Everyone who has fished them accepts
the idea that bonefish are a blast to fish. The problem with
fishing for them is where they live. Going to places like
Christmas Island, Las Roques Venezuela, Bahamas, South
Florida and the Keys can be a pricy venture.
So why compare bonefish to carp? Bingo!
History is very clear. Back in the 1940's and 50's, fly fishing for
in-shore saltwater fish was in it's infancy. Writers then wrote
about a trash fish called a "saltwater sucker." That trash fish
was the bonefish.
The authors of this book compare
the carp to the bonefish with very interesting results.
"Both are usually bottom feeders.
Both feed heavily on shellfish.
Both are schooling fish.
Both are wary and frighten easily.
Both usually aren't eaten and are caught and released.
Both require similar tactical approaches."
"Anglers didn't appreciate the wonderful
sport offered by bonefish until they understood the fish. Perhaps,
in the case of carp, lack of understanding is a significant factor
in the way anglers feel about them ..."
Do they prove their point? Does this open
up a new world of opportunity for fly fishers far from fabled
trout waters. (Not to mention bonefish camps.) Could an avid
fly fisher find happiness stalking elusive carp? Read it to find out.
By the way, the authors don't leave you
hanging. The tactics, flies, tackle, and important information
on the behavior of carp is all there. Some trophy carp photos
and good illustrations don't hurt either. Neither does the appendix
by Dave Whitlock of his favorite carp flies.
If you have carp in your region, this book
might help you maintain your sanity; or lose it. ~DB
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