Written by : Trent Jones

In this guide, we'll explore the essential gear required to pursue pike and musky on the fly. They are one of my favorite warm water species to target. and can keep you up at night thinking about the one that followed to your feet. Below i’ll touch base on the basic gear that I use when chasing these amazing predators.

Step 1: Rods & Reels

When targeting these massive toothy fish, it's essential to equip yourself with the right tools. For pike, an 8-10 weight fly rod is preferred, while larger flies for musky require a heavier 9 to 12-weight rod to help keep your arm casting all day long. Consider options like the TFO BC Big Fly rod for pike and musky, designed to handle the demands of casting oversized flies with ease.

Step 2: Fly Lines

Choosing the right fly line is essential for successfully targeting pike and musky at varying depths throughout the year. For transitional waters, opt for floating lines like the Cortland Precision Pike Musky Floating. For shallow flats, consider full intermediate lines such as the Cortland Precision Pike Musky Intermediate. When fishing deeper waters, go for sinking lines like the Cortland Compact Sink Type 6. I generally target these fish when it is spring and fall when there in shallow water so the floating line is perfect but if you find yourself hunting later in the season the sink tips are a must.

Step 3: Leader and tippet

Given the sharp teeth and strong jaws of these predators, heavy leaders and tippets are essential to prevent break-offs. Construct your leaders using Cortland lines leader material, incorporating fluorocarbon for abrasion resistance. Opt for your 50-pound fluorocarbon for bite protection, ensuring durability without sacrificing stealth. In Colorado, we have to downsize tippet tremendously and I usually run 25 lb so I lose a lot of fish during the fight but get more eats, depending on where you are you might have to do something similar.

Step 4: Flies

Stock your fly box with a variety of patterns tailored to the preferences of pike and musky throughout the seasons. From Clouser Minnows and Barry's Pike Fly for springtime pursuits to topwater sliders like Rainey's June Deep Diver for explosive summer strikes, and massive articulated streamers like Umqua's Northwoods Ninja for fall trophy hunting, having a diverse selection ensures you're prepared for any scenario.

Step 5: Accessories

Invest in accessories like stripping baskets to manage your line efficiently, particularly when fishing from shore. Ensure safe handling of these toothy predators with tools like the Rising Special Blend Lip Gripper and quality pliers for hook removal. Keep your hooks razor-sharp with a diamond file, maximizing your chances of a solid hook set.

Whether you're casting topwater flies or dredging the depths with oversized streamers, these apex predators offer some amazing thrills to the anglers who are willing to work for it. So gear up, hit the water, and don’t get discouraged by follows and no takes. Eventually, you’ll be looking down on an amazing predator in your net that you can be truly be proud of.