Muskie/Pike Tubes

[B.Ingersoll]

I would like to see some Muskie/Pike tubes some time.

Thanks

[Justin Damude]

Shortest tinman post ever!

[Nick Pionessa]

the go to fly and stolen from Rick K though it seems no two are tied alike.


this one was actually in a fish's mouth, briefly...




same style and the only other color combo i personally have had action on.


variation tied with a combo of synthetics and marabou. swimms really, really well.


simple but harder to cast and also a personally active fly. big bunny bugger really with a orange fox collar for contrast and lots of flash.


everyone's got a theory on this stuff and they are probably as right as i am. it seems to be very much dependent on the exact body of water. where i fish the water is super clear most of the time. the fish can see flies from along way off. no need for super bulk or what's typically referred to as "water pushing", whatever that means. my theory is the bait is trying to be stealthy, not making a disturbance as it swims around. i prefer flies with great motion and swim over bulk. as i said, your mileage may vary. you'll also notice a color combo trend there and i have no explanation other than productivity. maybe it's simply the contrast.

for the construction i prefer the 1/8" diam rigid plastic tubing with eyes for orientation and stability (non spinning). my tubes are usually about 3.5" for a fly with a finished length of about 7". this puts the hook back from center a bit but not so far back as to miss head strikes. up to about 10" in this style are possible and castable. the bunny not so much. materials are mostly icelandic sheep and soft synthetics with plenty of flashabou for it's ability to swim well too. saddle hackles or schlappen are also used for wiggle, taper and their length.

what's anyone else had success on? especially interested in hearing about others success in very clear (10+feet of vis) waters.

[B.Ingersoll]

Thanks