25 replies to this topic

[MadocFlyGuy]

Rope flies are imitating baitfish as well... but have a 100% hookup rate Should give it a try.

They just use the nylon rope, and no hooks, right? The idea being their teeth catch in the thread?

[MuskieBait]

Rope flies has "100%" hookup rate, but it's a mess trying to untangle the gar if it is wrapped badly. Not very good for quick release.

 

People use similar lures for billfish...but again, discouraged since the time it takes to untangle or cut away the rope is detrimental to the fish survival.

[threeparrots]

Gotta make your own. Using the core of most any rope will do the trick. The rope tangles in their teeth.

 

You can pop the fist out in under a minute with care. Obviously if you have no care for the fish you can do some serious damage if not removed properly. Those of us on this board (I presume) do have care for the fish, which will ensure their survival. In all honesty, I've had the most problems with releasing fish when they've burried the lure down their throat or into their gills. Now I'm not sure how much oxygen these gar breathe, but they've been the most resiliant out of water species that I've encountered.

 

I have had some awful tangles, but never felt like the fish wouldn't make it once released -- they've always kicked away hard. I'm sure most others with experience would agree. Also -- by limiting the length of your rope fly you also limit the amount of tangle possible.

 

So yes, there is potential to harm the fish while using rope flies, but with care I personally haven't seen the harm.

[Kit]

Sounds like a messy business lol. Just trying to untangle a rope that's in their teeth thrashing around.

I do wanna see how one of these things work and what they look like.

[MadocFlyGuy]

Thanks for the info threeparrots!

 

How long do you generally make the rope length?

[threeparrots]

3.5-4 inches is where I've had best success. The longer it is, the heavier it will get once wet. Ideally, you want the fly to remain just under the surface at roughly the same level as a gar itself. The longer flies get heavier, sink quicker (especially if you want to let it rest in the water.. it will just sink). I haven't experimented with different materials yet.. perhaps next year.