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ultralight carper

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Posts posted by ultralight carper

    Why do you fish?

    in Carp on the Fly

    Posted

    Perhaps a little off of top, but the first cup of coffee isn't done for the day and I am feeling philosophical today. Some talk about fishing as relaxing, I DON'T THINK SO! For me, I fish with a vengeance, as if I am going to battle (never been in the military and don't mean to minimize those who really have been in battle - my son's in the Military right now). It is an overwhelming passion, a true driving force, something that is calm on the outside but runs with the power of a big river inside. I fish with a concentration level that can only be described as obsessive.

    It is so much so that ALL other things in my trivial life are suppressed - economy, etc. There is only one state at the time and that is pursuit of fish. So in that total focus, it becomes a relief from the everyday matters of life. It gives my brain a chance to disengage for a few hours so in effect lets my whole body relax from the normal grind, but I still have an issue with doing what I do and describing it as "relaxing".

    Like I said, a little weird twist in a post today on a carp forum, but why do you fish and what does it do for you?

    Thanks for the comments.

    Rick

    Rick,

    Nothing weird about this at all - I think why we do stuff is at least as important as what we actually do. :yourock:

    For me, I fish for different reasons on different days...

    Some days it is like the sentiments you expressed above...a single-minded drive focused on the gaol of landing fish.

    Some days it is because I love sharing the time with my wife, step-son and step-daughter doing something we all enjoy...and...

    Some days it provides a connection to my father, whom I miss very much.

    Most days, it is a combination of at least two out of the three.

    I also like the fact that fishing is like hunting - you get the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of developing your skills and "outwitting" the quarry (sorry Phone, I know fish don't think: it says something about me that they outwit me most of the time :o ). Even better, you get all this without necessarily killing the "game" animal (nothing against hunters or anglers that keep their catch - I hunted and fished for the freezer quite a bit as a kid, I just never particularly liked the killing part...).

    Finally, fishing is about the most fun you can have with your clothes on...which is good, as no one wants to see most fishermen with their clothes off! :rolleyes:

    Rob

    downtown misfortune

    in Pictures, Stories & Video

    Posted

    My luck improved immensely today!

    Perhaps the strangest part of the entire time was bringing in the second fish; as I brought it close to the bank, I glanced down and saw that the hooked fish was being followed by another smaller Carp! How weird is that?!

    Anna,

    Same thing happened to me last year. Hooked one carp, had another one follow the hooked fish right into the net - so I got two for one! The hooked fish was about 14 lb, the follower was about 8.

    Rob

    Bless the Beasts

    in Pictures, Stories & Video

    Posted

    Hey Capn' - sounds like you guys are doing fine!

    You are right on - it is a heck of a responsibility and a pleasure to have kids and animals to take care of. I don't think there has been anything as fun and as hard in my life as being a parent.

    By the way, nice turtle!

    Rob

    A place for carp fly fishing gear

    in Carp on the Fly

    Posted

    I heard the frustrated grumbling of carp heads from around the country. There is no where to find gear for carp on the fly without weeding through a bunch of unrelated info and stuff.

    Well that has changed now. Uncommon Carp

    An ever increasing supply of flies, some tied and designed by members of this board, and the right gear to chase carp on the fly.

    uncommoncarp160.png

    Bloody awesome - I am getting into carp on the fly and it is nice to have a shop that caters to it. You will be hearing from me/getting orders soon! :rolleyes:

    I do have some gear questions - would you prefer them posted on the forum (in case others have the same questions) or as a PM?

    Rob

    river strategies

    in Beginning Carping

    Posted

    Formed on a steel pin (Finishing Nail size)

    Sinker goes on the loop

    post-4642-1239823285.jpg

    Line simply wound around the coil (so its also a quick change method)

    Rigged with small bead as a stop (could also use a split shot, etc)

    post-4642-1239823295.jpg

    If the sinker snags, pressure opens the loop, this one is just about to fall off.

