Sunday, October 26, 2008

Autumnal Rush


Autumnal Rush
by Stephan Dombaj

Now that the Salmonide close season has started, the suicide rate among flyfishers is increasing rapidly. But there´s a cure and I am not talking about far-away places and tropical adventures. I´m talking about the toothy secret of your backyard: Pikes, Perches, Zeds, Asps and so on - but the best thing is: Autumn is the very best time to go for them, cause they got to gain weight before it´s getting cold. So, it´s up to you whether you are suffering from circadian-trout-close season-depression or from bleeding hands because your last 40inch plus Pike has beaten up the shit out of you. I guess you like it the hard way just like we do...


(Predator-Hunt, the dark side of flyfishing)

Let´s start with Mr. Lucius itself - Pike (Esox lucius) is one of European´s biggest and most popular predators, period! And that for valid reasons: That monsterous mean fish kills for fun anything that is almost as big as itself. 850 needlesharp teeth are an appropriate tool to kill both warmblooded animals and aquatic animals. It is our godgiven duty to take revenge for each helpless animal that found it´s end inbetween the blood-dripping jaws of Mr. Lucius.


("Strip it fast and prey for the big bang!")

As you can see - big flies are needed in addition to the fact that Pikes, especally bigger ones, have a very hard and boney mouth, you have to make sure that you set the hook properly! After the take, wait a second till the fish turns, then nail it via flyline and the buttsection of your rod...several times. As far as your equipment is concerned, make sure that it´s prepared for these harsh actions...needlesharp hooks, shocktippet and an appropriate steelwire or fluocarbontippet. Need some flies? Check this out: PIKEFLIES


(Pike Booster prepared for some action!)


(Get equipped!)


(Fat autumn Pike - 40+ on 6wt. AEG Signature)


(Nearly 42 inches - Release)


(39 inch Glomma-Pike)

Talking about toothy secrets, we shouldn´t forget about "Zeds" (Stizostedion lucioperca) Zeds are considered to be far more distinguished than Pikes ... and well, it´s the truth. But ain´t that thing hot as hell? In my eyes a brilliant gamefish that can be quite tricky to get on fly... but that´s the challenge! As far as flies are concerned: Take the same patterns frome upon - maybe a bit smaller.


(6wt AEG vs. Zed)


(Zed on Pike Booster Fly)


(Fin-Artwork)


(Portrait)


(Stream-Zed)

Take your time and give it a try, beside the the two predators upon - there´s a lot more to experience! For example:


(Catfish on Fly)


(Perches)


(Asps)

Just slipping away from predators for a sec. you´ll soon find out that autumn is aswell the best time for giant carps on fly!


(Gian Carp on a 4wt)


(Wannbe predator nailed on a streamer)


(Koi on fly)

If that ain´t flyfishing - I don´t know!