Question:

Can anyone suggest a good web site for info/maps/reviews on fly fishing within a short drive of the Northern VA area? Thanks. Phil Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Can anyone suggest a good web site for info/maps/reviews on fly fishing within a short drive of the Northern VA area? Thanks. Phil

www.murraysflyshop.com — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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Phil asks: Can anyone suggest a good web site for info/maps/reviews on fly

fishing within a short drive of the Northern VA area?< http://www.murraysflyshop.com/

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You should get a copy of the January issue of Virginia Wildlife, which contains a comprehensive list (and maps) of wild and stocked trout streams throughout Virginia.  Much of this information, including stocking schedules, is also available at:  http://www.dgif.state.va.us Accotink creek, near Springfield/Burke (accessible from Wakefield Park off Braddock Road–very close to the Braddock Rd S/W exit from 495) is a delayed harvest stream in the Northern Virginia area, but aside from a large pool near the south end of the park, there isn’t much action here, and the water is usually pretty low (though I’ve rarely fished this and would defer to other peoples’ experiences). Your best bet is to head west, towards Shenandoah National Park.  From the beltway, you can be in the Rose or the Hughes in a little over an hour, though this time of year the stocked sections of the stream are pretty well fished out and you’ll have to hike up into the park for the natives.  You may also want to descend from Skyline drive on the top–the Hughes river near Corbin Cabin can be a particularly fine spot.  But be warned–fishing in Virginia during the summer months can be rough going.  That’s not to say that you won’t enjoy some beautiful wilderness, and may wade miles of stream without seeing another fisherman (even on a weekend), but the water is often quite low in the summer, and although you’ll find large groups of native locked into pools at various points, you have to be at the top of your game to hook one in July or August. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone suggest a good web site for info/maps/reviews on fly fishing within a short drive of the Northern VA area? Thanks. Phil Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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 but the water is often quite low in the summer, and although you’ll find large groups of native locked into pools at various points, you have to be at the top of your game to hook one in July or August.

Be careful fishing pools like that during low water, you can kill a lot of fish that took years to grow. Better slide on down to the South Fork (of the Shenandoah) and fish for smallmouth. Lotsa smallies and they bite good. The commute is not any longer, so it is worth a try. Just my two cents worth. John still in the Shenandoah Valley

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Question:

Could anyone name me some fine Grayling/trout rivers in the area of Sheffield England? Tanks LV

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Could anyone name me some fine Grayling/trout rivers in the area of Sheffield England?

Very few, very much in demand, and apt to be expensive I’m afraid. The three main rivers are in Derbyshire, roughly 20 miles south-west of Sheffield. Best of these is the Wye, and tickets available for a short stretch of the Chatsworth Estate water – Tel Keeper 01246-582513 or Estate Office 01246-582242. I believe this is dry-fly only. A further six miles available centred round the town of Bakewell – Tel 01629-733518 or (keeper) 01629-636255. The other rivers are the Derwent and Dove (Isaac Waltons home river), but I haven’t any info on tickets to hand. I’ll try and dig some out if you’re interested. If you want more than these, then I can’t think of much any nearer than the welsh Dee, which is about 60 miles away, or the rivers of North Yorkshire or Lancashire, which are very good, but a lot further away. I guess that explains why good fishing around Sheffield is not cheap. Cheers Ian D

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Question:

I am the north west end of town (Champions Forest). Is there any fishing within 20 mile distance. Thank you.

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I am the north west end of town (Champions Forest). Is there any fishing within 20 mile distance.

You really picked the wrong part of the planet for fly fishing local waters. That said, technically within youi 20 mile radius: Buffalo Bayou, Cypress Creek, Spring Creek, Lake Woodlands. The far west end of Lake Houston and the WF San Jacinto River [canoeable] Bane Park has a perch pond that I occassionally go to harrass sunfish. There is an artificial set of ponds near the Galleria at Richmond/Post Oak. I haven’t not fished White Oak Bayou much inside the loop, but did hookup with a fairly decent 24" carp once in the concrete channel above some riprap.   Accessing White Oak is probably best accomplished by Bicycle. That said, I’m moving to Conroe!     Nyah!

