Common Carp

The common carp is a prolific survivor, and able to tolerate many conditions and bottom types, making it an ideal species for pond culture.

 

HOW TO IDENTIFY A COMMON CARP

The common carp is one of the largest members of the minnow family and a close relative of the goldfish. The carp’s closest look-alikes may be the bigmouth and smallmouth buffalos, which despite their resemblance to the carp, belong to an entirely different family (the sucker family).

The carp, the goldfish, and the buffalos all grow fairly large (the goldfish to about 16 inches; the carp and buffalos much larger); all have deep bodies; relatively small, protractile mouths; a forked tail; a single, long dorsal fin on the back; and large scales. The coloration of their bodies is also similar, ranging from olive brown to gold.

 

WHERE TO CATCH COMMON CARP

The common carp are widely distributed in North America below the 50th parallel south to the Florida panhandle. Besides North America, Europe, and Asia, it is also now found in South America, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

The following list includes places where you can catch Common carp:

 

FRESHWATER LAKES AND PONDS           OVERHANGING TREES AND BUSHES

RIVERS AND STREAMS                                    DAMS AND FALLS

MERGING CURRENTS                                     CURRENT EDGES

OUTSIDES OF BENDS                                      RIPARIAN ZONES

ROCK AND BOULDER POCKETS                        DROP-OFFS

UNDERCUTS

HOW TO CATCH COMMON CARP

The following are fishing methods you can use to catch Common carp:

 

FLY FISHING                     STILL FISHING

 

COMMON CARP LURES, TACKLE & BAIT

The following are fishing lures, tackle or bait you can use to catch Common carp:

 

BREAD OR DOUGH BALLS            FLIES