    Guessing that it takes about 5lbs of steady pressure to spring the wire open releasing the line.

    post-4642-1239823305.jpg

    My apology on the last pic, was running out of battery on the camera.

    This is a really cool idea and one that should go in the CAG mag! One additional suggestion though, I could see that the cut ends of the wire (esp cut with side cutters) might abrade the mainline as the wire coil slides up and down. Maybe you could coat the coiled part of the wire (which does not need to bend) with the liquid vinyl that they sell at Lowe's to coat tool handles - that would cover the sharp bits and prevent abrasion. The bendy end could be left uncoated, although I suspect it would still bend if coated. What do you think?

    Rob

    river strategies

    in Beginning Carping

    Posted

    Another idea for inexpensive weights - when I was a kid, I used this a lot when I fished below Keystone dam in OK (lots of rocks and very snaggy). I didn't have much cash so I hated loosing weights and other terminal tackle all the time.

    First, collect a bunch of small rocks that weigh about what you need to hold bottom - round or oval ones work best (I gathered them up, weighed each piece using an old double pan balance I got in a chemistry set and sorted them into bags at home so I knew the weights). Second, cut up an old T shirt (or some other cloth that you would just throw out anyway) into small squares that you can wrap around the rocks - leaving enough room so you can bunch the ends of the fabric square at the top - like a bag. Third, wrap the fabric squares around each rock and use sisal string to tie the top so the rock can't come out - you can also add a loop of string to the top so it is easier to tie on. I used to do this at home while I watched TV... If you have all your supplies ready, you can make a ton of these weights during your favorite TV show. Making lead weights is easier if you already have all the equipment but my parents would not let me have access to an appropriate heat source when I was a kid!

    You set up the rig using a three way swivel. One end to main-line (>15 lb test) and one end to hook length (>15 lb test). Tie about 10 inches of 4-6 lb test to the bottom (third) eye of the swivel. Tie the free end of the 4-6 lb test around the loop of mono that you used to tie the sack containing the rock shut with. The rock acts as a weight, if you snag you can easily break the light line without sacrificing the rest of your terminal tackle. An additional advantage is that these weights do not contain lead and are "biodegradable" (except the rock... :rolleyes: ). A disadvantage is that they are larger than a comparable lead weight.

    One more thing, given the problems that occur with transfer of invasive algae, zebra mussels etc. I would either get the rocks from the water you are fishing or give them a clorox bath at home. I used to just pick up suitable stones from the shore while fishing, take them home and bring them back dressed as cheap weights.

    Rob

    The Dog, the Hawg & the 20 pound Frog!!!!

    in Pictures, Stories & Video

    Posted

    Hey 'Capn,

    As usual, great story- makes me wish I lived closer to you guys so I could fish with you once in a while. :rolleyes:

    I know how you feel - last trip two trips to Loudin I was net boy for my step kids. Maybe I should send Chris down to Atlanta so he can be netboy for you! That way you would get to catch some fish and he would get to find out what it is like to spend all day netting someone else's fish. :yourock: He could mow the grass at the Hooch for you too!

    Rob

    CAG Fly Fishing Contest

    in Carp on the Fly

    Posted · Edited by ultralight carper

    Louis,

    I hate to suggest a new event and not offer to help so here goes...

    I am interested in helping set this up - I am not very computer savy though :rolleyes: . I would be willing to put together a straw man proposal for a fly-specific event if you could wait until after June 10th or so to get it. I am not a very experienced fly fisherman so maybe I could draft a proposal and put it out to the experienced fly folks for their review and suggestions before bringing it to the BOD/membership?

    Let me know what you think...

    Also, how hard would it be to adapt the big 4 leader-board set up to another event...it would be cool for everyone to be able to track the event as it is going on.

    Some other specific thoughts...

    I think a month is a great period of time because it is long enough for folks to fish multiple times but short enough that you don't have to wait forever to see the results.

    Time of year - I suggest May 15 to June 15 or Aug 15 to September 15...

