Carp are the bonefish of freshwater. Both are wary, suspicious, and quick to spook at the slightest provocation. Both cruise shallow flats in search of food. Bonefish are harder to see, but no harder to hook. Both are prone to strike lures and flies that imitate crustaceans, insects, and small fish. Carp are bigger and more powerful. Bones are faster. But the primary difference is that bonefish are prized -- even adored -- while carp are maligned, ignored by all but a few anglers who have discovered the thrill of sight-fishing for carp in clear water. It's a demanding, challenging pursuit that requires patience, casting skill, and attention to detail.

Tackle

 

Rod: 6 1/2- to 7 1/2-foot medium- to medium-heavy-power spinning rod.

Reel: medium-capacity spinning reel with a smooth drag.

Line: 6- or 8-pound-test abrasion-resistant mono.

 

Rigging

Choosing an appropriate jig requires trial and error and close observation. Active carp take jigs on the drop -- the longer a jig hangs in the strike zone, the better your chance for a strike. The perfect jig for hang time is light (1/32 to 1/16 ounce), with hair, feathers, or plastic aiding the parachute effect. A light jig might drop too slowly, however, when carp are really on the move; and a light jig becomes impossible to cast or control in wind. Under those conditions, go to a 1/8- or a 1/4-ounce jig.

Location

Carp in clear lakes and reservoirs spread out during summer, using main-lake flats in the 2- to 10-foot range extending from islands and shorelines. Bottom composition doesn't seem to matter. If it's a big shallow area, carp probably live there. But hard-bottom flats and rocky bays where carp can't muddy the water make it easier for anglers to spot cruising fish and for carp to locate jigs.

Presentation

The primary casting target is an area 4 to 10 feet ahead and slightly beyond the path of the fish. Carp have good peripheral vision. They will often turn 90 degrees to take a jig, and a short cast could cause them to turn and see the boat. A jig presented too close will also spook them. If the cast drops too far in front of a carp, pop the jig 2 or 3 feet off bottom and let it fall again as the fish passes. If this fails to trigger a strike, try slowly swimming the jig right along the bottom or several feet up. What carp are focused on might be difficult to determine, but often a pattern develops. Experimenting with different retrieves and various weights and styles of jig can be critical when carp are feeding selectively.