No respect? That’s the carp for you

You set the hook and begin to reel.

Whatever is on the other end of your line must be a monster, because it is fighting so hard. You win the battle and bring the fish to the surface. You snatch it from the water. You smile as you hold your trophy up so a quick photo can be taken.

You proudly look at the fish and think, “That’s a real beauty!” Is it really? Beauty is subjective, isn’t it? What if your fish is a carp? Are you still going to proclaim the beauty of that swimming creature? I’d venture a guess that the answer to that question is a loud, “No!”

Carp have a totally unwarranted reputation as a “trash fish.” Not many people actually fish for carp. Those that do are passionate in their efforts. Serious carp anglers are close to maniacal in their pursuit of carp.

I think carp are given little respect. If there was a beauty contest for fish, carp would probably finish last. I’ve never eaten carp, so I can’t argue with those who sing their praises. The state of Illinois has renamed the invasive Asian carp as the “Copi.” I’ve never tasted a copi and I honestly don’t care to do so.

So what is there to say about carp that is not derogatory? The common carp, a species that is found in virtually all bodies of water, is one of the hardest fighting fish that swims.

There are many subspecies of carp, but I’ll be talking about the common carp that are found everywhere.

Besides their lack of beauty, why are carp hated so much by the majority of anglers? Carp tend to churn up the water in ponds and lakes and stir up dirt and sediment. Carp will swim into the nesting areas of other fish and stir up the bottom and destroy the nest and the eggs in it. They do not eat fish but are destructive to the reproductive process.

Most carp are caught accidentally. They have a broad palate and will eat just about anything although artificial lures are last on the menu for a carp’s dinner choices.

If you want to try to catch some carp, head down to any local river, stream, lake or pond. Use a stiff rod and a reel with a strong drag. These critters are incredibly strong. Spool up with some heavy mono or superline.

I like using circle hooks for carp. They work well. For bait, I would recommend canned corn.

First, you should chum the water in the area you intend to fish. What I mean is that you should throw a couple of handfuls of corn into the water. Then skewer some kernels onto your circle hook and cast. Carp can grow to huge size but are delicate biters, so pay attention for the slightest “tick tick” feeling on your line.

Draw up the slack and set the hook like you really mean it. Don’t be afraid that you will hurt the fish. Set the hook.

That’s really all it takes to hook a carp. Then hold on for the ride of your life. These beasts fight like nothing else in fresh water.

True carp aficionados use specialized baits and equipment. Carp anglers will tell you all about the “boilies” they prepare for carp. They protect their recipes as if the formulas are state secrets. There are hundreds of flavors of commercial carp bait available. I wonder if “Tutti Fruitti” actually tastes like its name?

Why are there so many flavors? Carp fanatics claim that carp will never eat a bait that they have bitten previously. I don’t believe that, but don’t we all have some crazy ideas about how we fish?

Now quit carping and go catch some fish.