Carp Hybrid Variation

Carp are superfish. I have done some carping in the last several years, but it wasn't until about last year that it has become more of something that I plan to do as opposed to a plan B trip.  Carp are excellent fish to fight because they will absolutely kick you in the nether regions if you are not on your A game.  Trout are built like first generation Kia vehicles where you really have to baby them to ensure their survival, but Carp are built like military grade Hummvees with extra gas in the tank.  They have specialized scent that pick up the slightest bit of non-natural scent on your flies, they have specialized gill systems that deliver oxygen to their bloodstream more efficiently than a trout, and they have battle armor that even a missile from Kim Jong Dangus couldn't penetrate.  Yes, in my opinion they are a superfish that make a very worthy target for the fly fisher.  

If you have tried carp fishing you have probably seen, or at least heard about the Carp Hybrid pattern developed by John Montana. I think part of it's appeal is that it's a fairly basic fly that catches fish, and it uses minimal materials (chenille, peacock or chenille, and a soft hackle).  I have made a few minor changes to suit my needs (wants) and have done really well with this variation.  The most notable is the "tickler" that I added to the tail of the fly to increase movement when the fly is being gently hopped on the bottom.  Tie some of these up in various colors to see what your local carp like best. 

** Also, watch to the end to see the choice words I have for the brahma hen hackle I was trying to work with.

Cheech