuff can be knotted to a tiny 3mm stainless steel ring (Fox, Masterline etc) at one end and a small cross-lok clip on the other. Make the trace about eight inches long. Never attach the wire direct to the nylon as it will just slice through it, always use the ring. Its important to keep the trace as neat and light as possible to prevent problems with casting.

Another must is a pair of glasses! The flies are dressed on big, BARBLESS, hooks. You really don't want one of those in your eye! You will also need long-nosed pliers for unhooking, a daft hat for posing in, a pair of waders (very useful) and a paper bag to put over your head so you don't get recognized by your buddies!

One last thing, it will be worth while to get some casting lessons. Its actually quite straight forward to cast a fly, but like a golf swing, there are bad habits to pick up. Have a look at some of the trout fishing sites, I am sure you will be able to see "How to cast" instructions on them.

So, I now have everything I need!

You sure do. Of course, as time goes by you will buy bits and pieces of gear, but for now, you will do fine. EFFing is about traveling light. Move regularly and fish areas you may never have thought about fishing before.

Well, tell me then, where should I be fishing? How will I know I have a take?

EFFing allows you to present a lure where you may have been too frightened to cast before. As you will see on the photographs, most of my flies have "weed guards". That's the "Fang" type things at the front of the fly. This lets the fly skip and bounce through weed, rocks, reeds etc without snagging. I tend to fish shallow, weedy bays in the spring, where I can present the fly just above the weed using a floating line. In the summer, I will fish ANY water where I think a pike may be lurking. Weeds, pads, jetties, drop-offs, reefs, margins. It does not matter. With a range of floating and sinking lines you can cover ANY situation. In the winter, I have actually taken fish off the surface when there has been ice in the margins. EFFing is such a fantastic method that you may end up packing the deadbait rods away in the shed.

As for takes…well….you will know! Pike can take a fly with the slightest indication, but nine times out of ten, the rod will be pulled from your hand! Hang on tight. Even a Jack will surprise you. Just lift the rod high to set the hook. There is no need for mega strikes as you are not trying to strike two trebles free from a deadbait at 80 yards. Always remember to be vigilant when retrieving your fly as you will get many takes as you lift the fly from the surface at the end of a retrieve.

This article is meant to be a very brief introduction to fly fishing for pike. If interest is high enough, I may be persuaded to write about flies, tactics, tackle choice, etc, in much more detail. I hope some of you will be encouraged to have a go at this exciting method, and remember, chub, perch and even carp can be taken on a fly.

Now….let the fur Fly!!