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Carp

Introduction

Our friend the carp goes by many other names: European carp, common carp, wild carp, French carp, Italian carp, German carp, Israeli carp, leather carp, mirror carp, king carp, koi, sewer bass, buglemouth.

One of the largest members of the minnow family, the common carp (cyprinus carpio) was reportedly brought to North America from Europe in 1831-2 by a private citizen, but the official introduction of the species occurred in 1877-82. An omnivore, it soon wreaked havoc on the native fish populations. While known as a food fish in Eurasia since ancient times, many North American anglers consider the carp a dirty warm-water fish.

Carp are not aggressive strikers nor do they stalk their prey like other game fish, but when hooked, carp are very strong freshwater fish. Carp angling requires patience; most often the hardest part of carp fishing is hooking the wary fish.

Carp fishing is popular in Europe, but in the U.S. and Canada, the potential for great carp fishing remains largely untapped. In North America, carp are abundant and relatively large specimens but are overlooked by anglers.

The best carp fishing is after their April to May spawning run, but good catches are made anytime from spring to fall.

Distribution

Carp are found in fresh waters throughout the temperate zones.

Habitat

Carp prefer warm and shallow muddy rivers with organic growth, but they can survive temperature extremes from 32-100ºF by semi-hibernating in the mud or by breathing atmospheric oxygen.

Features

Carp have a short head, rounded snout, a single long dorsal fin, forked tail, large scales and resemble an overgrown goldfish. Unlike goldfish, carp have a sucker-like mouth with two pairs of whiskers (barbels) framing their mouth.

Colourization

Carp look like jumbo goldfish but are less colourful - usually a dull beige or brown. Koi (Japanese carp) are speckled or spotted in white and brown or white and orange. Carp have a yellowish tinge on their underbellies and a rusty tint on their lower fins. Males and young carp are usually a darker green or gray with a darker belly than adult females. Carp scales are dark-rimmed and are dark-spotted at the scale base.

Size

The King carp may reach lengths of five feet and weigh up to 80 lbs. Carp are formidable fighters and commonly weigh more than twenty pounds, but the average river and lake carp weigh 2 to 5 pounds. Commercial catches approach weights of one hundred pounds, and some state records cite catches of 50-75 plus pounds.

Carp have an average life span of about 15 years, but many carp exceed their 50th year.

Feeding Habits

Primarily vegetation feeders, the omnivorous carp eat mollusks, crustaceans, fish eggs, worms, green algae, and almost any organic material available. Don't waste money buying unnecessary commercial baits: carp will eat leftover meats, carrots, cheese balls, maggots, raisins, cereal, frozen peas, etc.

Reproduction

3-year-old females and 2-year-old males are able to reproduce. When water temperatures reach 60ºF in the spring or summer, carp spawn in shallow vegetated waters. Several males accompany one or two females and as the fish splash, eggs are released and fertilized. Unattended, the eggs hatch in 3-10 days. The fry absorb their yolk sac, then later forage feed on algae and plankton. The fry may grow to 9 inches in their first year if they avoid large predator fish (northern pike, muskie, largemouth bass).

Carp spend their lives feeding in small groups uprooting vegetation and roaming for food.

Fishing Techniques

Use any kind of fishing equipment: for a challenge, fly and ultra-light fishing gear is okay for clear, open fishing, while most fishing requires medium-weight spinning tackle and eight- or ten-pound test line. Lures and flies will work, but most carp strike bait - try corn kernels, worms, dough balls, and for the biggest carp, large crawfish bait.

Carp are weary in shallow water, and the deeper water most often holds the larger fish anyway. Fish the quiet deep backwaters in large rivers or the shallow six- to twelve-feet drop-offs in lakes.

First scatter some of your bait into the water (some corn kernels, for example), and then attach a few kernels to a No.8 hook tied to the line. Use the lightest slip sinker possible that will hold bottom for longer casts. Carp are sensitive to the resistance on the line and are gentle biters. Once hooked, carp will swim for deep water or towards an underwater obstruction. After landing one carp, seed the same area with corn and cast again.

When caught in unpolluted water, carp are excellent when baked, pressure-cooked, fried, or cooked in a chowder.

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Freshwater Fish Species

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