Fly fishing for Pickerel (Jackfish)

[Donald Schmotzer]

 As a rule, I don't target Pickerel. However when I started tying a fly I call  the MM Minnow (see step X step under" Bluegill Fly Tying" Group) I started  catching a lot more of them (called "jackfish" down here). The MM minnow will catch all kinds of fish and seems to be a natural for the Jackfish. In a couple of the ponds/creeks I fish I finally started using a braided leader to keep the beast from cutting my tippet. . On a good day I may catch 10 or 12 Jackfish while fishing for Gills and Bass. Jackfish are so much fun to catch on a flyrod, I look forward to catching them as much as I do anything else. It seems almost any creek fed pond down here has them. ............Don in SC

 

 

 

 

 

[John Sheehan]

Great post Donald!

[John Sheehan]

Similarly,I have caught several  Pickerel on 32nd oz. handtied Bucktail jigs .Would be a first for me to get one on a flyrod .I'm thinking Bucktail streamers! Did you have to strip the line fast .Like White Perch ,Pickerel seem to get real excited when you move the bait quickly! in my time .Some good sized ones too.

[John Sheehan]

what size hook  is that Donald? Nice looking tie .I have never caught a pickerel on a fly but would love to!

[Donald Schmotzer]

That fly was tied on a size 10  2X hook. I strip this fly relatively slow, let it sink just a little between pulls. I am sure I would catch more Jackfish if I stripped it faster but I wasn't fishing for Jackfish........I do love to catch them. For Jackfish tie the MM minnow in bright colors, and add extra flash. (that seems to get their motor going) One pond that I fish in Lexington, SC seems to have more Jackfish than anything else...........Good luck .........Don in SC

[John Sheehan]

you're onto something, thanks donald

[John Sheehan]

Greg threw his clouser minnow a few times yesterday but he was using spinning gear so it didn't work out . We got 2 each up to 18.5 "-1.7#  (Greg's Fish) , on spoons and spinners 2.5" and smaller .  Nice to revisit your post here Don!