Wednesday about mid morning I got tired of staring at the to-do list in front of me and decided that Joe and I'd take off for the lake. You know , nothing like a little fishing to clear your mind and prepare you for a good days work. I hadn't really devoted any time to chasing my favorite "trash fish" yet this year and I figured it was time. Only spent a couple of hours at it but we managed to find a few willing players in that time , I think the final tally was three carp and four drum.
Nothing very big yet , just didn't see the bigger fish that normally show up a little later. It's just getting started on this lake , I'd say in the next week or two most of the fish will have finished spawning and moved up onto the rocky shores and flats to feed. I can't wait...had a ball with the 5-weight on this batch of fish , first time I've seen my backing all year!!
Not much else to say , here's a few pics so you can get the idea....
Nice way to start the "rough fish" year!
ReplyDeleteThanks man. I wish I'd gotten at it a little sooner but you know how it is....too many fish and too little time!!
DeleteAlways love the Joe shots! That drum is pretty groovy! And the carp...carp are always good. :)
ReplyDeleteYeah I know , Joe's the star of the show!!
DeleteI still get some crazy looks from fishing friends when I tell them that I love carp and fishing for them. Once you've held one in your hand after he's showed you your backing you develop a respect for them and realize that they're really a cool fish.
The carp in the 4th picture has some Mirror Carp ancestry, as you can tell by the larger, odd-shaped scales. Cool drum, too!
ReplyDeleteI assume you were sight-fishing? Your water is a lot clearer than what we have here!
Always sight fishing...if I can't see em I don't fish for em as a general rule. My favorite lake averages 2-3 foot visibility most of the year which is enough to spot the fish cruising the shoreline or the flats most of the time. Nothing like watching the fish run over to your fly and suck it in.....
DeleteI've never targeted carp. They look like a very strong opponent.
ReplyDeleteThey're some real bruisers when it comes to fighting them on a flyrod. Not quite as elegant as those beautiful brookies you get to chase , but hey you have to work with what you got in your backyard sometimes.
DeleteNice catching. Looks like those boys will keep your fishing muscles toned for the "good" fish.
ReplyDeleteThanks...Better than a trip to the gym anyday!
DeleteI'm have to go see if I can hook one up tonight. I'll get a chance at some Gar maybe!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck...wish I was getting out there tonight. One more day of work , then it's time.
DeleteNice fish Jeff! Was that on Hillsdale?
ReplyDeleteThanks...yep , I'm sure they're in the same spots on all the lakes, Hillsdale just happens to be close to me.
DeleteWe need to get out and go sometime.....
What fly did you use
ReplyDeleteThe pictured fly caught all fish. It's nothing but a simple black mohair leech in size #8.
DeleteNice! a fine way to start the year (in the carp arena that is...)
ReplyDeleteThanks man...it's nice to at least have something to chase in your backyard (wish it was trout though!!)
ReplyDeleteYep, you had a great day! I carry for trout mohair leeches but never tried them for carp, if I do, and it works, you will here about it! And I wish we had drum!
ReplyDeleteGregg
Gregg - try a small sized, black or olive mohair on those carp , hasn't let me down yet on my waters. I use either a conehead or some lead underwrap to get it down. Hope it works for ya....
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