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Fishidiot
Active member
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2006
- Messages
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Muskie flies, like virtually any streamer, can be effective utilizing a wide range of techniques and design. Generally, you want a large fly that pushes a lot of water and that can fished with a fast retrieve but that, at the same time, doesn't get too heavy to cast. It needs strong hooks and a durable design. Better yet, if the fly darts from side to side in an erratic, "crippled" fashion, all the better. Two or three years ago, I made my muskie flies using synthetic wings and rabbit strip underwing. I like my streamers to swim hook upward so used dumbell weights tied in Clouser style. Currently, I've changed things up. I ditched the rabbit strips (at least on larger flies over about 6") since they just absorb too much water. In its place, I now use pretty much all deer hair for the wings and bulk. I found that dumbell weights simply could not keep my muskie flies running hook up with the rapid and hard strips I applied. To remedy this, I switched to keel weights on a heavy mono loop - typically a 1/32nd oz slip sinker. These are still light enough for casting but provide enough weight to keep the fly swimming hook up as well as enhancing the fly's action. The pic below is a typical example of what many of my muskie flies currently look like. Unfortunately, the keel weight isn't visible in the pic but it is at the front of the fly just behind the hook eye. The fly is a triple hook system connected with #60 wire and a couple beads.
The recipe is as follows:
Front section: Hook is a 3/0 rubber worn hook; Green bucktail with several dyed grizzly hackles over it. Overwing is olive sculpin yarn tied with a small clipped head for bulk. The keel weight is under this section
Middle section: Same hook; material is a couple turns of black synthetic flash material ("Baitfish Emulator Flash" by Hareline Dubbing Inc)
Tail Section: Stinger hook placed very far back is a streamer hook #4; material is all olive deer hair tied with a spun/clipped head for bulk
Total length of fly is 7.5 inches.
The recipe is as follows:
Front section: Hook is a 3/0 rubber worn hook; Green bucktail with several dyed grizzly hackles over it. Overwing is olive sculpin yarn tied with a small clipped head for bulk. The keel weight is under this section
Middle section: Same hook; material is a couple turns of black synthetic flash material ("Baitfish Emulator Flash" by Hareline Dubbing Inc)
Tail Section: Stinger hook placed very far back is a streamer hook #4; material is all olive deer hair tied with a spun/clipped head for bulk
Total length of fly is 7.5 inches.