What Knots for Tigers?

[Lotech Joe]

I've heard that fluorocarbon leaders are good for Tiger Muskie fishing. I've also heard that 125# fluorocarbon is the way to go. My question is; does 125# fluorocarbon make a good leader for fly fishing for these critters? And, if so, what kind of knot would you recommend at both ends?
Thanks ahead for your input.

[iPodrodder]

Steel leaders I think are preferable so they can't slice the line right in half. I guess a thick line like that might work but probably not as well.

[Marc Martyn]

The word that I am getting in researching Tigers is to use a steel leader. This next spring I am going to start fly fishing for them out at Silver in Four Lakes. It should be interesting:-"

Here is an article I ran across recently:

http://www.midcurrent.com/articles/tech ... uskie.aspx

[Lotech Joe]

Marc,
You may see me there. I'm planning the same thing at Silver.

[Anglinarcher]

[quote="Lotech Joe"]I've heard that fluorocarbon leaders are good for Tiger Muskie fishing. I've also heard that 125# fluorocarbon is the way to go. My question is]

Hi Joe,

I bought some leaders made up with fluorocarbon, and they used crimps on the ends just like the steel leaders have.

Some thoughts for you, they are stiff as a board, usually have a curve or bend to them unless you heat them up and straighten them in some very warm water, heavier than s good multistrand steel leader, and, on some occasions, they can be cut through.

I lost a good Tiger over at Hauser a few years ago when it cut through after a long battle. I lost a couple of Northerns over at Coeur d'Alene as well.

If you want to hit Silver next spring, you and Marc should PM me and I'll meet you there. I have a couple fluorocarbons that I think I can spare.

Oh yea, I use a 9 weight, just to have a chance when I hit one in the weeds.

[Lotech Joe]

AnglinArcher,
Thanks friend. I might just do that. Seems like a long way off with all this snow.

[Marc Martyn]

Marc, You may see me there. I'm planning the same thing at Silver.

Sounds good Joe. It should be fun. I'm researching the internet now and talking with guys.

I just joined the Inland Empire Fly Fishing Club. Last Tues. I attended and helped out with this years fund raising Christmas raffle. Much to my surprise, I won an Orvis 9 wt. fly rod that one of the members donated to the raffle. It is like brand new. I think that he used it once. So now I have told Santa I wanted as many Cabela's Gift Cards as possible, to get the line and reel. I will be pretty much set up for the challenge.

[beresford13861]

furled leaders will hold up on most.

you can also make furled leaders out of very very fine wire...true tiger leader.

[Lotech Joe]

furled leaders will hold up on most.

you can also make furled leaders out of very very fine wire...true tiger leader.

I furl my own leaders out of 6/0 fly tying thread, using Kathy Scott's formula. Somehow I don't think they would hold up to a Tiger Muskie.

[Lotech Joe]

Marc, You may see me there. I'm planning the same thing at Silver.

Sounds good Joe. It should be fun. I'm researching the internet now and talking with guys.

I just joined the Inland Empire Fly Fishing Club. Last Tues. I attended and helped out with this years fund raising Christmas raffle. Much to my surprise, I won an Orvis 9 wt. fly rod that one of the members donated to the raffle. It is like brand new. I think that he used it once. So now I have told Santa I wanted as many Cabela's Gift Cards as possible, to get the line and reel. I will be pretty much set up for the challenge.

How lucky can you get? Good on you. I picked up a Pflueger Trion reel at Sportsmans' Warehouse about 1 1/2 years ago for I think $79. That's the one I'm planning on using.

[beresford13861]

furled leaders will hold up on most.

you can also make furled leaders out of very very fine wire...true tiger leader.

I furl my own leaders out of 6/0 fly tying thread, using Kathy Scott's formula. Somehow I don't think they would hold up to a Tiger Muskie.

theres fine wire that will work fine, maybe not for a 40# tiger but 10-25 should be fine, i used them in MN...
if not then a regular steel leader, slow down your cast.

[Anglinarcher]

i used them in MN...
if not then a regular steel leader, slow down your cast.

DITTO

[Marc Martyn]

Several of the steel leaders are so called "tieable". Should you tie knots or use small crimps?

[Lotech Joe]

Several of the steel leaders are so called "tieable". Should you tie knots or use small crimps?

Have you found any of those tieable leaders locally?

[Marc Martyn]

Both Joe's and Sportsman's Warehouse had them.

[Anglinarcher]

Several of the steel leaders are so called "tieable". Should you tie knots or use small crimps?

I do like the tieable leaders, and I do use them. The type I use actually barrel twist and you set the not with a match. You sure reduce the weight of the swivels that normally come with a lot of the pre-made steel leaders.

[Marc Martyn]

So what I am gathering for fly fishing, you use a regular leader, though shorter than normal because of the larger flies, and tie on about 8 inches of steel leader. I ran across this web page suggesting how to make up steel leaders. The technique looks very simple, however I can't see how just fusing the nylon coating would be strong enough. What do you thinK?

http://members.shaw.ca/cs47/leader.html

http://members.shaw.ca/clives/pikeflyfish.html

If this procedure would work, than a guy could tie up the flies with the leader already attached to the fly. You would then tie the fly line nylon leader onto the attached steel leader loop with a standard fisherman's knot. Correct?

This method looks like it would be a great way to go. I suppose for extra strength if needed, you could use a small crimp sleeve.

[JimLyons]

Wow Marc a nine weight Orvis. That is awesome. Seems pretty perfect for Pike according to the article You read. I have an old eight weight fiberglass Heddon that I am going to use at Silver it has backbone and is totally limber with a fish on. Definitely got to have a WL.com Pike Party. Have you found if they are hot at ice out or is it a summer thing?

[Marc Martyn]

It's a spring thing. I am gathering that information now. It's going to be a party alright!:bounce: :bounce: