Carp are tantalizingly close, no matter where you are. They will challenge you technically, test your patience, and make you question your fly fishing bona fides more than any other freshwater fish. And they get really big; they’ll put you into your backing fast. As Trout Unlimited’s Chris Hunt says in his foreword, “Enjoy the journey that comes with fly fishing for carp. And leave your 4-weight home.” Sporting nicknames like the golden bonefish, carp are finally getting the attention they deserve from US flyrodders. TROUT Magazine managing editor Kirk Deeter meets these non-native fish head-on, examining their history, behavior, diet, and the challenges they pose