Also, a carps' mouth is on the bottom. With the hook point downwards it will not always stick. I tie the flies with marabou to suggest natural movement and all the flies are either black, brown or olive. My presentation is simple. I use a ten to sixteen foot leader and try to lead the fish depending on how fast it is moving, how deep the water is and how frequently it is feeding.
Timing is important.
Normally, you see most of the strikes, but just like bonefishing you must wait until you feel the fish before you set the hook. Do not use a trout set. By strip setting, you will greatly increase your chances of hooking up. Rod weights vary. I prefer to use a 6-9 wt.