Fly fishing for carp is a popular variation on fly fishing and many anglers enjoy this sport. However, most anglers think fly fishing is associated with trout and salmon,  but it is also associated with carp and even deep-sea fish. Carp are a real fighter and there is nothing about angling for this fish which is ordinary or average, hence the popularity of carp fly fishing today.

The secret to catching carp is simple, speed and accuracy. You need to spot him and have your line in the water before he spots you. The below items are a must as there is a fine line between being fast and accurate and having heavy enough gear to be able to land the beastie.

The carp fly fisherman or woman needs to be able to spot the fish and cast accordingly, so the most important item is the rod. You and your rod have to be able to make a fast and accurate case over 3 to 15 m of water and whatever else is in your way so a 6 ‘ 8 graphite rod of between 8’6′ and 9’ in length is a good choice according to experts of this sport.

Because the carp put up something of a fight the butt of the rod needs a solid back-bone while the tip should be medium. If the carp are larger where you intend fishing then the 9 foot rod is also highly recommended, big is anything from 16 to 25 lbs!

To be accurate and fast, means that a hard rod won’t be accurate and if the rod is too soft, it won’t be able to take the weight of these dirty fighters. Carp are energetic to say the least when they have been hooked and this is what makes them such an attractive prize for fishermen. The prize certainly isn’t in the delicate flavor or great good looks.

A large reel with an expose rim is required and your hooked carp will give the reel a run for its money. It is a large an tricky fish so you need Micron or Dacron with at least a 20 pound weight. If the water is snaggy ‘ make this 30lbs, and have at least 150 m of backing line, carp will take out the maximum of line on many occasions.

Use a tapered leader of 10lbs and additional tippet, carp will happily take many different flies, with woolly buggers being a favourite. Keep a good stock of all the woolly bugger colors and varieties, and try Daves hoppers, muddler minnows and others. Carp eat insects as a big part of their diet, so getting them to take flies is not a problem. The problem lies in accurate, fast casting

Because your cast has to be fast and accurate, a pair of polarized sunglasses is the next important item on your shopping list. Choose the amber or brown variety as these, cut glare to a minimum and create great contrast.