I was under the impression that carp feed on insects and crustaceans, when mudding they are actually "digging" for "insects" in the mud, they also eat "vegetable" matter such as mulberries and seeds, no reason for them not eating a minnow if available.

Carp are not "mainly" anything they are opportunistic and will eat what's available. The carp in captivity in Athens got to where they would only eat sardines and live shad. When boilies and range cubes where introduced into the tank the fish didn't show any interest in them.

You can say that again......keep hearing about Buffalo caught on clousers......they won't eat anything I throw though.

This is a great article I recently came across. Can't take issue with anything in it. Especially the last paragraph, that sums this craziness up very well.

http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/forum/index.php?threads/carp-fly-fishing.77180/

One thing that seems to be much discussion on is strike indicators. I have not personally tried them, but want to this season (especially in low clarity) after reading posts like these:

http://themrpblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/indicator-fishing-for-carp-part-ii.html

I've had some luck with Buffalo. Sight casting wooly buggers to a 5" circle. Sometimes they duck it up and sometimes they don't. Being elevated above the clear water so you can watch what's going on is the key for me.

Amen brother

Carp can most definitely be caught on the fly rod, although I think many people have done it accidentally.

Why would you want to?
It is one of the few freshwater fish that you can catch on a fly rod that can easily take you into your backing. They are tremendously strong and extremely wary. Since the are opportunistic feeders they generally won't move a very far to chase a meal (only a few inches), because of this your cast have to be within a small window to effectively present your fly. They have fairly poor vision, but carp also have a unique anatomical feature called a "Weberian apparatus" which connect connects the swim bladder to the auditory system, this acts as an sound amplifier. Basically, they have super sensitive hearing. They can easily be spooked by your approach, a sloppy cast or even simple conversation. They really are a remarkable and unique "gamefish".

I would suggest you find the book "Carp on the Fly - A Flyshing Guide" by Barry Reynolds and Brad Befus. Is is the bible for Carp Fly fishng and will help you get ready for warmer weather.

I've been fly fishing for them for about 20 yrs, back before it was cool!!
Good luck and Tight Lines,
Tony

The vast majority of the carp and buffs I have caught have been on a clouser fishing for sandies. Even grass carp when they get really big will eat anything they can get in their mouth. I know they absolutely love helgramites.

Man if you start trying to catch carp it's like crack! You won't stop. I even tried to get my twin daughter fly fishing for carp vs sunfish. They just have me the "seriously dad, you old and broken" look. Creeks are difficult do to all the snags and they can't run but two ways, to ya or away. Have fun don't give up on it.

So when does the best season for carping the flats start back up again? Does the water warm enough in the spring?

Spring. There are lots of places to go. I am most familiar with Ray Roberts. I'll find them in creeks but again getting to them can be tuff. Lots of people here fish for carp, and several are willing to help those of us who have the addiction. Those with a lot more experience than I can tell you more places.