Hillbilly Bonefish

I feel like getting out for some fishing this weekend... but the nearest bonefish lives 1,600 miles away. So that's not very practical.

Fortunately, carp, what many consider the "trash" fish of midwest rivers live almost everywhere! And, you can sight fish for them, cast to them in shallow water, watch them take, and they fight great! So all is not lost.

They are often called "Hillbilly" or "Redneck" bonefish. While I have to admit they don't exactly take off on blistering runs like a bone, they also can grow a lot bigger. The first fish on the video was pushing 20 pounds, so that is a fun catch on a fly rod wherever you live!

My usual gear for carp hunting in small streams is an 8 weight with floating line, about a 0X to 2X leader, with 8 to 10lb tippet. Carp are harder to catch than many people think, they can be picky eaters just like trout, and presentation can be crucial. 

Flies vary from San Juan worms, to small buggers, to various egg patterns and colors. Sometimes a purple yarn ball that looks like a mulberry is the ticket - sometimes a small streamer works. Depends on the available food, just like any other fish. I do all sight fishing, and finding feeding fish is the key. Look for fish tailing or "mudding" with their nose down on the bottom rooting around for tasty morsels. Fly placement is key in that situation, just drop it a few feet in front of them and let them work towards it. Again, much like fishing for bones, find them and try not to spook them. As an added difficulty, you usually have zero room to cast amidst the over hanging trees, so it will test your ability in different ways.

I catch most of my carp within the city limits of Kansas City, so no need to find my passport or cash in any savings in order to have some awesome fishing, The next time you get the "bones jones" - consider the lowly carp... you will have a blast!