You've paddled across a bay to a nearby flat that you suspect has grass carp feeding on it. On the way you noticed more boat traffic than usual on the water. You also managed to spook a couple carp that you did not see.
As you stand to scan the flat before moving further, you notice a grasser tailing at the back of the flat. This is exciting because tailing carp give you a fighting chance. As you begin to push pole across the flat being cautious not to make a sound, you see one swimming towards you. Do you cast at it or try to avoid it? From experience, I know if I spook that carp it's more than likely going to put that tailer down also. Here's what I did.
I backed off and avoided the potential land mine. I knew my best opportunity for getting an eat was getting a fly near the tailing carp. The moving carp was also an opportunity but the odds were not in my favor. It was moving towards me and I wasn't sure if it was one of the carp I spooked earlier. If you present to every grass carp you see you'll likely have a tough outing. Being selective sometimes increases your odds of success. This was one of many tips I provided to Orvis found here:
http://www.orvis.com/news/fly-fishing/pro-tips-catch-grass-carp-fly/
Here are two flies I use:
Grass Carp leech pattern
Be sure to check out the dry fly tying video I made here:
And a short video from the pursuit:
Very good article Drew. I saw it earlier this morning on FB and really enjoyed it. I'm still looking for my first.
ReplyDeleteThank you Howard. Hope you find it this year.
DeleteGreat article. I have a lake nearby that was stocked with grass carp years back to control hydrilla. I have managed to hook a few but hopefully I can be a bit more consistent with your pointers.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Hope some of it helps!
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