Cheating while fishing for Carp - McFly Angler Episode 111

After seeing Carp jumping all over the place last time I went to the Pedernales River state park, I decided to bring down some heavier rods and fish for carp. Finally I hooked one carp in Texas, but it wasn't huge. And in a moment of weakness, I broke down and cheated while fishing. Thats right, I cheated. Im sure you all have a few things to say about this. And don't worry, Im being hard on myself as well.
This state park is one of the prettiest Ive seen. The falls are breathtakingly beautiful, and the whole area is nestled in a beautiful valley with trees and brush lining the river bed. Bold rock structures and beautiful clear water are throughout the falls area, and whether or not you catch fish, its nice just walking around here.
The rods I used today are Risen Goliath (8wt) and Risen 23ps (6wt). And the reels were the Whale reel (8-9wt) and the LW reel (5-6wt). If you want to check out these setups, go to www.risenfly.com and type in McFly at checkout for 15% off of anything you buy in their shop on your first order. These are amazing setups, and priced very well also. You will be very happy with your purchase, and so will your wallet.
Go check out my Patreon page at www.patreon.com/McFlyAngler to sign up today. For as little as $1/month you could get early access to my videos, participation on my live streams, and recognition in all my videos. Plus, with some of the higher tiers I am also offering discounts on my hand tied flies, 1 on 1 help from me, and much much more.
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[@hunterbarcroft9161]

First fish was a freshwater drum, they are not super common on the Perd, but they are out there.

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok thanks! Yeah I didn’t even know they were there! Good to know.

[@andreasnestoros7657]

That’s a bucket list species for me i saw a huge one when I was bass fishing the other day

[@for751]

Loved it when you said..."It doesn't matter if you catch or not, just nice being out". Totally agree, thanks for sharing!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks, yeah it’s a pretty river so the scenery is just as nice as catching fish!

[@flyguy4515]

Stuff skunkers say 🤣💀.

[@OpportunityFishing]

Carp are tough on the fly. So one thing I do that works well to combat the smell issue is I take my fly and rub it in the mud of the water they live it. Makes it smell more like something that actually lives in that water. Only issue is it wears off pretty fast so may need to do it a few times. Doing this I have caught carp that previously denied my offering.

[@McFlyAngler]

Good thoughts! Thanks

[@mikeyjacks4125]

I watch all your videos about fly tying and have caught a ton of trout on those patterns. Thank you so much for those!

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks man, glad you enjoy

[@MrGibsn1960]

That "carp" looked an awful lot like a gaspergoo or freshwater drum.

[@McFlyAngler]

I thought so also! I think it was

[@IgotAyeti]

I've "cheated" for carp as well. My buddies were chumming them in with corn, and after a few refusals of my wooly bugger and carp bug, I tied on a bright yellow egg pattern and dipped it in the corn juice. The smell is all it took to get hooked up. Either way, its tons of fun!

[@McFlyAngler]

This is true, they are fun no matter how you catch them

[@willwailes9298]

I've cheated before too. Didn't pan out. Ended up going to a park pond to get my no skunk. LOL. Nice drum though. Giving me wanderlust.

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol yeah I think if we are honest we have all been in this spot for sure! Thanks man

[@beaupeace4300]

I love the carp content. Keep it up.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@wolverine7680]

I love fishing unusual and beautiful locations, and that spot is both. Clear water too. Great place to be on the water for sure. Carp on the fly can be extremely frustrating. I find the grass carp to be the most difficult. They spook at everything, and you have to do a stealth sneak with your Ninja shoes just to get close enough for a shot. I think the common carp are slightly more receptive to some of the flies you're building and using. Still, they're all a challenge, and when you hook and land one it's very satisfying (especially if you tied the fly!). I enjoy your content and won't be leaving my subscription just because you tried some dough balls. Keep having fun out there.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks, so I’ve caught carp before, my 17th fishing video I landed a 31”. Not sure what it is in Texas why I can’t get them…. Lol

[@rickmanfly]

I had a great season last year in Alentejo Portugal area. Pure sightfishing and big, very big carps on fly.

[@McFlyAngler]

Nice, I can’t get out to Portugal though, no funds for a big trip like that

[@augustonthefly]

When I'm carping I take my fresh flies and rub them in the muck so they smell at least a bit like dirt. That was a freshwater drum.

[@McFlyAngler]

Good thoughts thanks

[@MostlyFlyFishing77]

I've been targeting carp in the Pedernales river too that past few weeks. They were out sunbathing one day and all hidden under rocks the next. I have only had them inspect my flies and get refused. It's frustrating for sure, but they are so much bigger than any other fish in the creeks.

