[fly patterns]

Nice! What size hook do you like to tie those on, Rick?

[In - Fisher Man]

It was a fair article, but somewhat general. It didn't really talk about fly patterns to use, other than to show pictures of some. Maybe there was a good reason for that.

I liked the article on exotics, too, and was surprised it didn't mention using fly gear for them. They are a lot of fun on fly gear!

Speaking of exotics...I hope nobody minds me posting these non-carp pictures? I caught these last Spring while on a trip to Florida...all caught on flies:

10" Mayan Cichlid

Peacock Bass

Spotted Tilapia:

13" Oscar:

[Boats, Caneos, kayaks]

I REALLY like the Mirage Drive. There are definitely better paddle-kayaks that are quicker and more manueverable. In fact, in my opinion, the Outback is NOT very fun to paddle...I only use the paddle to back up, or if I get in a tight spot where I need to turn really sharp.

But with the Mirage Drive, the Outback is a real joy to tool around in. I think most people have more stamina and strength in their legs than in their upper body. You get in a rhythm and its like riding a bicycle across the water. It scoots right along, and turns great in open water. In fact, when I've tried to troll lures when fishing for white bass, I've had to slow WAY down...otherwise its just too fast for the crankbait. THAT'S moving!

Its got the flip & stow rudder system, so you twist one lever, to deploy the rudder, and there's another lever by your other hand that allows you to control the direction of the rudder.

The handheld GPS I have is the Lowrance i-Finder H2Oc (color). Its supposed to be waterproof, which is perfect for kayaking! It also takes the Navionics lake map chips, which have some lakes mapped to 1' contours! I have a RAM ball mount (I still need to install it) with the attachment that is made for holding this GPS unit. You can remove it whenever you need to.

[Boats, Caneos, kayaks]

I checked out your kayak pictures, Kirk. Looks GREAT!

[Boats, Caneos, kayaks]

I bought a kayak late last summer. I used it to get to a spot I wanted to fish, and then I fished the carp in that area from shore. I fished from it a few other times, but not for carp. I'll probably fish from it for carp this coming season.

Here's the kayak, a Hobie Outback with the Mirage Drive system:

So far, I've decked it out with an additional rod holder, and a thru-hull fishfinder. I've also got a mount for my GPS I need to install, and also an anchor trolley I want to install.

And here's one of the carp I caught the day I took it "carping".

[fly patterns]

Here's some carp flies I've tied this winter. Can't wait to give 'em a shot this coming season!

[First scouting trip of 09]

That's great, Rick! I might get to fish this evening for a bit, and was planning to ice-fish...but now you've got me thinking about breaking out the fly rod for some carp!