A number of fly fishers want "start up "info for carp fly fishing. I'm posting some of my observations here:

what makes the carp unique is that it does not chase your fly like
other fish can. carp can only be taken when they are already in the
process of feeding. If a carp is not feeding, go see a movie. When a
carp is feeding your fly has to be no more than 2 feet from it's mouth.
carp don't like fast movements, so never move your fly more than an
inch or so when it is in the feeding zone of the carp. Carp can see
you. remember if you see the carp then the carp sees you. carp fishing
requires STEALTH. Move slow on your approach, wear earth tones, leave
flashy jewelery at home. the key to getting carp to take your fly is
PRESENTATION. Carp will take the same flies trout take ( dry, wet,
nymphs, terrestrials). If carp are feeding on the surface I use deer
hair flies. If carp are eating on the bottom wet flies like woolie
buggers work. I've used hares ears for tailing fish. I have not
found a go to fly yet because I fish all over NY & NJ. I've found what
works in one lake doesn't work in all bodies of water. just like
trout, match as much as possible what the carp is eating; Size, color
do matter.
If you decide to target carp, try to fish with someone who has caught
carp with flies before so that you can shorten the learning curve.

tippet size depends on you the fly fisher. Last
week I used 6X to fish for carp. I used 4X tippet. But
each time I was fishing in a lake; river carp tend to be stronger than lake carp.
You must have patience when fishing for carp. I've seen fishers hook
and lose their carp because they over reacted to the carp's take of the
fly.

I have been carpin for a number of years with all kinds of rods. Grass,
Glass & Graphite, from 2 wt to 8 wt switch rods. Yes they are
smart, yes they are spooky. carp will take the same flies that trout
take. the secret to catching carp with flies is your presentation. You
must use stealth, accuracy, & patience when fishing for carp. carp
do not chase flies. unless a carp is feeding it will ignore your fly.
when it is feeding you fly must be in the "feeding zone" for the carp
to consider your offering. the zone is like a triangle about 2 feet
long; with the carp's mouth being the apex of the triangle. cast your
fly in the zone & the carp may take your fly. Dry flies, wet flies
and nymphs all work; it depends on what they are targeting and your
presentation. wear earth tones, no flashy rings or watches. use a net
, less stress for you & the carp. Have a plan on how you will
fight the fish. Know where you want the carp to go and where you want
to stay away from. Since carp are not trout, get them on the reel ASAP


switch rod


fenwick glass fly rod


cane fly rod


Glass 3 pc, 7.5' , 3/4 wt fly rod


fly box


6'6", 2 wt Glass fly rod


fenwick glass fly rod


fenwick voyager fly rod

#4 Technical Fishing - Carp aren’t predatory by nature. They’re classic bottom feeders, and as such, they aren’t apt to wheel around and hammer a baitfish swimming through their peripheral vision. The presentation must be perfect every time, without exception. It takes a great cast, and a great retrieve with a solid fly choice, to solicit even moderate interest from a big carp.