This week, I interview Adam McNamara of Orvis Portland in one of our continuing series of carp podcasts. As usual, I learned some hot new tricks (like how to imitate a clam with a fly!), and I am sure you will, as well. Adam is the founder and organizer of Carpocalypse, one of the best carp events in the US.
Also, to begin, we talk lots of trout for those of you who turn your noses at carp:
- how to tell the number of a fly line if it isn’t labeled,
- adding tippets to braided leaders,
- what to do about refusals to dry flies,
- using wading boots without waders,
- tips on grass carp (oops), and
- what I think about people “spot burning” unknown fishing spots on the internet—if you care what I think.
If you don’t see the “Play” button above, click here to listen.
Another good interview. I listened while honing my tenkara skills for rising carp on a local pond. I discovered a tip that really increased my landing rate with the fixed-line rod and might be valuable with western fly gear: as soon as the hook is set, squat straight down. The motion seems to help keep an angle on the rod — and the load on the road rather than the tippet alone — during that crucial first run. Once I chanced into the move, in 90 minutes I landed two (pond-average fish ~24″), straightened the hook in a third, and broke off only one.