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Question:

Anyone have any experience flyfishing in PR or Vieques? We’re headed there shortly and need any info you guys & ladies might have. Thanks, Bill Way

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Im told that Vieques can be quite a blast. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have any experience flyfishing in PR or Vieques? We’re headed there shortly and need any info you guys & ladies might have. Thanks, Bill Way

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I spent a couple of months down there in the US Navy and I had a blast with the baracuda, gar, croaker, and tarpon. All over the area. You will love it. make sure you have some braided leaders or wire of some sorts. ‘Cudas bite right through it. Also need som 10-20 pound leaders and tippet material. The best colors were blue/white and chartreuse/white. Others worked but not as well. I caught many other species of fish, but I couldn’t tell you what they were. Hope you enjoy the fishing. There are some flats to chose from as well as some good accessible deeper areas. Good fishing Gordo When in doubt, toss ‘em a fly. Who knows, may be your day. Gordo

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Interested in fly fishing and fishing Puerto Rico? See www.fishinginpuertorico.com for more information. Mark V. <’< – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I spent a couple of months down there in the US Navy and I had a blast with the baracuda, gar, croaker, and tarpon. All over the area. You will love it. make sure you have some braided leaders or wire of some sorts. ‘Cudas bite right through it. Also need som 10-20 pound leaders and tippet material. The best colors were blue/white and chartreuse/white. Others worked but not as well. I caught many other species of fish, but I couldn’t tell you what they were. Hope you enjoy the fishing. There are some flats to chose from as well as some good accessible deeper areas. Good fishing Gordo When in doubt, toss ‘em a fly. Who knows, may be your day. Gordo

Before you buy.

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Question:

Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce

Over time, yup. Peter

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No, but you could get a hernia in your hemostat. — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you’re worried about lead poisoning, crimp it hard with your hemostats. Works for me.Pete C Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce

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The lead paint was a problem because kids actually eat the paint. Lead is not soluable so unless you inadvertantly swallow the shot its probably a low level problem. The one exception I see is if you get some lead caught in your teeth. Lead is soft and it could stick to a filling or crevas in you teeth and later come off when your chewing food. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce I don’t know.  Better safe than sorry. Pete C Young children have been known to contract lead poisoning from gnawing objects painted with lead based paint( in the old days!) — Bill

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Change brands of shot.  Some are harder than others and definitely stay on better.

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Don’t cast. Stalk. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "Guilt replaced the creel…"

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Try running the leader through the split twice before crimping.  This does put a wrap on the outside of the shot that may be subject to wear.  I have also used figure 8 knots on thick leader to prevent sliding.  That knot is relatively easy to undo. William Buchman

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I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

Brian Putting the other smart-assed answers aside, I’ll assume you’ve done all the usual things.  Probably you are overhead casting, perhaps some fasle casting, and putting some effort into it to avoid clipping your ears.  Since the splitshot loads up the rod more, the whole contraption is now arriving at the end of the cast with some violence, sending your splitshot into the opposite bank at just under mach one. So instead of high powered overhead casts, use a gentle lob with a big open loop, a flick or a roll.  I usually allow my line to pull out straight downstream at the end of the drift, then pull gently toward the point upstream that I’m casting to.  A little flick and the line just rolls out without any fuss.  My 9 1/2′ seven wt. is the only rod I’ll use a conventional small loop, overhead cast with splitshot, as it has enough length and muscle to keep the line up without any extra effort on my part.   Instead of all sorts of fancy replacements and gimmicks; stop false casting, slow down your delivery, open up the loop and let the rod work.  Stepping down to a lighter or slower rod may help too. Peter

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Tie a knot over the split and make sure the knot is over the back side of the split and not along the crimp seam. If its on the seam it will open up the crimp and you lose another shot. You will never lose a shot this way. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

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Scrap the paper off of those "twister ties" that come on loaves of bread……use them for sinker action…..I love ‘em. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

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Don’t cast. Stalk. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Don’t cast. Plop! Mr. G. "Guilt replaced Catch and Kill with Catch & Release" ; ) "cast, drift . . . cast . . . drift . . .?" Is this nymph going to work or not Tim?

