The Delta has some monster Carp. Seeing them and getting them to eat are two different stories though. My good friend John Sherman and I were out trying to feed some of these monsters a week or so ago, diligently trying to unlock some of the mysterious code with these Delta Carp.
The Delta Carp Code has it's own set of rules...one might jokingly go as far as to call it the CCCRF. California Carp Code of Regulations and Frustrations!
I have heard plenty of stories and techniques about catching Carp in rivers, ponds and lakes. However, the Delta environment seems to be a different animal when it comes to catching these wary fish. I have fair caught some huge Carp incidentally while bass fishing, and while soaking the fly while Striper fishing. I have spent a lot of time just watching and studying them from my boat. But, still to this day, I have yet to consistently pattern their behavior, feeding or not. Well, more accurately I'll say that I have a good idea when they are not feeding! This has proven itself many times over the years as a few friends and I have tried to hook them with nothing much more to show for our efforts than a few "i think he ate"s...
Poling through skinny water, super stealthy stalking, poised for the cast, waiting, seeing, casts demanding precision presentation...this is sight fishing to Delta Carp and it has all the elements of a highly regarded saltwater flats game.
The quest continues though, and when we eventually unlock that code....game on!
The quest continues though, and when we eventually unlock that code....game on!
