Carp might not be everyone’s first target on a fly rod—but once you hook into one, you’ll understand the obsession. In this episode, we’re joined once again by Andrew Smalling, partner at Fly South in Nashville and a dedicated carp aficionado. Whether you’ve only cast to them on a whim or you’re looking to pursue them intentionally, this episode is packed with hard-earned insight to help you do it right.
We dig into what makes carp such an exciting and challenging species to chase, especially on the fly. Andrew walks us through what to look for when scouting carp water—from shallow creek mouths and muddy flats to warm tailwaters and urban ponds—and how to spot the difference between carp and similar-looking species like buffalo and redhorse. His advice on reading behavior and body language is worth the listen alone.
We also get into fly patterns, gear, and tactics. From bread flies and crayfish to San Juan worms and natural-colored nymphs, Andrew shares his favorites and how to fish them. He breaks down his “drag and drop” presentation method, hook preferences, and tips for getting the right weight without spooking fish. It’s a full-on crash course in one of the most underappreciated fights in freshwater fly fishing.
If you’re a trout angler who’s ever floated into warmer water and spotted tailing fish—or if you’ve always wondered what those shadows cruising the flats are up to—this episode will help you take that shot with confidence.
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