    Categories - maybe big 4 (overall and junior), total fish weight (overall and junior), prize for best story about introducing a newbe/junior to flyfishing for carp? If possible, I think the major award/recognition should go to the last category since introducing new folks to the sport is a major club goal. Maybe we could give a "golden bonefish" award"? :yourock:

    Rob

    The 2009 CAG Spring Big 4 - May 1-31

    in 2009

    Posted · Edited by ultralight carper

    Why not do something for fly guys this year? Same type of thing different month.

    The reason I suggested next year is because I am guessing that the CAG volunteer base is a bit overcommitted so it might be good to give a bit of time so someone can be recruited to set things up. I am interested in helping do this - I am not very computer savy though :rolleyes: . I would be willing to put together a straw man proposal for a fly-specific event if we could wait until after June 10th or so. I am not that experienced a fly fisher so maybe I could draft a proposal and put it out to the experienced fly folks for their review and suggestions before bringing it to the BOD/membership?

    Let me know what you think...

    Rob

    Yet another beginner equipment question

    in Carp on the Fly

    Posted

    Hi guys and gals,

    I have been playing with flyrodding for carp off and on for a while. The problem I have is that my equipment (20 year old light rod for panfish & trout) is not really adequate for the task in most of the places I fish now days. Many of the good carping waters around here are in areas with lots of snags (esp. boat dock cables and pilings) and I need some heavier gear to get fish to the boat. Any recommendations for a relatively inexpensive, heavier action fly rod? Any suggestions for a matching reel as well? (I would like one with a built in drag system if possible as using my palm to slow down a speeding carp is not as precise as I would like) I am not looking for a rod built like a bridge beam but it would be nice to have something with enough power that I have a chance to keep a good fish from breaking me off under a dock every time I hook up.

    Thanks, in advance, for any help you can give me - I have a new double kayak and would really like to ramp up my carp fly fishing from the boat this summer! :rolleyes:

    Rob

    Non-Town Lake Carp

    in Pictures, Stories & Video

    Posted

    After the Claytor Lake CAGI last year (where I lost my only fish because a guy in a boat fouled my line when he ran over it with his outboard), my family rented a cabin on the lake and I baited up a bit. On the last night my step-son and I caught these new PBs. Mine came at 3AM!

    First was Chris's new PB (24 lb).

    post-2562-1239895423.jpg

    After Chris went to bed, I continued to catch a fish every 15 minutes all night (10PM to 7AM the next morning). My largest was my new PB (31 lb). I almost lost it because my net became snagged on a nail protruding from the lakeshore bulkhead.

    post-2562-1239895400.jpg

    post-2562-1239895383.jpg

    I had a great time! :rolleyes:

    Rob

    Boats, Caneos, kayaks

    in Carp on the Fly

    Posted

    I use a 13 foot, 35 lb Old Town Pack canoe both to get there and fish from. It is nearly indestructable, car tops easily, is easy to paddle , doesn't need to be inflated/assempled before launch and, unlike many kayaks, has plenty of open space in the boat (to deal with takle and landing fish). Any similar small canoe will have a payload of around 300-350 lb total - plenty for solo trips. You can also easy jerry rig an outrigger that can be deployed while fishing for extra stability - basically stick a paddle through deck rigging and bungie a block of styrofoam to the blade. A very small mushroom anchor will keep the boat in place in any wind that is safe to be out in. It also provides a great way to pre-bait as you can carry 100 lbs of feed corn with no problem. If you paddle a lot in open, windy waters, I would suggest the following: 1) use a double-bladed kayak paddle (and learn the proper paddle strokes), 2) wear a pfd and a farmer john wetsuit at all times, 3) carry some devise to signal for help. If you end up in the water in the middle of a large lake you may not be able to swim to shore before hypothermia kills you so always wear the pfd and wet suit!

    You might be able to find a used boat like this really cheap.

    I have also owned a float tube which is great for panfish/bass fishing in farm ponds but I sold it as I moved to east TN where there are almost no small bodies of water to fish in.

    Hope this helps!

    Rob

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