A Kabuto Classic style fiberglass fly rod with a cigar grip, and Hardy Cascapedia fly reel. / photo by Ken Baldwin The cigar grip is slim and tapers towards the front, or can taper towards both ends.

I took the TFO BC fly rod to the field behind my house to get some practice in. I was expecting a heavy casting rod, with a stiff tip and an extended butt that would make it bottom-heavy.

Fly anglers are figuring out that carp is not a fish to look down your nose at. They are challenging, strong, accessible, and most importantly, flat out fun ...