[@McFlyAngler]

I agree, fun fish if you can get them to bite. Have you had any takers? Or are they just super picky there?

[@MostlyFlyFishing77]

@@McFlyAngler I have had some hits, but no hook ups. I use a fly similar to your carp pattern. That would be very upsetting to have someone show up with conventional and out fish you that hard. Their elusively is part of the fun I guess.

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol for sure

[@rayditzenberger9517]

I once fished a small river area that had quite a few very large carp but no takers. Scared one off when i pulled line off of my Hardy reel that has a loud clicker. He shot off with a long mud trail. What a bummmer.

[@McFlyAngler]

@@rayditzenberger9517 Yeah, they are super spooky, and even more so in clear water. I cant figure them out here... Maybe one day I will.

[@garylawlor2288]

I practice lure, bait and fly fishing, and in my opinion that is not cheating, well maybe a small bit. The dough ball you were using are far too big for that hook on the fly. I would use about a 5th of that size bait on that hook and ensure the point is protruding too. Enjoyable video and a beautiful location 👍

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks man. Yeah I’m not versed in bait fishing too much. I do it all, but mostly just fly fishing. Never Dow bait though before.

[@garylawlor2288]

@@McFlyAngler I mainly lure fish these days but have caught a fair few carp and other species of dough baits but not with a fly road. It is more interesting to use a fly rod 🙂. In Europe some folks are obsessed with carp. They take it very seriously, camping by a lake for days with 3 rods on stands with bite alarms and such. That not for me. There is some very enjoyable about roving around with a fly or lure rod rather that being static bait fishing. One more thing, I have had that crane fly patterns are very good for carp when the are cruising near the surface

[@McFlyAngler]

Cool thanks for The info, I’ll look at crain fly patterns. However around here we don’t have many of them.

[@13jonnyray]

Dough balls on a fly rod is pretty epic 🤣. Gotta do what ya gotta do

[@McFlyAngler]

I am extra…. Hahaha. J/k

[@994pt4]

The only 'rules' in fishing are the ones we make/choose for ourselves. I would never scent a fly or bait fish for carp myself because that is not the experience I want. But I would never say others have to adhere to MY rules. It's all about what we PERSONALLY want out of the experience on a given day. Beautiful location and nice drum!

[@thoriq775]

just enjoy it bro ....tight line...

[@McFlyAngler]

I had fun for sure

[@adamsaarinen3134]

Glad you got the beard back!

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol yeah thanks.

[@caryverhalen]

A carp???? Wow that's hilarious

[@McFlyAngler]

Hahahahahahashsh. Ok wait what are we laughing about?

[@caryverhalen]

@McFly Angler common carp and Drum are visually and uniquely different looking specimens. As different as say a Red and a Pike. I was stunned at your inability to see this, as your attention to detail in fly tying isn't suspect. 👍

[@McFlyAngler]

Alrighty. Take care man

[@Randy_Samuel]

Lovef it, pengen banget belajar fly fishing

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol. Huh?

[@charlieboutin3341]

Cool you’re so honest, but have no shame in fishing! If you like fighting fish and no rules apply to that river..Fish On! But I absolutely get what you’re saying. I caught a huge carp on a piece of corn on 5wt.and knew I cheated, but what fun. Now I tie yellow foam “Corn flies” and chum corn when water is too murky to sight fish. Works every single time. 😮There are purists who say only bamboo and dry flies to be fished for rising fish..period..Dinosaur rules 🦖😂 Hope you and family have a great Thanksgiving week McFly! 👍🦃🎣

[@McFlyAngler]

You as well man, thanks for the comment. Yeah corn flies could work also, just don’t know if they eat corn regularly there…

[@Hen_4546]

Yo I am back and I love it

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol glad you’re back

[@jstoegger]

how are you liking that Goliath rod? strongly considering purchasing the combo from Risen with "the whale" reel, both in an 8wt but there's virtually no reviews on this rod/reel at all. I would love to see a standalone video showcasing the rod and reel with thoughts and opinions on it.

