Fly Fishing For Bass and Carp

[Mtneerguy]

Hello every one, Pretty new here on this site. Lots of great articles. I am also new to Fly Fishing. It is a lot of fun and I even started tying some of my own fly's.  

I love going after bass but I have wanted to try my luck at some carp I see swimming by. any particular fly work better? some pointers. or let me know of some people to follow on here

that have this experience ?  Thanks for your help, and I look forward to getting to know some of you on here by reading your posts.  

[trythisonemv]

Stop by plateau fly shop!on camp bell in Springfield . These guys know their stuff on carp fly fishing (and everything else for that matter)).

[blacknoseddace]

Welcome Mtneerguy, I have caught quite a few carp on the fly at Stockton over the years. The only way I do this is "sight fishing" to fish that are "muddling" in the shallows. I use a fly like a Clouser minnow or crawfish type fly with weight that will sink fast and usually has bright enough color that I can see it on the bottom. I lead fish and drop the fly in front of them and wait. When the fish gets close enough to the fly I give it a little twitch. If he's interested, he will inhale it, or he may bolt. Carp are skittish and tough to fool and a real challenge. Fly fishing for carp is the closest thing to going after bonefish and redfish on the Florida flats. Ideally, I like low lake level in the backs of coves and a low wind day. 

As for Bass, I fish larger streamers for the most part and a little wind is beneficial even though it can make casting a challenge at times. Bass in Stockton will attack a fly, particularly in the Spring when they are concentrated in shallow water. You can catch quality fish too. My favorite 2 streamers are the old standard Lefty's Deceaver in white, and a shad colored Puglisi style streamer.

 

 

[Butthead]

If you are willing to slip out a little on "fly rod purity" for carp, back when I was a kid I would attach a very small treble hook to my leader and put one kernel of canned corn ("Nibblets" worked well) on each barb and toss it into areas where I knew there were carp. Can't do much for distance casting but with fishing off the bank, the trees are in the way anyhow. 

[blacknoseddace]

Not a purist...no judgement here. I like it all. ?

[Mtneerguy]

blacknoseddace,  Thanks for the tips ! great pictures by the way. you know I forgot to ask what size tippet should I be using for carp? 1x  2x ?

The carp I am after I am sight fishing as well, and it is hard to get anything close to them without spooking them.

[blacknoseddace]

1x is about right because carp are strong and I don't want to fight them all day. The biggest thrill for me is the take and hook set. When they feel the hook they don't stick around. I have had them run 50 yards or so, they are strong fish.

[Mtneerguy]

yes I did catch one once for about 10sec. Ha.  man he was gone! very strong ..  I can't wait to try again..

[Butthead]

When fishing for carp, you may want to use about a 8 wt. rod with a "fighting butt". Carp are so strong that you may want to hold the handle with your belly - trying to hold up your rod with just your wrist will wear you out. Without a fighting butt you may have to slide the reel down under your forearm for support. It takes awhile to land a big carp but it sure is fun.

[Butthead]

whoops didn't mean to double post