Cuda Carpin’

Utilizing a kayak to aid in the pursuit of carp on the fly is a game changer. New locations, new waters and new fish that potentially have not seen a fly angler yet now become reachable. There are a few things to keep in mind when using a kayak for carp..

1.Widen your paddle stroke. Nothing spooks every carp in an area faster than banging your boat with the paddle.

2.Keep your deck as clear as possible. Carp run. They will have you into your backing faster than you can think. I use a large net across my deck as a stripping basket. It keeps my line free of snags.

3.Use a net. Having a net large enough to safely land a big fish is essential for fish safety and your safety. These fish get heavy and pull like a tug boat.

4.During the run you will on occasion go for a ride. Aim the bow of your boat towards the fish and hang on. Last year I was pulled ¾ of a mile across an open lake on my Cuda 12.

5.I keep my carp gear to a minimum on the kayak. Two small boxes, tippet, hemostats and I always have to rods with me. My flies are stored in the hatch or under my seat along with everything else. Again, the key is to have a clear deck. I usually bring an extra rod but leave it in the case nehind me stored out of the way.

6.Using a push pole or anchor pole is more important than you think. I have an 8ft anchor pole from yakattack. That simple stick makes my life on the carp flats much easier. I can stand and pole quietly looking for tailing fish. I can also anchor my boat with it if I don’t want to get dragged all over.

7.Respect these fish. Large fish are old fish. Carp grow an average of one pound a year. So you guessed it, a 30 pound trophy is a 30 year old fish and deserved to be treated with respect.

8.Have a selection of flies ranging from crayfish to leeches to nymphs. Some of my go to flies imitate damsel and dragon flies. You can see some of my carp flies on my site, www.rusuperfly.com. Check out www.carppro.net for other options as well.

9.Use leaders in the 9ft range with tippet ranging from 6-12 pound. Carp hear well and see well. Landing your fly softly pays pack in gold to the net.

10.Since you’re in a kayak remember to take your time to set your cast up. You want your fly to land in front and beyond the fish. This way the fly has time to settle down and move to the dinner plate. Having a kayak enables you to position quietly around to aid in your success.

11.Have fun with this great game fish. They will test your skill as a caster, angler, kayaker, your gear, yo
ur knots and your flies. Be safe and wear you PFD.