[@McFlyAngler]

I absolutely love it. I have caught quite a few redfish on it, it seems to outcast my more expensive gear and handles even the strong redfish very well. Here is one video on me catching some reds with it. It was a very windy day and it cut right through the wind just fine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4bQdnyLZc6ApKcsi=KTzlNlVCglhpfMu2

[@jstoegger]

@@McFlyAngler thank you for taking the time to respond. It looks like a really cool/unique rod. I try to research the hell out of everything that I consider an investment but I may have to just spring on this rod and reel setup. I’ve never fly fished the salt before and I’m trying to plan a trip to fish the flats in the Keys next year for my honeymoon and wanted to bring a couple of different setups so I definitely think you sold me on this haha. Thank you again!

[@McFlyAngler]

Glad to help, let me know how the trip goes! Sounds like a wonderful way to spend a honeymoon, but make sure you spend time with the wife and not just fish the whole time! Haha!

[@KillerFuzzOutdoors]

Go to the flyshop in Fredericksburg it on the outside of town

[@McFlyAngler]

Ok thanks I’ll do that

[@charlieboutin3341]

Country Flyfisher..I love that place! Martin and his wife Betty are 2 of my favorite people on the planet. Have a great Thanksgiving Killer Fuzz 🦃

[@AbdAzis_CH]

Hadir bos q skkses selalu

[@jamesvatter5729]

Not "cheating"...just pure "improvisation!" Fighting a carp on a fly rod is fantastic. IMHO...Cheating would be doing that in a designated flies-only area.

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol sounds good thanks man

[@michiganfisher9253]

First fish was a drum, awesome.

[@McFlyAngler]

Cool thanks

[@patrickharris4641]

I frankly think the only cheating in fly fishing is lying about what you’re doing 🤷‍♂️ There’s no wrong way to fish after all as long as you’re keeping it ethical and honest

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks, yeah I feel the same way! But I’ll probably not do this again. Hahaha

[@KillerFuzzOutdoors]

Cheater lol, nice video

[@McFlyAngler]

Thats me!

[@JosiahLaser]

*Fish takes fly/ball*…………….. *HOOOK SETS for a megladon *!!! “Ahhh he broke me off”

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol

[@JosiahLaser]

I didn’t mean that with any malintent. Your channel has really grown on me and gave me more respect for Texas. “All my exes ‘lived ‘ in Texas”. I’ve always had a thing against it. Maybe it’s family, maybe exes, maybe it’s just Texas but you my sir and my love for fly fishing has bridged the two. I will eat a little crow and give her a shot. Thank you sir

[@McFlyAngler]

I never take anything offensive don’t worry. And while Texas isn’t my favorite place to live, there are some good things about it for sure. Like Anywhere, gotta take the good with the bad

[@watchan1908]

I usually rise the carps with dog pellets first, then get them with a foam fly on top of the water. The take and the run is just no comparison.

[@McFlyAngler]

Oh good idea, I might try that next

[@SciManSays]

Heh, I remember float tubing a private sand pit lake and having fun with bluegills and bass. I saw a mullberry tree overhaning the water. I got out shook some berries off the tree into the water and tied on a purple wholly bugger. Nothing, then I grabbed a floating berry and juiced the fly. Laid down a cast under the tree and a fun fight later had a pretty 5 pound carp. If that is cheating then, I too am an admitted carp cheater.

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol. Sounds like a fun time!

[@codyfoster8843]

4:36 “Ah, he broke me off”. While setting the hook like Bill Dance using 40lb braid.

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol

[@Three_Rivers_Adventure]

Fresh water drum was te first fish you got.

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@hardyrichards5360]

Gaspergoo

[@McFlyAngler]

Thanks

[@flyguy4515]

Scents on flies? Knew it that's "cool"

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol not done it in freshwater before this. Didn’t seem to work

[@shawnsarchet2520]

Shouldn’t matter what you use to fish as long as your fishing and having fun

[@McFlyAngler]

I agree

[@brett9382]

Im more of a purist when it comes to trout fishing but personally for carp I would do the same.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yes same here. When it comes to trout I’ve never bait fished except with my son. But carp, man they are a different breed! Haha

[@gfarley]

I wouldn't say you were cheating. I would say you were fishing. Sometimes you have to step out of the box. And for fly fishing carp i use 5ft 14lb or 20lb line no taper. Maybe 12lb tippet if they're being to picky. Using the heavier flies theres no need for a tapered line.

