Michael Exl
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Very cool, that is one thing on my list of fly fishing experiences I still want to do. Thanks for sharing.
Dave,
I appreciate the info about Ross. I have nothing against them, just want to treat myself to some nice gear. I’m putting this bad boy on the 8wt. Z-axis two-hander, with the AFS line for right now. I’m not that concerned with the balance. I have a Nautilus 12 CCF on my 8wt. Z-axis switch with a 400gr. skagit and it balances just fine.
-Mike
Peter,
First off welcome to the board.
Morsie and Craig have made great points, remember them. Especially about carp being sensitive to footfalls. From what it sounds like most of the time that you are spooking the carp they are at the edge of the water. I like targeting these guys the most, generally half the time they are cruising the shallows looking for food. My biggest concern for your situation is that you stated the water is murky. Carp are generally, not always however, targeted my sight fishing. So more in your best interest to sneak up on these guys that are along the bank. Craig hit it right on the nose about presenting the fly. Some suggestions for flies are large nymphs and crayfish patterns, about size 6-8 hooks are what I generally use. Also have several of the same pattern tied in various weights. You are going to have to play around with this. I have an area where the carp love to hear the fly hit the water, and others where they take off at the smallest plunk. I had some the other spook when a leaf hit the water. Stick with natural colors for flies. Since you said you the water is murky, maybe some patterns with a little, and I mean little bit of flash in them. As far as good carp to target, those that you see tailing are feeding and are the easist to catch. Those that are cruising at a good pace are not worth you time. Again those in the shallows are good ones to target as well. Also check around structure such as log jams and downfalls. Carp will hold here and about half the time I can draw a strike from one. The biggest thing to remember is to be patient. If you pay your dues, you will be rewarded.
-Mike
It makes no big difference to me where we really go. I just want to know if we are going to put something on or not.
Plus I have to know what new toy I have to buy depending on the location ;D
Mark,
How is the fishing over in Ohio during during November? I know everyone has been talking about Michigan, but am wondering if Ohio could be another option. It seems that everyone wants to go after steelies more then anything.
Have we really decided on what we are doing and the dates? I know we have thrown out the PM on the 15th of November, but is that final.
-Mike
Tim,
I hear you about home football games. Thats what the dates I posted relate too. I’m not missing a home football game, I haven’t missed one yet in my college career.
-Mike
The clients that I took out wanted to use the gear that I use. A broken rod is just the price of guiding, and thank goodness for warranties.
I can do the weekends of the 11th and 18th in October and the weekends of the 8th and 15th in November. The weekend of October 11 would be the best for me since I have a 4 day weekend.
-Mike
Most of the best carp patterns are those that look like crayfish. Try to keep to colors as natural as possible, and match the color of the bottom. As far as tactics, they vary based on what the carp are doing. If you see a carp cruising about at a good pace, don’t waste your time. If you see them tailing, feeding on the bottom, game on. These are the easist carp to target. Laid up carp, those that are resting are also easy targets. The major key is to present the fly with in a foot of the carp’s nose. Short strips are the best retrieve, with pause every so often, it all just depends on the carp’s mood. Fair warning though carp are not the easist fish to catch on fly. Many guys on here will tell you it took them a fair amount of time before they landed one.
As long as someone has already brought up fall fishing in Michigan perhaps we should float the idea of a northern IA conclave. a salmon trip on the PM would be perfect.
MSMark,
I like the idea of a northern IA conclave and would be up for it.
-Mike
Tim,
I’m still living at Purdue. The shop that I work at is called Wildcat Creek Outfitters. It is located in Zionsville.
Neal,
I have not guided for carp yet. I will ask clients if they want to fish for them when on smallmouth trips though. Many people still over look the carp as a worthy fish on the fly.
I’m going to send the DNR an email tonight and call the CO in the morning. I doubt the animal will make it to November, but still want to get him out of there.
Nice gar. I have been having my clients fish for them when out guiding, if they want to any ways. Yesterday we caught two that were over 3 feet.
-Mike
