 COMMON CARP
Scientific Name: Cyprinus carpio
Identification
The
common carp usually has an olive- to-green back, fading to a
yellow-brown side, with a yellow belly. The fins are
yellow to yellow-red. Two pairs of barbels are present on the upper
jaw, which help to distinguish carp from suckers. The mouth is
small and is supported by tough cartilage. The carp has small teeth
on
the back of the last gill arch near the throat. These teeth, similar
to human molars, are used for crushing shells, seeds and plants.
Habitats and
Habits
Carp are native
to Eurasia but were introduced into North America during the 1800s.
They can now be found in lakes
and rivers throughout the United States. Carp are routinely found
along the shoreline of lakes and rivers, where they feed on aquatic
plants, algae, invertebrates and, on occasion, small fish. Their
ability to taste and smell is very acute. They usually suck
food off the bottom, along with silt and debris. Food items are strained
out and chewed up, while non-food items are spit out. These feeding
habits often cause muddy water and, in extreme cases, can impair
aquatic plant growth and cover fish eggs with silt. Carp are very
strong swimmers, and large individuals are common. As a result, they
are popular among some anglers. Carp are a popular food fish in many
countries, although they are bony.
Fishing Techniques
While carp occasionally
will take slow-moving lures, most anglers prefer
using natural baits. Dough balls, oatmeal,
cheese, worms, corn and even soap fished on the bottom are popular
choices. Some anglers broadcast or “chum” corn or cheese
over an area prior to fishing them with the hopes of attracting carp.
Good Places to
Fish
Slow-flowing
rivers and practically any lake in North Carolina hold common carp.
Look for them in the back of
sandy or muddy-bottomed coves and quiet river sections.
NCARP Minimum
Requirements: 20 pounds or 34 inches
State Record: 48
pounds, from a pond in Mecklenburg County, March 11, 1986
World Record: 75
lbs., 11 oz., Lac de St. Cassien, France, May 21, 1987*
* Anglers
provide information on their potential world-record catches directly
to the International
Game Fish Association, which maintains the world records
for sport fishing.
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