So, I checked out some euro-style carp rods at Cabelas and they looked nice... also saw some "crappie" IM-6 rods at BPS ... instead of investing in one immediately... ever tried attaching a spinning reel to a fly rod? I've got 1 or 2 8'+ fly rods sitting around and I attached a smaller Penn reel... (no butt on the rod but I never place my hands behind the reel anyway)... seems to work in my garage just fine ... in the field I don't know. I think the fly rod will allow me to see the tiny nibbles and help me keep the high angle of the line/hook when reeling in carp

Oh yea! I use a 9' 7 wt fly rod with a spinning reel and 6 lb test all the time on Grapevine. I've had buffs to 20 pounds on this rig. Lots and lots of fun.

I don't use it for carping venues when there's heavy cover or where I'm targeting trophy fish but for fun fishing in open water situations, it's very sporting.