Carp Flies

I am a mediocre tier at best. This isn't a case of false modesty, more a matter of knowing my skills, and having the pleasure of knowing and fishing with some serious vice artists. I state this just to avoid my own embarrassment at the pictures to follow...McTage from Fly-carpin I am not! I do like to tie, and love to tie while watching a little college basketball.

This first fly is one that I haven't fished much the past year or two. It is basically my version of Mr. P's well known "Carp Carrot". For a long time, this was my go to fly, but a couple of seasons ago I made a concerted attempt to simplify my fly selection (and winter tying process). I went almost exclusively to basic soft hackles in a variety of colors. My personal belief is that presentation trumps pattern, so the simplified arsenal was no less effective. I am bringing this one back this season...why? Because variety is fun, and too much simplicity is a bit boring.

Hybrid flies have been the rage since the tail end of last season. My buddy Travis (aka Trashfisher) came up with the idea of adding the worm tail onto my basic soft hackles, and it flat out works. If for any reason I am on the water and decide I am better off with a straight softie, I just clip off the tail.

Another Hybrid...this one I first saw on the Carp Pro forum tied by Nolan Macher. Nolan tied up a similar fly for the 2013 fly swap this year, I don't do it much justice but I like both the concept, and the fly. Inspired by our friend Gregg, McTage and I stuck a few big C fish this year on egg patterns. Once I saw Nolan's hybrid, I immediately put some in my box and late this year I had some fantastic visuals fishing this egg/worm combo. It is really easy to see, so detecting the take is easy.

The San Juan Worm. Put simply, if you don't have a bunch of these in your carp box then get to a vice. Even with the recent success of the hybrids, I still believe this is the go to fly when fishing a soft bottom area.

This would spook every fish on the Columbia, but it has been our go to fly on our annual Lake MI pilgrimage. I like this gold/brown color, and LOVE the small size sculpin helmet Flymen just released. This fly is on a size 4 scorpion gaper, so much smaller hook than I usually have to use. I can't wait to get this smaller version on the flats of lake MI.

Good day of tying. Mostly blowouts today for the tourny, so I got a nice batch of flies done, with solid variety. Get those boxes full people! The season is nearly upon us!

Posted with Blogsy