We still get tons of inquiries…around the shop, on Facebook and etc. about how to catch carp on a fly. The sport is really still in it’s infancy and there is alot of confusion, and misinformation out there.

Of course, we also still get the folks who can’t believe that we do it, and often….they think we are kidding. Then, every once in a while, we get those folks who are completely appalled and write us off as complete and utter fools. Recently, we had a guy on Facebook who absolutely raked us over the coals claiming that we were the scum of the earth and we were “ruining” fly fishing. He went as far as to say that “Carp are for Europeans you Idiots!” Needless to say he was banned from ever again commenting on our Facebook page and hopefully we won’t hear from him again. We just don’t need customers like that!!!

Anyways…..

We love teaching folks about carp fishing and that’s not going to change anytime soon. (Despite what a few folks might think of us.)

I thought I’d put together just a few simple notes here about the basics of carp on the fly….as part of “Carp Month” at Mad River Outfitters. Of course, there are several great resources out there that can also help you further your knowledge and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention.

First, the DVD that I did with Dave Whitlock, Jim Andrix, Jerry Darkes and Michael Bennett as my guests. “Carpin” takes a lightheared look at catching carp on the fly. It covers just about everything you need to know! We are very proud of this DVD and even after 11 years now, it still sells very well for us……and…..it’s on SALE right now as part of “Carp Month”.

The next is the new book by Kirk Deeter. It is full of good information as well and should be in any “carp student’s” library. Also…..on SALE this month.

Also keep your eyes out here, Facebook, Twitter etc…..Mad River Outfitters has a new website on the way that will be geared towards fly fishing education. There will be all kinds of downloadable information and surely we will dedicate alot of airtime to Carpin’.

Here are a few basic notes on the gear and techniques that we use to catch Carp on a Fly Rod:

Rods-

I don’t really believe that there is such a thing as a “carp rod”…..but some manufacturer will probably come out with one eventually. Basically, you want a rod that you are comfortable casting. One that delivers the fly exactly where you want it to go. On most smaller streams, a 5wt or 6wt is plenty enough, and on larger bodies of water I might go to a 7wt or an 8wt. Most often used rods are the 6wt and 7wts.

Probably should be your standard 9′ in length but I have had some fun with some of the shorter, “bass and boat” type rods. The BASS II rods from SAGE are actually the closest things to carp specialty rods on the market. The Bluegill and the Smallmouth in particular, but I would definitely switch out the lines that come with the rods to something a bit more delicate in taper. Another shorter rod is the 7’10” Predator Rod from Redington. This length comes in a 6wt and 8wt version and have proven to be pretty good carp rods.

I prefer, myself, a faster action rod. These allow me to form a tighter loop, which translates to better accuracy. But again, you need the rod that suits you best and is most accurate for you. I do believe though that the rod should have a stiff and powerful butt section, and should also have a fighting butt if possible.

Reels-

A carp reel should have a good drag system to it. You’re gonna need it! Get the best drag system you can afford and you’ll be happy! I would also much prefer a large arbor type reel over a standard arbor. There are times when you will need to pick up alot of line real fast….and a large arbor does give you an advantage over a standard arbor. Other than that, pick your favorite brand that’s in your price range and put it to the test.

Lines-

Just like with rods, I really never felt the need for a carp line. My favorite fly line (Rio Gold these days and SA GPX prior to), were always just fine and yours will probably be as well. But….a few years back, Rio introduced a Carp specialty line, and now Orvis has even thrown their hat into the ring. I have been fishing the Orvis line now for a bit and I do like the way it performs. I’m not convinced thought that it has helped me catch more carp.

I do want to mention the line color. Although I do think that the Orvis and Rio lines could be of help as an average carp angler……but………. I don’t think that the line color matters AT ALL and I prefer the brightest line I can find. Bonefishing, I use nothing but a bright orange line (Rio finally listened and is making their bonefish taper in bright orange). This was taught to me by Flip Pallot many years ago and changed my bonefishing results dramatically. I also don’t believe that it makes a spit of difference when trout fishing either. Bottom line is this……if you are a good caster, the line color DOES NOT matter and a bright colored fly lines makes ME a better caster. Splat a bad cast down on the water and olive, gray, blue, tan, orange……they all spook fish.