I'm thinking of building a switch rod and was originally going to use it for salmon/steelhead. Then I got the idea that" hey this could work for carp in the bay." anybody tried this. I'm thinking the Batson 7 wt and if need be could move up to a heavier line.
All thoughts and comments are welcome
Thanks



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/21/2009 03:15PM by gary Marquardt.

What size carp? Though I'm not a carp fisherman, I live in Austin, TX, what is considered the carp capital of the US and a few friends that are hard core. We had an international carp tournament here in 07 that had people from all over the US, Europe and a few from Asia. The winner took $100k.

We're talking in excess of 30" and they are not the stupid pond carp from the park. Drop the fly a little too close and the whole pod scatters.

OK, I'll ask around and see what the pros think.

Just posted a pic of one of my buddies with his little carp a few weeks back.
[www.rodbuilding.org]



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/21/2009 08:55PM by Robert Russell.

Gary,
I think it would be fun - prob more fun with a light 11' switch rod. But as I understand most, if not all, carp fishing is by sight. Single handed rods much more accurate.
Herb

Gary,
I talked to a few of my carpies and they said the key will be casting distance and to build a rod that maximizes distance. Both fly fish, though neither use them for carp and they thought the 7 wt would work great. In fact, one told me his ultra expensive 9' European carp rod is probably very close to a 8-9 wt fly rod. It's funny, as I was talking to him, I could tell the idea was very interesting to him. I'm sure he'll give it a try with a fly rod now.

Let us know how it turns out. Catching monster carp can be loads of fun.
Robert