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Carp
The Carp is one of the most commonly found fish species in the entire world. Belonging to the Cyrpinus family, they are a very popular fish because they are fairly easy to catch, are excellent fighters, and grow to an impressive size.
Carp are easily identified by their bronze, gold, green to almost dark brown colours and their round, stout bodies.
With large, powerful fins and small mouths, these fish are extremely adaptable and can survive in many different kinds of environments.
Many years of selective breeding has produced three common strains. Common carp are fully scaled, mirror carp are partially scaled and leather carp have virtually no scales at all.
Carp can grow to very large sizes, with the world record weighing upwards of 75 pounds. Fish over 50 pounds are somewhat rare though, and fish weighing 20 pounds and up are considered exceptional.
Tactics
Most bodies of water will hold some carp, but these fish prefer large lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. But even small canals, ditches, and local ponds can hold large populations of carp.
Look for areas with warmer water, such as shallow water along the shoreline or areas with plenty of vegetation. Carp love these two areas, as they prefer warmer water and aquatic vegetation gives them plenty of opportunities to find food.
Carp bait is extremely plentiful and easy to use, and most anglers will use something that they already have at home.
Some of the most popular baits among carp anglers include corn, worms, mollusks, and dough balls. There are also plenty of store-bought baits that are extremely effective, such as boilies and pastes.
Make sure you have super sharp hooks and adequate tackle in order to catch a carp since they are great fighters and can easily break any line or rod that is not up to the challenge.
If you can help it, try to avoid shiny hooks as carp have really good vision and can pick up anything unusual. Although they will eat just about anything, they are wary eaters and take caution before approaching anything.
When to catch Carp?
If you are looking at catching a giant carp, early summer through fall is a great time to do so since they are the most active during the warmer months.
Carp are active and feeding in the warm weather and can be easily caught both during the day and at night.
Be prepared for whatever you might hook into, as carp can present one of the biggest challenges that freshwater fishing can throw at you!
| up to 76 lbs |
| Stillwaters, Rivers & Canals |
| Cyprinus carpio |
Official British Record
68 lb 1 oz
Cranwell’s Lake, Wasing Estate, Berks
2016
Dean Fletcher
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