LE VIEUX MOUCHEUR 

9 - In conclusion

 FLY-FISHING FOR PIKE  by Paul Le Gall, translated by Claude BELLOIR

9 - IN CONCLUSION

Fly-fishing for pike is an exciting activity that largely deserves being called a sport just like any other sport, it requires specific tackle and learning the basic appropriate techniques.

Back in 1999, a minimum budget of £.100 to £.150 was enough to invest in :

• a 9 to 10ft single-handed rod rated for a #9/10 line;
• a #10 sink-tip floating line;
• a suitable reel also holding 30 metres of 33 b. s. Dacron braid;
• a 49 strand/12kg wire trace (leader);
• a few lures of one's own dressing.

Of course, it's always possible to invest more, not to get essential tackle, but to please oneself. 

As far as learning special techniques is concerned, except for knowledge of the pike and its ways, it is necessary to master tying lures beforehand, which isn't very difficult, but also and above all, casting proper, which is slightly more complicated though within everyone’s capacity .

To my mind, it is better to master casting first, and better still, the double haul, with trout rods ( either for river or reservoir). Learning the basics of fly-fishing in order to catch pike wouldn't be a right approach to learning how to cast nor would it be wise given the size and dangerousness of the lures. 

Finally, it's important to bear in mind, specially in fishing for pike, that true sport doesn't lie in how long you play the fish, but how you start and end the fight, thus preserving the resource. Using tackle and adapting a method that deliberately aim at prolonging the pleasure of playing the fish mean condemning it to lethal asphyxiation that prevents it from being put back with the best chance of survival. That is a predator's, not a sportsman's behaviour. 

As I underlined at the beginning of this series of articles on fly-fishing for pike, what  I've written isn't meant to be the Truth, but simply some remarks about what my fishing practice has allowed me to note up to now. So much the worse if they give the opportunity to question the validity of some cut and dried ideas, stated very clearly, and if they run counter to some methods. 

Everyone has a right to their own opinion. I've given mine without believing or asserting that it was the best. In any case, it works for me and gives me a lot of pleasure in fishing. These remarks are the fruit of my experience and are meant for those who would like to try in turn, with all my best wishes. 

Paul LE GALL, January1999
Translated by Claude BELLOIR
August 2005

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