Fly Fishing for Carp (Pt 2): Inland Flats Tactics

AFTER A FEW SCHMOOTS CLOOPER TOURNAMENTS UNDER MY BELT AND AFTER A SHORT FEW SUMMERS TARGETING CARP, I HAVE COMPILED A FEW THINGS TO CONSIDER IF YOU SHOULD CHOOSE TO TARGET THESE SPECIAL FISH (AND YOU SHOULD) ON A FLAT.

KEYS TO SUCCESS: The list below includes suggestions for techniques, approach, and gear that have been proven to replicate success in pursuit of carp. 

1) Drag and Drop: 

Carp are spooky. Right up there in the running for the spookiest. The late great Dave Whitlock once noted that “Carp are as spooky as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.” With this being the case, the advantage that we can give ourselves when targeting these shy carp is to use a simple method that starts with casting slightly past your target and ends with the drag and drop. Which includes picking up your rod tip to drag your fly across the flat to ultimately drop the fly in front of the carp's face. 

If this approach doesn’t immediately result in the fish jamming out away from you, you’re in business. Make adjustments with your strips until you begin to reach the fish. For example, you may have to make a few long strips to get caught up to your target or you may need to pause and wait for the fish to approach the fly.  Make small 4”-6” strips once the fish is on. At this point the fish should follow and ultimately choose to vacuum up your fly like so much Dyson or refuse it and swim away. 

For a textbook example of this technique, click the link below and watch Ryan Mock’s video on YouTube.

THE DRAG AND DROP TECHNIQUE 

2) Fly Line and Taper: 

It’s paramount that the line that you are using is ready to make a cast ranging from 2’ to 60’+ at a moment's notice. This means the line must be hefty enough to pick up and cast a far distance or a short distance without spooking fish. Usually, a saltwater taper is ideal for the job (EXAMPLES OF SALT LINES). However, if you have a line that is half a line size heavy (or slightly more) such as an MPX from Scientific Anglers or a Grand from Rio these can suffice. Certain bass tapers will also be effective. Wind is another factor that your taper must combat and again is a good reason to have saltwater tapers handy as they are built to handle the problem of wind.  

3) A Solid Reel:

Having a substantial drag for these fish never hurts. If you already own something salt rated, all the better although it’s not completely necessary. Good backing capacity is also something to consider. These fish can show you the backing more than once while fighting them. The Fly Project Model OC is a perfect reel for the job. 

4) Lengthen Your Leader:

So, you have a 9’ packaged leader? Great now lengthen that out to 12’-13’. Make it fluorocarbon while you're at it. This will help to reduce the spook factor for line and leader shyness as well as dampen plopping from flies. The fluorocarbon is more difficult for the fish to see and helps cut the water faster. I’ve also found the 13’ 1x Dry Fly leaders (10lb.) from Loop make for a great carp leader straight from the package. Other leaders that will work well for carp include Absolute Fluorocarbon 0x from SA, Rio’s Fluoroflex 0x, Rio’s Bonefish leaders, as well as Rio’s Redfish leaders. 

5) Fly Selection:

Have various sizes in the same pattern and weights. You might find that certain flies are too heavy and splash too much and spook the fish while others may be too sparse and light. Typically speaking, we use dumbbell eyes in a small to medium size. Many of the fisheries we find ourselves in on the Columbia call for a heavier weighted fly to get down fast enough. In these instances, bead chain alone won’t cut it.

6) The Boat Advantage(s)

If you can fish from a boat that will go shallow (down to about a foot) do it. The advantage is threefold here. First, you have the advantage of height which allows for better chances at seeing fish. This is particularly the case if you have a polling platform on your boat. In addition, not only do you have the height/sight advantage but also the ability to seek out cleaner water and/or more productive water. When the wind starts to blow sideways there is almost always another flat that you can motor to and seek refuge. 

Note: Have reliable footwear even if you plan to fish from the boat most of the time. There could be a situation in which walk wading makes more sense and you don’t want to be stuck out there with sandals (or God forbid, flip flops). Some areas of the Columbia can be like clay and quicksand combined into one perfect shoe-removing mess. For this reason, lace up shoes are for the best. 

7) Polarized Sunglasses:

This one is self-explanatory. If you can’t see the fish, you can’t catch the fish. Have a few different frames ready with different shaded lenses to meet the conditions. Typically speaking, I’m a fan of Costa’s with glass lenses and a green mirror. Blue will work and on occasion you may want to have amber lenses for overcast days or low light. The point here is to have options and always have them with you. 

8) Trout Set: 

Contrary to conventional wisdom from the Salt world we have found the trout set to be an effective means of hooking carp. However, this is typically for shots that are in close, 15’-20’. The reason for this is that you want to be sure that you can see the fish on the fly and notice some gill flare before setting the hook. Anything beyond this distance leaves other factors to chance such as a sudden glare from the sun that obstructs vision. Remember these fish are literally inhaling their forage. If you trout set, there is a great chance that not only will you be able to stick them, but it will also be secured deep in the mouth. The trout set is also a confirmed technique used by pros like John “Montana” Bartlett (@johnmonatanacarp) and Ryan Mock (@skyandreel). 

Hopefully, these are help you out in your pursuit of the ever-elusive Muddy Holly. Carp are hard enough to tackle on your own and these tips have helped me over time. I am sure that many aspects of my approach to these fish will change and refine over time but as for now these considerations result in more fish to hand for me.