Can fly tying inspiration come from an unlikely source like mixed drinks and gourmet cooking?

If you’re desperate like me it can.

I spent most of this week tracking down scientific information on Carp feed, mating ritual, natural predators, response to stress, and preferred Ph – and endured the traditional dry dissertation that ensured we slept through Biology class.

Then I stumbled on the really good intel – the kind of information only hardbitten anglers produce, and I’ve been in the kitchen ever since…

After being bested by what many would describe as a “dumb underwater cockroach” – I was resolved to “man-up,”  it’s unsightly for a paunchy, middle aged angler to weep uncontrollably at streamside. It’s also mighty cold to recover a fly rod from deep water – having been thrown in a fit of pure infantile temperament.

Fly fishing can dim your vision after the first couple of decades, reducing the solution set to; dry, emerger, wet, and nymph. My repertoire is now enhanced after reading the Top 10 list of best selling Carp aids,  and neither Peacock herl or Glimmer chenille was mentioned once:

Creamy Pineapple, Double “G” Extreme Ice Cream, Wild Whiskey, Scopex,
Intense Sweetner, Cinnamon Butter Rum, Triple B, Creamy Pineapple Banana, and lastly, Pineapple Ice Cream Flavor

If that’s not inspirational just read the list aloud and see if the Missus doesn’t send you to Baskin-Robbins on the double.

We’ve been so focused on the perceived advances of ultra-extra light graphite, space age fabrics, and titanium – when the reality is we’re still lagging Carp technology. Likely it’s because revolutionary change occurs more frequently when the cost is six bucks, and we’re taking three and half years to pay off each fly rod.

Just think of these as Biodegradable Ultra Light Line – Scent Helpers with Intense Tastes, that … or fly floatant … whichever allays the suspicions of your effete dry fly pals.

Me, I’m adding a little alcohol to the mixture to numb my quarry’s lips; figuring he’ll swallow and digest the fly, and I won’t set hook until it comes out the other end.

These are doubly useful, if the Carp don’t care for the Tutti-Frutti, you can squeeze a dollop into your hydration pack …