Episode 262: Bingo Bug Pike

Today, the Mercury Marine Destination takes us up to Cree Lake Lodge in Northern Saskatchewan. When you find world class Pike, with great boats, great accommodations, wonderful home cooked meals, why look any further. This is Charlie's home away from home for 4 glorious Pike fishing days. Talk about being right at home, even fishing from safe stable 18 foot Crestliner Kodiak boats. 60 hp Mercury motors take you from hot spot to hot spot quickly and gives even more quality time fishing, not eating up half the day in travel like some of the other lodges. www.creelakelodge.com or 306-344-4862.

Charlie has been successfully using the Lucky Bug Bingo Bug for a variety of species over the last few years, but this year, time to test them on the big Pike. Charlie has also brought up a 10 weight Okuma SLV fly rod. This 4 piece rod breaks down into such a small size, it was no big deal to add it in with the other rods, just in case he wanted to try fly fishing for the Pike. Last year, after learning that some of the largest fish are feeding on leeches, the Bingo Bug was the first lure to come to mind. This lure looks like a fly, only with a small plastic lip that gives it wonderful crank bait action, and with only small little twitches, the Lucky Bug Bingo Bug comes alive and looks like a real creature. With the addition of the Impulse Leech, it now not only has realistic smell, but the Lucky Bug gives the leech lifelike action. Charlie brought up the Fly rod last year as well, and was ready to kick himself that he didn't try it after seeing the results this time. When it comes to fishing, you never stop learning. The Lucky Bug with the Impulse trailer was unbelievable! It was see a fish, catch a fish, and even if the fish was lost, or the hook was set too early, almost every Pike spotted sight fishing could be tempted into a hit, truly amazing! Pike were also caught on standard casts with unseen fish hitting, but those big lethargic giants that never seem interested in other lures, could be teased with this realistic, slowly worked technique.

For those of you wanting to try fly fishing, it is not difficult. Just remember, it is designed to cast very light presentations, and it is actually the weight of the line, and line itself that you are casting. The rod loads under the weight of the line, and takes the light flies with it, so it is the balance and timing you need to get use to, almost like flicking a 6 foot length of ribbon with your arm, not really, but that will give you the idea. You can go back and forth from 10 - 2 o'clock positions, suspending the line each time, until you have the direction and distance you want it. Balance is the key, if the weight of line and rod are not working well with each other, it can be difficult to say the least. There is an assortment of lines available, not only in weight, but variations of floating to any degree of sinking speeds. A visit to you local pro shop would be worth it for your type of fishing planned, just to make sure you get the correct combo. For this shallow water giant Pike, Charlie is using the Okuma Integrity 10/11 size. Lots of room for backing and sized for the thicker 10 weight line.

Even the slightest detail can throw you off, too long of a leader, and it might be awkward depending on your experience. Experiment with what suits you best. Charlie makes sure he has a 6 - 8 foot length of 30 lb test Seaguar Flouorocarbon as a shock leader, but with the toothy Pike sucking this presentation well past the corners of their mouths, this is perfect for the addition of 18 inches of the Western Filament Tuf-Leader. This braided stainless steel leader is flexible and easy to work with and ties like regular monofilament, so knots are easy and simple. Keeping the presentation realistic and not wanting to deaden the great action of the Lucky Bug Bingo Bug, 20 lb test Tuf-Leader is perfect. Thin and still the safety of wire.

When you are up on a trip of a lifetime like this, there is no time for a rain day off, and getting cold and wet can really spoil the fun. Charlie has been relying on Viking raincoats and bibs for years, tough and 100% waterproof. He even uses the Viking Evolution jacket as a base layer for cooler early morning runs under the Tri-Zone coat. The Tri-Zone coat also has a zip out fleece lining for adapting to climates. With the layers in place, no matter what the day brings, you are warm, dry and comfortable and can shed the layers as needed for all conditions. Don't let the stylish look of the Evolution jacket fool you, it is also 100% waterproof. Proper footwear is always forgotten on fly in trips, especially when you are trying to keep the weight of your luggage down. Those who think high end waterproof hikers will do the trick, are quickly reminded when the cool wind from a boat ride across open water sends a cool breeze up your pant leg, or when seated in the boat fishing for Lakers or during travel on wet days, the rain is dripping in your sock from the cuff of your rain pants. Charlie always makes room for the Bekina boots, these polyurethane boots are light in weight, cool in the summer and surprising warm on the cold days. It just makes sense to stay comfortable and enjoy the trip as much as you can, make room for good boots.

Proper handling of these magnificent trophy Pike is something serious anglers and the owners of Cree Lake Lodge take seriously. They want to protect these fish and use the EGO weigh slings for landing these giants. Much like a cradle, but with handles for weighing the fish without the need for further handling, and ideal for those who want exact weights for bragging rights. For the times when a few photos are wanted, protect your hands with the Viking cut resistant NBR palm coated gloves, this will protect your hands and allow you a much better grip on your fish to be photographed.