Tuesday, May 5, 2015

To Last Year's Levels

In 2014 I caught a not so grand total of three carp on the fly. Now, to be fair those were all quite big. But three is a very weak quantity considering the time I spent trying to catch them. Today I reached last year's total. So far in 2015 I have caught three common carp on flies. At this point in 2014 I hadn't even targeted them yet.

So, for me that's pretty exciting. But for a while today I was getting frustrated. I was getting more shots than I usually get in a week, but just no good solid takes. I was sure  wasn't going to get skunked, as plenty of big bluegills and perch were on the flat too, but I was getting a little annoyed at my target species. When I thought I got one it turned out to be another snapping turtle (not everything that makes bubbles and mud patches is a carp).

Yes, those are carp. Right in front of me.




Big turtle- released by plucking the fly off with the rod tip. 


Then it got better. A fish slowed down and flashed open his sucker mouth where I thought my fly was. Fortunately I was right and I set into the best fight I have had with any fish. The first run was impressive. For a while I just had the fish going back and forth in front of me. Then he noticed me and went off again. It was a while before I got him back to me, but at that point I was sure I had the battle won. I was wrong. the fish tore upstream just after the second photo bellow was taken, taking me all the way passed that bend. Then, down it went, me running along side of it. Finale after more of the back and forth I was able to land the fish. Boy was it a beauty: gold and gorgeous, and probably 10-12 lbs in weight.






After releasing the fish I caught some more big bluegills, and attempted to hook another carp. Eventually I had to give up, not because the conditions decreased in quality, but because I had other things to do. But trust me, it won't belong before the 2015 carp tally is 4. I'm hoping to get that tally into the mid 40's by the end of the year.

14 comments:

  1. You managed to do very well. Great release video. What did you catch the bud light on? I can't believe people still have no respect for our environment. That carp was a good line stretcher. Thanks for the adventure.
    Tie, fish, write and photo on...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!
      The bud light nailed the same fly the carp took.

      Delete
  2. Good fish! Great Fisherman!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The reason I catch so many good fish is because I spend more time on the water than most others. I am only as good as the fish let me be.

      Delete
  3. That was a nice looking carp. Looks like you had a great trip picking up some cool fish. One thing that that can be found no matter the location...people that have zero respect for the environment. Found much of the same on my last trip. Just a shame.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you.
      There are plenty that have 100% respect. People throwing their shit in places it shouldn't be will always be a problem.

      Delete
  4. Haven't been keeping up lately, but you've had some great posts! Congrats on catching that big guy! Even though the subject matter is nothing to laugh about, I did get a good kick out of your word choice when you said the can nailed the same fly as the carp lol. Look forward to hearing about some big trout on dries soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha ha, thank you!
      It won't be long. The next few trips though (for trout at least) will be for sea runs or natives. Mostly sea runs.

      Delete
    2. Well hopefully some big brookies will be rising and some sea run browns will be chasing some streamers for you. Goodluck!

      Delete
    3. Thank you, I'm sure I'll find the brookies but sea runs are tough and rare, as you are already aware.

      Delete
  5. You do a great job of relaying your experiences to your readers. Love reading this blog. There are many more carp in your future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, that means a lot to me.
      I'm sure you are right!

      Delete
  6. RM
    Got to love those bluegill, and of course all the frogs singing in the background of the footage you shot. Congrats on the carp landing, what weight fly rod were you using? thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I was using an 8, which, surprisingly enough, got a workout even from those big 'gills. The first fish I caught on that rod was a 20lb carp that didn't even get into the backing. Since I started using it I haven't had one fish take me into the backing. Hopefully that will change soon.

      Delete