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Pinch shot onto line and see if that helps. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

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I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

Hi Brian, Sometimes the problem is squeezing them on to tight, especially if you’re using lead shot.  The lead shot is a lot softer than the "lead free" stuff and if you’re using either your teeth (not good – lead is poison you know), or forceps to close the split and you squeeze too hard, it opens up the back part of the split and the shot slips all over the place.   I usually put the split shot on the line and squeeze it with my fingers just hard enough to hold it.  Then I will take my forceps and squeeze it shut from the back of the shot, not from the split side.  I watch the split close and when it meets and compresses slightly I *stop* squeezing.  This way you close the back of the split securely and you can see if you’ve overtightened it.  It rarely moves with this technique.  However, as Peter and "another damn guide", both pointed out excessive forceful false casting may knock it loose anyway. Use water-loading as much as possible instead of false casts when fishing nymphs with shot (easier to do, and fewerangles). I’ve also used the "wrap it through twice" trick that William Buchman suggested, especially on soft BB shot and it works well.  I always expect it to break where it’s wrapped around the shot and it never does.  I’m still nervous about doing that, but it does stop it from slipping.                       Hope this helps,                              Dan Dan Gracia Orvis

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Put it between two molars and bite down.  It’s always worked for me. Later,     – Ken

Lucky bugger, I haven’t got two molars:-I — Bill

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I have two molars Bill, but they don’t meet. — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Put it between two molars and bite down.  It’s always worked for me. Later,     – Ken Lucky bugger, I haven’t got two molars:-I — Bill

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If you’re worried about lead poisoning, crimp it hard with your hemostats. Works for me. Pete C

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If you’re worried about lead poisoning, crimp it hard with your hemostats. Works for me.Pete C

Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce

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Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce

I don’t know.  Better safe than sorry. Pete C

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Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce I don’t know.  Better safe than sorry. Pete C

Young children have been known to contract lead poisoning from gnawing objects painted with lead based paint( in the old days!) — Bill

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first pinch with your hemostats/pliers then try reducing the force of an number of your false casts DryFly Another Damn Giude – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

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I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks.

Um, you *are* crimping them closed, aren’t you?

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no problem! Do  not use split shot.  Use twist ons.  Trust me the way to go if ya gotta get down.

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I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Um, you *are* crimping them closed, aren’t you?

Maybe God is telling him to use dry flies. — something bogus to avoid spam)

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I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

_______ Brian, you should learn to tie your own leaders.  Go andbuy yourself a complete set of hard and soft Maxima Leader Material in clear mono. Order a bottle of Knot-Perfect from me for $3 which I will absorb shipping charges and labor/handling, etc.  A deal, I assure you. Use Knot-Perfect on each knot and at the tippet knot, use them as stoppers for your lead. There are other ways, but for nymphing, and/or lead flat/wire at knots, you will be much better off then using tapered leaders.  Tapered, single strand leaders take a lot of mobility and tricks away from you. Reconsider:  - or – shall we all revisit "Hand Tied Leaders" (?) I love making them. See: http://www.gink.com Place an  order and I’ll include a surprise.  I sort of am able to do things other employees can’t.  I’m the President. Mr. G.

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I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

Response:

I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks.

Put it between two molars and bite down.  It’s always worked for me. Later,      - Ken — Not speaking for anyone but myself

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Question:

and all thier relatives live up here in Nova Scotia – long live the Canadian Air Force ! To quote an angler whose name escapes me, "There isn’t a single blackfly in the Adirondacks – they’re all married with very large families!"

– Bill Curry Tight Lines Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada Phone or Fax :  902-656-3329 http://www.tightlines.ns.ca

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Hi I’m travelling to Schroon Lake for the third week of June: 20-27. I heard the blackfly season should be over by then. Can anyone help me confirm this, or should I bring a case of deet with me? Thanks, Henry

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Yup – the black flies will be gone, but the mosquitos will just be starting.

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To quote an angler whose name escapes me, "There isn’t a single blackfly in the Adirondacks – they’re all married with very large families!"

