notime
07-06-2010, 11:31 AM
I was very sad to see my wife take our three kids to visit her inlaws this weekend. To help me get over it I did a lot of carp fishing in between building the chicken run and other big projects.
I know fishing is relaxing, but when you are stalking fish and standing in the sun all morning it can wear you out. I know, I know.
Anyway, I hit the carp Sat, Sun, and Monday mornings for a couple of hours each day. Every day was successful and different. I've been trying to learn about these ugly fish over the last 12 months and three days in a row really adds to the learning curve.
Couple of observations from my fishing this year:
- Sight fishing to Carp is a close second to sight fishing for stripers
- All you need is a fly rod, few flies, bread, and a pair of pliers
- It is very addicting
- Mirror carp are ugly but much bigger than trout
- Small hooks and small flies work best
- Patience is key
- Hooking turtles is no fun
- Morning is the best time. They are most active and fewer people around.
- Learning the feeding patterns of carp on bread significantly increases your odds
- Carp refuse flys if tied poorly or with big hooks
- Carp will refuse bread chunks, no idea why
- Carp are usually slow, gentle takes so you don't want a lot of fly material at the back of your hook. They'll sip it and spit before they every get to the hook.
- When a carp comes up and sips your fly, don't pull straight up as you'll pop the fly out of their mouth. Only took three missed fish for me to figure it out.
- Carp cruise the flats just like a bass
- Trout fishing is over rated :brow
I know fishing is relaxing, but when you are stalking fish and standing in the sun all morning it can wear you out. I know, I know.
Anyway, I hit the carp Sat, Sun, and Monday mornings for a couple of hours each day. Every day was successful and different. I've been trying to learn about these ugly fish over the last 12 months and three days in a row really adds to the learning curve.
Couple of observations from my fishing this year:
- Sight fishing to Carp is a close second to sight fishing for stripers
- All you need is a fly rod, few flies, bread, and a pair of pliers
- It is very addicting
- Mirror carp are ugly but much bigger than trout
- Small hooks and small flies work best
- Patience is key
- Hooking turtles is no fun
- Morning is the best time. They are most active and fewer people around.
- Learning the feeding patterns of carp on bread significantly increases your odds
- Carp refuse flys if tied poorly or with big hooks
- Carp will refuse bread chunks, no idea why
- Carp are usually slow, gentle takes so you don't want a lot of fly material at the back of your hook. They'll sip it and spit before they every get to the hook.
- When a carp comes up and sips your fly, don't pull straight up as you'll pop the fly out of their mouth. Only took three missed fish for me to figure it out.
- Carp cruise the flats just like a bass
- Trout fishing is over rated :brow