Carp on the Fly

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just3542

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 14, 2011
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North Haledon, New Jersey
Hey Guys,

I know that there are a few fly fisherman out there, and I have been trying to catch a Carp with my fly rod. For the past year, I've been watching a ton of videos and articles on it and really trying to study how to catch them, but I have yet to succeed. I've mostly tried at lakes/ponds with only limited shore access, which is probably my problem. I currently have a 5# Redington Pursuit 9'6" fly rod with matching fly line, and I've been using a 9' 3x fluorocarbon leader. Does anyone have any tips on trying to locate them or getting them to take your fly? Also, is there anyone in NJ that knows of a good spot to fish for them? I've been thinking of trying out the Passaic River this spring, when I finally get my license and can take my boat out there.
 
#5 rod's going to be fun if you hook into a good sized carp. Get some polarized glasses and look for them, they tend to follow the wind and school so if you find one there are likely more in the area. If they're near the surface they likely aren't feeding, though they might be enticed to take a well played worm, nymph, or wooley bugger.


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houie925 said:
#5 rod's going to be fun if you hook into a good sized carp. Get some polarized glasses and look for them, they tend to follow the wind and school so if you find one there are likely more in the area. If they're near the surface they likely aren't feeding, though they might be enticed to take a well played worm, nymph, or wooley bugger.


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Click to expand...

I have a nice pair of Costas that I always bring with me fishing. And I didn't know that they follow the wind, thanks!
 
It's not hard. You've got to move to find feeding fish, then put your presentation in front of them. Lots of moving and it's 100% sight fishing. I don't know about New Jersey but here in Oregon the carping is done for the winter until water temperatures increase next spring and summer.

You'll get your butt handed to you with a 5wt rod on a decent sized carp.
 
Never done it but from what i seen you have to find the carp when they are feeding on top. They wont come up for a fly, maybe you can get one a bread. them euro guys get them on Bread on topwater
 
Oddly enough I caught a carp on a pike minnow last spring while I was bass fishing for smallmouth. The sucker weighed 30lbs lol. Not on fly but I got it on a little 7ft rod with 6lb test line ha. Good times. Just sayin theyll eat about anything cause I got another smaller one later that day. No bass go figure...
 
You spot fish the carp that are tailing in the shallows. I haven't seen any "wild" carp feeding off the surface. It's like saltwater bonefishing. I usually fish small buggy nymphs in dark red, black, or brown. Hit them in the nose, watch for the take, set the hook and hold on. You've got to see the take and set the hook quickly because they'll spit it out quickly.

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I've handled a few hundred carp in Oregon and have only seen one that was close to 20lbs. Average out here is more in the 5-10lb range.
 
Modest_Man said:
You spot fish the carp that are tailing in the shallows. I haven't seen any "wild" carp feeding off the surface. It's like saltwater bonefishing. I usually fish small buggy nymphs in dark red, black, or brown. Hit them in the nose, watch for the take, set the hook and hold on. You've got to see the take and set the hook quickly because they'll spit it out quickly.
Click to expand...

But wouldn't hitting them on the nose with the fly spook them away and make them stop feeding?
 
You don't wanna hit spooky carp on the nose.
You gotta lead em.
Slow strips...strip set as well.
And yes they do eat on the top.
I got this guy on a bugger last week.

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