5 min read
Carp is the common name given to the species of freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. They are a large group of fish native to Europe and Asia, although they have now been introduced to various destinations around the world with mixed reactions.
Carps are essentially big fish that are popular among anglers around the world. Many are interested in the various species available, while others are fascinated by their fights and difficulty in catching.
In some areas, however, their presence has not been welcomed as they are considered an invasive species. Carp are known to dominate and sometimes found to disturb the environment they are not native to.
History of recreational carp fishing
For many centuries, many anglers have been fascinated by carp all over Europe and Asia. From the supernatural beasts lurking in holiday lakes across France and Thailand to the mystical enigmas, residing within the mecca of carp fishing that is Redmires. Their wily intelligence and, at times, infuriating elusiveness, drives carp fishers to consistently return to their favorite waters in search of a new PB.
Carp's ability to grow to great sizes and provide swashbuckling fights makes them an extremely rewarding fish to catch. Carp have often been described as 'the queen of rivers and lakes' due to their majestic movement and subtle demeanor.
It was believed that it wasn't until the 12th century that they were first introduced to freshwaters in the UK. Today, carps are in almost 100 countries around the world for diverse reasons. They are regarded as invasive species in many places, and other areas keep them for sport.
Carp species
There are several carp species identified today in various parts of the world.
Common carp
The common carp, or sometimes called the European carp, are native to Asia and Eastern Europe. Like other species of the fish, common carp have been introduced to different environments in the world and has been met with mixed reactions. Some are imported illegally.
Common carp have shown to easily adapt to most environments they have been introduced to, although they prefer large bodies of standing or slow water with vegetative sediments.
They are usually found in small schools, but the larger ones tend to live in solitary. Common carp natively live in fresh or brackish water in a temperate climate with 7.0 – 9.0 pH. They also prefer a temperature range of 35.0 -85.0 oF.
Because of their big sizes and fights in resemblance to bonefish, their popularity has grown among American anglers and in other parts of the world. However, some anglers still consider them as pests.
This specie of carp is popular with spear and bow fishers, and they have shown to be able to grow up to 1.2 meters (3.9 feet). The largest caught carp was in 2013 in France and weighed 45.59 kilograms.
Silver carp
Silver carp are a special type in the family of carp. They are difficult to catch with a hook and line gear as they are filter feeders. Anglers have to developed special methods to catch them. The most relevant of these methods is called the suspension method. It consists of a large dough ball that breaks slowly.
The fish are native to China, and eastern Siberia and, like other species of carp have been introduced to other countries. Silver carp have been found in up to 88 countries around the world.
They can reach a length of 60-100 cm (24-39 in), and a maximum length of 140cm (55 in) has been recorded. The highest a silver carp has been weighed 50kg.
Bighead carp
Bighead carp is a species of freshwater fish; they are native to Asia and one of the most exploited fishes in aquaculture. They are usually large with scaleless heads and big mouths. Their eyes are located very low on the head.
The typical length of bighead fish is 60 cm (2 feet) with size reaching 146 cm (4ft 9 in) and weighing 40hg (88lb).
Like silver carp, bighead carp are difficult to capture with the traditional rod and reel. The suspension method is used, and in places where snagging by jerking a weighted treble hook through the water is allowed, that is used.
Bighead carp do not jump from water in response to moving boats but do come near the surface of the water.
Grass carp
The grass carp grows rapidly, and young fish stocked in the spring at 20 centimeters (7.9 in) can reach 45 centimeters (18 in) by fall. Adults often attain nearly 1.2 meters (3.9 ft) in length and over 18 kilograms (40 lb) in weight.
According to one study, they live an average of 5 to 9 years with the oldest at 11 years. They eat up to three times their body weight daily. They thrive in small lakes and backwaters that provide an abundant supply of freshwater vegetation.
Adults of the species feed primarily on aquatic plants. They feed on higher aquatic plants and submerged terrestrial vegetation, but may also take detritus, insects, and other invertebrates
Fishing techniques today
Most recreational fishing involves the use of a fishing line and a hook at the end of the line. The rod is usually equipped with a reel so the line can be reeled in, and some form of bait is attached to the hook. Some of the lures that are used to catch carp include corn, cherry tomatoes, worms, mollusks, and many others.
Some carp have shown to be resistant to hook and line so, that technique might not work. A popular technique for carp fishing is the suspension method. It consists of a large dough ball that disintegrates slowly and surrounded by a nest of tiny hooks that are embedded in the bait.
What is true, however, is that there is more than one way to catch a carp. They exhibit individual preferences and tendencies. So, you will need to understand the choice of the fish and the location or environment.
Why carp fishing is popular
Most anglers are fascinated about carp for two reasons; their size and fights. They are known to be difficult to catch, especially the grass and the bighead carp. With their resistance and scarcity, any big catch is usually celebrated.
Carp fishing can be a roller coaster as it is never indifferent. For most fishers, it doesn't matter that they catch some fish or not; however, the adrenaline and excitement when they succeed in catching some is great. In between those loss and great catches are stories of friendship, laughter, pain, and joy – all of which you will carry for a long time.
So, when the question why is carp fishing so popular pops up, many anglers rarely have a good answer. Not only will you fall in love with catching and see carp, but also you get to lose yourself in nature for a time, and this does not change anything whether you catch carp or not.
The bad trips are worn like a badge of honor and a testament to your determination and dedication. And the good trips? It is often a story to tell and memories to cherish for a long time. So, once more, many anglers will pack up and off to the wilds with the hope that the trip will be a good one.
Conclusion
Carp are a unique fish. Having experienced neglect and endangerment for years, they are slowing becoming a force to reckon with in aquaculture. There are many competitions today in the recreational fishing industry that hunt carp for fun.