Fly-fishing is a method of fishing where an artificial fly is what is used to catch the fish. A specialized weighted line, a fly rod and a reel are the requirements for casting the fly. The fly line, which is coated with plastic, is quite heavy, and this weight is what enables the fly to reach its target. Carp is the name given to various fish species found in freshwater. These types of fish have their origins in Europe and Asia, but have been introduced to other parts of the world.
Types of Carp
1. Common carp
The common carp also called European carp are native to Eastern Europe and Asia. They are quite tolerant of most conditions even though they are fond of large bodies of water, which is slow or stagnant, with soft vegetative sediments. They are very popular with anglers.
2. Silver carp
These fish are filter feeders and therefore very difficult to catch with the normal hook and line gear. A special method has been devised to catch these fish. One of the most popular methods is the suspension method, which normally consists of a big dough ball, which disintegrates slowly. It is surrounded by tiny hooks, which aren’t embedded in the bait. The fish feed on the broken particles from the dough, and in their attempt to break more pieces from the dough ball, they bump against it, so being hooked.
3. Bighead carp
Like the Silver carp, bighead carp are also filter feeders, making it difficult catching them using a rod and reel. They can also be caught using the suspension method. Bighead carp do not respond to moving boats by jumping from the water therefore, they cannot be shot from the air. They can, however, be shot by bow fishers since they usually feed near the surface of the water.
4. Crucian carp
These types of fish are mostly found in slow moving rivers, ponds or lakes throughout Asia and Europe. Their weight does not exceed 1.5 kg. They are mostly captured as a sport fish.
5. Grass carp
The growth of grass carp is very rapid, with adults attaining almost 1.2 meters (3.9 ft) long and a weight of over 18 kilograms. They have a lifespan of about 5 to 9 years and the oldest being 11 years. Their daily food intake is thrice their body size. They do exceptionally well in small fresh-water lakes, and also where there are backwaters, which have a good supply of vegetation. The adults feed on aquatic plants, which are higher, and also terrestrial vegetation which is submerged. They, however, may also feed on insects, detritus together with other invertebrates.
When fly fishing for carp, you should always bear in mind that the fly should be cast as close to the carp’s nose as is practically possible. This is because when they are feeding, they have tunnel vision, meaning they won’t eat your fly if it is not placed close enough. They are also very sensitive to taste and smell, therefore it is recommended that anyone who is fly-fishing for carp should use mud from the bottom of the river to cover the fly. This will also help as the carp won’t easily detect your scent.