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Hi I’m travelling to Schroon Lake for the third week of June: 20-27. I heard the blackfly season should be over by then. Can anyone help me confirm this, or should I bring a case of deet with me? Thanks, Henry

Henry,     You’ll be missing the black flies, but will hit the real beginning of the mosquitos, the no-see-ums, and the height of the deerflies.  Leave the DEET at home; it damages your liver and turns the no-see-ums and deerflies into mean drunks.  A nice side-by-side 28-guage would be just right (#12 shot).   Or go naked and lose ten pounds a day. Bob Scott

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Thanks everybody for all your help (I think) -h – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m travelling to Schroon Lake for the third week of June: 20-27. I heard the blackfly season should be over by then. Can anyone help me confirm this, or should I bring a case of deet with me? Mosquitoes follow blackfly, and an important difference is that mosquitoes bite you under canvas (and I’ve never understood why blackfly do not.)  The main thing is that mosquito attacks are worst in the open at sunset, when the fishing is often best: to concentrate on the fishing, most anglers need some sort of fly repellant. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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I’m travelling to Schroon Lake for the third week of June: 20-27. I heard the blackfly season should be over by then. Can anyone help me confirm this, or should I bring a case of deet with me?

Mosquitoes follow blackfly, and an important difference is that mosquitoes bite you under canvas (and I’ve never understood why blackfly do not.)  The main thing is that mosquito attacks are worst in the open at sunset, when the fishing is often best: to concentrate on the fishing, most anglers need some sort of fly repellant. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

Just to clarify my previous post – Summit County, Colorado. Zemel

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Anyone have good info on fly fishing in Cabo San Lucas?  I am going down in April and would love some salt water action.   Keith McDonald Columbia Homes, Inc. 206-222-6317

Be sure and read the article on "Gonzalo’s" under rec.outdoors.fishing.saltwater.  Don’t think I’d mess with them from those other people’s experience.

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 Anyone have good info on fly fishing in Cabo San Lucas?  I am going down – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – in April and would love some salt water action.   Keith McDonald Columbia Homes, Inc. 206-222-6317

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Couple questions from a group newcomer: 1) Heading to Summit County in March – any suggestions, away from towns preferrably? 2) I need some cold-weather fishing gloves – again, any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Mitch Zemel

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Question:

After reading all the posts about upland bird hunting and grouse stocking in the ff’er group, it got me to thinking (Hmmm… thought I smelled wood burning!) about the proper shotgun for trout.

An English side-by-side with a splinter fore end and a straight stock, only, and *only* over a pointing dog.   Waxing my Barbour coat and waiting for a call from my broker, David

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: Say! what about going after grouse with a 6 weight rod?  I have heard about : people catching pigeons with a threaded piece of dried corn. Time to re-hash the stories about bat-casting….

i always practice C&R on them…and ouzels…not much meat on a bat, but the wings (I’ve heard) make excellent jerky. TimW

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After reading all the posts about upland bird hunting and grouse stocking in the ff’er group, it got me to thinking (Hmmm… thought I smelled wood burning!) about the proper shotgun for trout. It would seem to me that you might want to go with variable chokes depending on if trout were feeding on the surface or not. The AR folks could always practice blast and release. Say! what about going after grouse with a 6 weight rod?  I have heard about people catching pigeons with a threaded piece of dried corn. Regards, Frank. Self appointed treasurer of the Mountain Home Benevolent Trout Fishers Assosciation. Motto:  Your dues are due. P.S.  I’m going nuts.  I haven’t been able to fish for awhile, and if I don’t soak my lower half in some cold water soon, I’m done for.

Hi Frank I’ve got some yellow Brazilian Velour that should make a great corn fly. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog)

Response:

After reading all the posts about upland bird hunting and grouse stocking in the ff’er group, it got me to thinking (Hmmm… thought I smelled wood burning!) about the proper shotgun for trout. It would seem to me that you might want to go with variable chokes depending on if trout were feeding on the surface or not. The AR folks could always practice blast and release. Say! what about going after grouse with a 6 weight rod?  I have heard about people catching pigeons with a threaded piece of dried corn. Regards, Frank. Self appointed treasurer of the Mountain Home Benevolent Trout Fishers Assosciation. Motto:  Your dues are due. P.S.  I’m going nuts.  I haven’t been able to fish for awhile, and if I don’t soak my lower half in some cold water soon, I’m done for.

