Pike Attack

Albertabowhunter · #1 03-16-2009, 05:33 PM

I'm trying to remember when Pike attack their prey, do they attack at the side, or at the head? Reason being is I'm tying a few Pike patterns for the fly rod, and am trying to decide what type of hook(s) to use.

Nerdapres' · #2 03-16-2009, 05:50 PM

Judging from videos I've seen and fish I've caught, I'd say they attack from the side, right behind the head of their prey. But I'm no expert.

Cal · #3 03-16-2009, 05:54 PM

Every time I've seen one strike its been from the side or from undernieth. They then swim off and turn the fish and swallow it head first which I think is why people think they strike head on.

#4 03-16-2009, 05:55 PM

Iv watched them hit my flys from both angles,
I have seen them strike hard and fast and from all angles. Have also stripped a fly right by there nose and have them follow it and strike from behind.

I tend to tie my flies like this

this ones haggard as its been well used

And I find the pike LOVE my tube flys

#5 03-16-2009, 06:09 PM

They do infact take from the sides but only if they are stalking their pray.
If its an instinctual and its quick they will take it however they can grab it.

honda450 · #6 03-16-2009, 06:10 PM

Nice flys Loon.

Polarisnut · #7 03-16-2009, 06:18 PM

What weight of fly rod would be best for pike? I have only taken trout on the fly and would love to try for pike this season.

#8 03-16-2009, 06:31 PM

some will tell you the minimum will be an 8 weight. Everyone has there preference.

I have a 6 weight setup for pike and it works perfect. an 8 weight would be best to start out on. I caught a 11 pound pike a my 4 weight rod. So all depends on what you feel comfortable with.

dodger · #9 03-16-2009, 06:39 PM

I like using a 9 weight, if your near a weed bed it can a bit of a workout hauling them out!! Plus I made the mistake of using one of my good rods up north and it nearly snapped when the Pike took a run under the boat. I have purchased a cheap $40.00 dollar rod and i don't worry about it snapping, this is my third cheap rod in 8 years.
My $0.02 worth, Dodger.

packhuntr · #10 03-16-2009, 06:58 PM

For sure, a crippling strike is the first strike in normal ambush type deals. Like Kyle said though, with big pred's you can expect almost anything. Looks like war is inevitable!!! Attack / Photo / Release!!! Have fun!!!

ESOXangler · #11 03-16-2009, 09:22 PM

thats crazy that you use a 6 weight, i wouldn't consider anything under an 8 weight, more back bone and control and it helps when you have to punch a wet soggy fly thru the wind.

#12 03-16-2009, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESOXangler

thats crazy that you use a 6 weight, i wouldn't consider anything under an 8 weight, more back bone and control and it helps when you have to punch a wet soggy fly thru the wind.

Like I said everyone has there preference, I think a 6 weight is real fun. Have never had any problems with the rod or line breaking.

Albertabowhunter · #13 03-16-2009, 09:46 PM

Loon, with the the longer tails, do you find you get a few tail grabs or misses?

#14 03-16-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Albertabowhunter

Loon, with the the longer tails, do you find you get a few tail grabs or misses?

no not really, I find with pike, they really slam it, even when they take it softer on those slower days I have never really had a problem with long tails. I have found I catch more with long tails, they have more movement and just look good.