Get ready for the South Platte Pro-Am Carp Slam
Dave Coulson of Fish Explorer talks carp, in the Fort Collins Coloradan:
Carp get big, frequently exceeding 2 feet and 10 pounds. Much bigger fish are not uncommon. They are such strong and determined fighters that I use them as a warm-up for my redfish trips. These Colorado redfish have trashed more of my tackle than any other fish.
I’m glad Dave noted that he uses carp fishing as a warm-up for trips after our fine spotted tail friends. It’s a good idea, but I’ve got one better…how about using your upcoming redfish trip as a warm-up for the South Platte Pro-Am Carp Slam?!
What the hell is a carp slam?
Glad you asked. The South Platte Pro-Am Carp Slam is a fly fishing tournament held each year right here in Denver. This year the contest is August 22nd, and the target is the Colorado redfish, or common carp. The tournament takes place on various portions of the South Platte River, in and around the downtown area.
There’s a good purpose too – proceeds from the Carp Slam go to rehabilitating the South Platte River directly below Chatfield Reservoir as what else…a trout fishery. Hosted by Denver Trout Unlimited, the Carp Slam is now in it’s third year. And now that the South Platte River is a famous brownlining haunt (thanks to the Wall Street Journal) the folks putting on the event are expecting quite a show. In competitions past, big carp have been had, but there have been a few surprises too, including this piggy trout bagged by Dzifa Glymin right near REI. It’s proof positive Denver Trout Unlimited is on the right track with this effort.
If you’re a fly fisher itching for some tough fights against tough fish, as well as a shot at shutting loudmouths such as myself up for eternity until next year’s Teva Mountain Games for at least ten seconds, I suggest you get signed up now.
Posted in On The Fly
| Tags: brownlining, carp, Carp Slam, Denver Trout Unlimited, South Platte River
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June 24th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Think you are a great Carp Fisherman? This is a chance to prove it against the best including the God Father of Carp Fishing with a Fly, Barry Reynolds. Hope to see you there.
Gracie is going to fish it in a Cape and a 100 Gallon Hat. Can’t wait to watch it!
June 24th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
I will be there, oh yes… in one fashion or another, I will be there.
June 25th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I’m especially looking forward to the Hobo-Hotdog eating contest. You are entering…right Gracie?
June 25th, 2009 at 9:50 am
@Tim – Why are you spilling the beans on my costume? Now I’ve got to rent a gorilla suit.
@FGA – In body or in spirit, you are welcome (and needed).
@Snyder – Wouldn’t miss it for the world.
June 26th, 2009 at 3:34 am
Sounds like a fun event. I love the name.