I’ve been targeting Ghosts “on the fly” for the past 3 seasons now.
Took most of that first season figuring out just the right waters that hold big aggressive Carp
Check..
Next up was to work out some Patterns for the the streams and tidal estuary areas i fish.
Check ,Check
Now when it comes to what makes a good carp rod for me its Two things..
1-It must be able to throw your fly accuratly with one Single hauled back cast (your only gonna get one or two casts at a carp before it spooks)
2- More importantly it has to have the capability to max out and tame the ghost without destroying itself.
While this area is quite subjective..
you could a lot worse than a Fenwick for carp rod
My favorite “ultralight carp rig” is my
Fenwick FL-6
A 7’8” 6wt rod with crisp and controlled action with tons of backbone
Teton/Tioga #4 disc drag reel
Throwing Scientific Anglers GPX WF5f
1x to 4x Fluorocarbon leader depending on fly and fish.
Now that you’ve found the Carp Honey Hole , found the key pattern,,Made the perfect cast
Wait ..
And wait .
And then wait a little more before you even think of moving that fly.
Carp are the most “line sensitive” quarry I’ve ever fished for .
And maybe just maybe if you say a lil prayer to the fish gods.
You get a take.
You best be ready to hang on for the ride...
Try and limit that first run they want to make .
Put the brakes on em by getting them to turn in a semi circle. Keep the rod side to side not high in the air..
Try to steer em into making circular runs In stead of straight runs.
Be prepared for lots of thrashing,twisting,rolling,sounding to the bottom For rip-rap, rocks/boulders trying to break you off (This is Usually where the carp fishing experience goes Sideways)
Susquehanna strain carp Do-Not tire easily and can be quite a challenge getting into a net solo.
I only fell into the creek on my left side try to land this double digit one lol
With the proper preparation ,presentation and patience the mysteries of The Golden Ghost will unlock themselves.
Go Get those Ghosts..
Ottobahn