Proper Rod Size

• Muskie are strong fish. In fact, they are swift and mean like a barracuda and swim with the stealth-like agility of a northern pike. Regardless of the method used to catch them, a solid rod must be used. Fly-fishing for muskie requires an 8- to 9-foot fly rod. A minimum of a 9- or 10-weight graphite rod should be the benchmark. Saltwater fly rods work well for muskie fly-fishing.
  
  

The Reel

• Muskie will, at times, strike as you are retrieving your lure for another cast. Muskie will follow bait for a several seconds before nailing it and taking off. Thundering boat-side strikes are common. The best fly reels for muskie need to have good drag, the ability to hold a couple hundred feet of backing, and the durability to tangle with a tarpon or other similar saltwater game fish.
  
  

Fly Line

• Depending on water conditions, a heavy line is a must. Fly line must be thick and heavy enough to hold large flies and able to reel effortlessly, especially when a canine-bearing and alligator-thrashing muskie blasts a fly. Strong tip-sinking and weight-forward line (11-weight minimum, depending on wind and water conditions) is necessary.
  
  

Flies

• It should go without saying that fly-fishing for muskie involves using big flies. Simply stated, however, the term "big" literally means about 6 to 12 inches in length. While most freshwater fly manufacturers don't make flies that large, big saltwater flies usually do the trick for muskie fishing. Because muskie are known for destroying lures, it is highly recommended that you are well-stocked in flies. It's also a good idea to learn how to make them.
  
  

Leaders

• Anyone familiar with the jaws of a muskie knows that their teeth are razor sharp, much like those of certain sharks. Like a hot spoon moving through a bowl of hot cheese, a muskie's tooth can sever fish line in a split second. For this reason, strong braided leaders are necessary. A 6- to 9-foot leader with a strong tippet (15- to 20-lb. test) is recommended. As a general rule, a leader-tippet combo should be as heavy as possible without impeding casting and fly performance.
  
  

Patience and Casting

• Muskie fishing rarely involves a fish on every cast. A successful day could consist of four to six hours of casting before hooking one. Muskie will often chase lures and not strike at all. When they do, however, you'll have a fight on your hands, even if you haven't hooked a major trophy. The key to fishing muskie with flies involves the same patience as conventional fishing with one major exception: You must keep your lure on and off the water at a constant pace. While you may get tired quickly, you'll get a workout and learn the art of fly-casting in the process.