During the summer months in Natal, South Africa, we often have afternoon storms or strong winds that blow for a few hours each day. As a result of this the wave motion pushes the hatching midges and other debris against a specific bank. When the winds subside in the evenings, the thick layer of drowned midges and other scrumptious morsels that carp, catfish and even yellowfish enjoy, then float out onto the lake and form what is commonly known as a scum line.
A scum line is every fly anglers dream because if they rise early enough to fish the scum line between sunrise and when the wind stirs and dissipates the scum line, they are able to catch the huge sarp and other species feeding on the surface.
There is no doubt that most serious anglers from most angling codes will tell you that the best fishing is sight fishing for fish on the surface. The adrenalin rush one gets for casting your fly to a feeding fish without spooking him and then watching the take is second to none.
When the carp are feeding on a scum line the only way to catch them is from a “Bass Boat” with a good flat front deck and an effective silent trolling motor.
The best rod to use would be a 6 weight fly rod and a fly Reel with a smooth drag. A good backing is also recommended because the carp are usually in the 2kg (4Lb) to 4kg (8Lb) range and because you usually catch them in the deep water they will run you deep into your backing.
A leader of no less than 9 feet is recommended and it is not advisable to use a smaller tippet than 6 or 7lbs.
The best flies to use are ddd, styrofoam beetle and ant imitations tied on number 12 or14 hook or any other brown floating flies. Sometimes the midges do not float on the surface so the carp feed just below it. In these circumstances the best flies to use are wooly buggers in olive and black or small flashbacks fished on your floating line just below the surface.
Stalking these surface feeding carp can be extremely frustrating because they are easily spooked. The carp can be seen from a distance as their heads break the surface and their large yellow mouths vacuum up everything they can find.
Once a suspect has been located you must approach the target as quietly as possible. Cut the trolling motor well before getting into casting distance of the fish and then drift slowly toward the fish without disturbing it. Often you only get one chance to cast at a fish before it moves on.
You must decide which way the fish is feeding and then attempt to land the fly as gently as possible about a meter in front of the fish. The carp will continue feeding until it reaches your fly and then it will be engulfed. Do Not strike. You will only succeed in breaking your tippet. Lift your rod gently the carp will hook itself. Now hold on for dear life as the fish streaks off away from you making sure that the line is not tangled on the deck because this will spell instant disaster. Landing these carp always takes time because they don’t give up easy and will fight right to the boat.
Once landed a quick photo is all that remains before releasing the fish to fight another day.
On some occasions the carp are accompanied by Natal yellowfish and/or catfish and both these species will not hesitate to take a properly presented fly. But be warned a big catfish on fly in the deep water will not surrender easily and anglers canl often battle a good size catfish for at least 20 minutes before landing it.
Once a suspect has been located you must approach the target as quietly as possible. Cut the trolling motor well before getting into casting distance of the fish and then drift slowly toward the fish without disturbing it. Often you only get one chance to cast at a fish before it moves on.