lka wrote:
And then I pay for my order and tie a bunch new hip patterns in exotic fish-catching colors like UV chartreuse and silver sparkle braid anyway.
Thanks, lka. And glad to hear that I'm not the only one guilty of this.
Nice carp soft hackle as well. I'll keep that in mind next time the opportunity arises for some river carping (possibly my NY trip in May?). Closer to home, I've realized I'm best served by near weightless carp patterns as the water is rarely more than 3' deep and often less than 12" on some of the local flats. I tie plenty of patterns with dumbell or bead chain eyes designed for drag and drop. And while they do draw interest if presented well (right under the carp's nose), it seems like an unweighted wet or nymph drifted or actively retrieved within a foot or so of a carp's eye is the best bet. The fish will actually turn and chase these.
Chris