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Question:

Has anyone ever been up to Packer Lake in the Sierras? It was mentioned along with Upper and Lower Sardine Lakes.  I’ve been to those.  Stocked regularly… boats with electric motors… cabins next door.  Is Packer the one over the ridge and down in the valley? I think probably a couple mile hike.  How does it fish? jeff — Center for Computational Sciences and Engineering  PHONE: (510)486-5348 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory              FAX: (510)486-6900

I would fly fish the Gold lakes basin in June or Oct. In August the fish are usually pretty deep. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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Fished Packer Lake several years ago. Tough lake to fish unless youi know it well. Stay with lower Sardine in the evenings. Stocked with lots of nice trout and a beautiful lake.

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Has anyone ever been up to Packer Lake in the Sierras? It was mentioned along with Upper and Lower Sardine Lakes.  I’ve been to those.  Stocked regularly… boats with electric motors… cabins next door.  Is Packer the one over the ridge and down in the valley? I think probably a couple mile hike.  How does it fish? jeff — Center for Computational Sciences and Engineering  PHONE: (510)486-5348 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory              FAX: (510)486-6900

Response:

Sorry I’m brain-dead this a.m.  These lake where mentioned in "FishFirst"’s report… Sorry for the confusion.  It’s Friday and I’ve only had one cup of coffee (so far) today. jeff — Center for Computational Sciences and Engineering  PHONE: (510)486-5348 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory              FAX: (510)486-6900

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Question:

Yesterday, my buddy and I went out to a stretch of the Winnipeg River, east of Winnipeg, Manitoba. We head to our best spring pike spot. An expansive weed flat in a shallow, north bay. We chuck some spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Lots of followers! HUGE followers! No bites except for a couple 12-inchers. Try some sluggos – nothing. Try some Rapala-type minnows – nothing.  ’Well, I guess they aren’t hungry’ my buddy says…..We’re packing up, and I spot an old spoon in the bottom of my tackle box. Now, I always thought spoons were kinda…, what…., old fashioned? Low-tech? What the heck, it’s worth a try. I toss it….BANG – 5 pounder. Nice. Try again. BANG – 8 pounder. NICE. My buddy loads up a weedless spoon – BANG – 6 pounder. We drifted across the flat for 2 hours, caught over 20 fish. One was my new personal best, 13 pounds, 37inches long…. caught on a ‘five of diamonds’ spoon. Now, compared to some of the fly-in spots, these aren’t big fish. But considering that these were caught 5 minutes from a public boat launch, we couldn’t have been happier. Lesson learned – pike like spoons. Thanks,guys,,,,just had to share my good fortune. Brian ps – all the fish were caught on Fusion – I love Fusion. SOLID hooksets, especially when your barbs are pinched.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yesterday, my buddy and I went out to a stretch of the Winnipeg River, east of Winnipeg, Manitoba. We head to our best spring pike spot. An expansive weed flat in a shallow, north bay. We chuck some spinnerbaits and buzzbaits. Lots of followers! HUGE followers! No bites except for a couple 12-inchers. Try some sluggos – nothing. Try some Rapala-type minnows – nothing.  ’Well, I guess they aren’t hungry’ my buddy says…..We’re packing up, and I spot an old spoon in the bottom of my tackle box. Now, I always thought spoons were kinda…, what…., old fashioned? Low-tech? What the heck, it’s worth a try. I toss it….BANG – 5 pounder. Nice. Try again. BANG – 8 pounder. NICE. My buddy loads up a weedless spoon – BANG – 6 pounder. We drifted across the flat for 2 hours, caught over 20 fish. One was my new personal best, 13 pounds, 37inches long…. caught on a ‘five of diamonds’ spoon. Now, compared to some of the fly-in spots, these aren’t big fish. But considering that these were caught 5 minutes from a public boat launch, we couldn’t have been happier. Lesson learned – pike like spoons. Thanks,guys,,,,just had to share my good fortune. Brian ps – all the fish were caught on Fusion – I love Fusion. SOLID hooksets, especially when your barbs are pinched.

I live in Oregon, U.S.A. and fish at Flin-Flon, Manitoba every year and find that my best baits for northerns are spoons and #5 Mepps spinners. We catch numerous pike in the 20-25 pound class with them.  Not every cast, however.  It is still work. I have also found that fishing the Mepps vertically can be productive at times.  Just open the bail and let it drop 50-75 feet to the bottom.  Then give it a "reef" and start cranking.  You might be surprised.  On my first 4 "drops" I landed 3 lake trout.  Sometimes they hit.  Sometimes they don’t!  

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