NymphHipster Dufus Carp
The Hipster Dufus is a purpose-built carp pattern designed by Daryl Eakins that incorporates an ingenious "lift kit" weighting system to ensure the fly always lands and rides hook point up. This innovative design features a prominent two-tone dubbed body with a bright orange abdomen creating a hot spot, an olive laser dub thorax, stabilizing wood duck flank wings, and a CDC collar that adds subtle movement. The pattern was designed to be versatile enough for flipping, dropping, dragging, or bombing at cruising carp.
Spring, Summer, Fall
Advanced
Carp
Overview
This Charlie Craven pattern from Charlie's Fly Box showcases Daryl Eakins' innovative approach to carp fly design. Eakins credits Jay Zimmerman's Banksia Bug as the inspiration behind the Hipster Dufus, particularly the intricate internal weighting system that guarantees the fly always flips over with the hook point up. The "lift kit" uses two precisely measured pieces of lead wire to lift the bead chain eyes away from the shank, making the pattern top-heavy. The reverse-tapered body creates a profile reminiscent of a free-living caddis larva, while the hot spot at the bend and the CDC collar add the finishing touches that make this fly irresistible to wary carp.
Pattern Characteristics
Materials
Hook: Tiemco 2457, #8
Thread: UTC Ultra Thread, wine (70 and 140 denier)
Weight: Lead Wire .030", two 4mm sections (lift kit)
Eyes: Bead Chain, medium black
Abdomen: Senyo's Laser Dub, fluorescent orange
Thorax: Senyo's Laser Dub, olive
Wing: Wood Duck Flank Feather, barred black and white
Collar: CDC, white
Fishing Tips
Season
Most effective during spring through fall when carp are actively feeding in shallow water. Peak effectiveness occurs during warmer months when carp cruise flats and near-shore areas.
Presentation
Cast ahead of cruising carp and let the fly sink to the bottom before the fish arrives. The hook-up design allows the fly to be flipped, dropped, dragged, or bombed at targets without worrying about hook point position.
When to Use
Select this pattern when sight-fishing for carp in shallow water. The bright orange hot spot helps trigger strikes while the olive thorax provides a natural appearance. Effective when carp are feeding on caddis larvae, crayfish, or other bottom-dwelling organisms.
Water Type
Designed for stillwater and slow-moving water where carp feed on the flats. Particularly effective in lakes, ponds, and the slower reaches of rivers where carp cruise in visible depth.
Rigging Suggestions
Fish on a 9-12 foot leader tapering to 2X-3X fluorocarbon tippet for abrasion resistance. The built-in weight eliminates the need for additional split shot, allowing for cleaner presentations.
Visibility & Floatation
The fluorescent orange abdomen serves as a hot spot that triggers strikes while making the fly visible to the angler. The CDC collar adds subtle movement and life to the fly when it rests on the bottom.
