Also, if you're getting to within 5 or 6 feet (which is how I usually catch my carp), make sure that if possible you have the tip of your fly line past the end of your rod. If conditions don't allow it (if the fish is tight into cover and you need to bring your fly closer to the tip of your rod to control it or it's very windy), at least make sure you have enough loose line in your hand to allow the end of your fly line to get past the end of your rod before the fish gets on the reel.