[@McFlyAngler]

Alright, thanks

[@tomatoplot]

I don't get the whole "cheating" thing... There's a setup for every situation, and it's not always with a fly. I'm one of those weirdos you see wandering around with a fly rod AND a spin rod oftentimes. haha

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah to me also. Just I’ve been yelled at before for cheating by just adding smelly stuff to a fly. Haha! Figured I’d call it out before I get the haters on here. I’m also a firm believer in someone fishing how they want to and how they enjoy. Of course as long as it’s within the regulations

[@gregs2509]

Sometimes it's just fun to catch a few fish, so no hate here. However- if you really want to get the full package stick with the flies and lose the sauce. Slow the presentation down, use smaller files. # 8 and #10 hooks work well. Bonefish hooks are about right. Pay super attention to the noise and visual disturbances that you make because the carp sure are! And they are masters at ignoring the angler and just doing their thing. A strike indicator to suspend the fly works wonders, but that is "cheating" according to some. We all have our comfort levels and mine include indicators. Small ones. Carp on the fly will definitely sharpen one's fly fishing skills. When you dial the carp in it can be ridiculous action with dozens landed in a session. Then the bait fishers will be asking for a fly! Give them one and see if the fly fishing fire will ignite in one more human. It's a good thing to watch happen. Maybe better than a slob carp easing up to your fly, hesitating, and then ever so gently inhaling the fly. Best of luck to all!

[@larryperkins8462]

tutorial do-ball fly

[@McFlyAngler]

lol! Right?

[@jnakash]

You have to sight fish them on the fly. Drag and drop on to the dinner plate. You will fail 99.99% of the time blind casting to them.

[@McFlyAngler]

I could see them! Saw tons, dropped flies in their face many times, nothing! They are picky little buggers. The camera doesn’t show them in the water like I can see them. But they were there, I could see them all swimming around. Just couldn’t hook them.

[@willwailes9298]

Fish don't know your rules. Last carp I caught, I was blind casting a zonker. When I used to gear fish, I'd target them with drop shot flukes and ned rigs, blind casting, but knowing where they congregate. That said, I was fishing in a flowing river with low vis, not a flats situation. Obviously you should cast past a fish, not on top of them, but don't be afraid to fish for carp when sight fishing isn't possible.

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah for sure, on top of them isn’t the best, cast past or near them and hope they come over your fly.

[@jnakash]

@@McFlyAngler Drag and drop on to a feeding fish. Cast a few feet past them, then immediately lift your rod tip to skirt the fly across the surface. Drop it a few inches in front of their face. This allows for accuracy, but the landing of the fly doesn't spook them. If they're sunning, or worse, cruising, you're going to have a much more difficult time. Target selection is key to success. A lot of info online from Dan Fraser (check out his Orvis Podcast episodes if you haven't already).

[@McFlyAngler]

Yeah I did that to countless carp, still they wouldn’t touch…. Lol

[@ldavid1951]

Anybody who has watched "The African Queen" knows it doesn't have to rain on you to cause a flash flood.

[@McFlyAngler]

Never seen that movie, is it a movie? Anyway yes your right, no need for rain where your at for flash flooding. I don’t remember what I said in the video though. Did I mention anything regarding flash flooding?

[@ldavid1951]

@@McFlyAngler 1952 movie. Humphrey Bogart got the Academy Award for best actor. You said in the video if the water started to rise to get out. Due to flash floodung

[@maryfitzgerald6209]

odd way to think about it who cares ? your having fun

[@McFlyAngler]

I agree!

[@ronluna2159]

You were not cheating using doughballs. Use what you need to catch fish evev if you had to throw a stick of dynamite into the water.

[@McFlyAngler]

Lol! Thanks

[@modrarybivrana5654]

I am not a fishing bigot. I listen to the water and what it tells me is how I fish for what the water provides. well I don't use those damn bait casters, after 63 years of fishing I only end up with rats nests. The object of fishing is fishing.. If I have to use a cane pole, tenkara, hera, spinning, old zebco 33, my 2 weight I built, my general purpose 5 weight, jugs, trot line, bush-craft rigs and gorge hooks from natural materials, or just plain snagging when I am up in 4 corners in Sept. Listen and she will provide. The water is forgiving and will be there when you come back. She loves to play.

[@McFlyAngler]

I agree, I like to just fish also. I’ve salmon snagged before also in Navajo dam

[@samuelmottweiler3833]

You’re still using a fly rod which is just another tool to catch fish.

[@McFlyAngler]

For sure

[@mercertevyn]

Fresh water drum. Not carp.

[@McFlyAngler]

I thought so

[@gimnof]

How dare you, and etc.

[@McFlyAngler]

Etc?

[@alexabyronfujino8320]

Unsubscribed! Lol just kidding. I think some fly fisherman get too snobby about the craft. Sometimes you just want to catch fish and go the easier way.

[@McFlyAngler]

I agree