The dream of every sportsman is to bag the best of the species he has chosen to pursue. In the world of sport fishing, Muskies', bucket-mouth Bass and Northern Pike are just a few of the species that are highly prized as freshwater trophies. However, there is another species that is often overlooked and, pound for pound, is probably the strongest swimmer and fiercest adversary I have ever done battle with in our freshwater systems, the 'Carp'. In this article, I describe just one of those battles..
I had to remind myself not to forget a vital component in my Carp fishing arsenal, a 50 foot length of manila rope. My buddy and I usually set out just before dawn to make sure we were in good position on the river before the big Carp began to move. Being Carp fishermen, and growing up in the region, gave us a distinct advantage when it came to locating the large schools of monster Carp. Every time I observe a school on the move, aside from being awed by their size and grace, I am reminded of a herd of grazing cattle meandering in a quiet meadow. Truely, these are magnificient animals.
The key to a successful hunt is to find their secluded area. Only the most adventurous of sportsmen bag the real trophies. We start our trek by walking upstream a 1/4 mile or more away from and parallel to the bank so that we don't spook the inhabitants. We scout the stream along the banks for prime big Carp habitat while scanning the surface of the stream for big tail fins bobbing in the current. This is a sure sign that the Carp are grazing on bottom matter. Remember that rope I included in my Carp fishing tackle? It's time to put it to use. The majority of river banks I have encountered over the years can be climbed and descended reasonably well but, not quietly, especially when packing your Carp fishing gear. Once the herd has been located, we need to get to the waters' edge without the big Carp knowing it. I tie my rope around a stout tree and descend the bank slowly and methodically avoiding anything that will betray my presence. Once we reach the bank, we get out our carp fishing rods and our carp fishing reels and prepare to begin our stalk.
It has been said that noise in the water doesn't spook the fish, I say, that is a crock of 'used food'. They are wild, not stupid and just as wary as a whitetail or a rabbit. The best method I have found to introduce the bait in this serene situation is to gently sidearm cast the bait and skip-stone the bait into the midst of the herd. You think this would scatter them; but if done properly, they will actually come to the bait. Think of a ripe cherry falling from an overhanging branch as it "plops" into the water. Dig yourself in and hold on because some serious drama is about to unfold.
The pickup is subtle, almost imperceptible, then the line goes limp as though the bait were spit out. You steady your nerves to crank in the slack line and you set the hook with a mighty snatch of the rod. Your first thought is that 'I must have missed because I'm snagged into something on the bottom of the stream, a log or a stump maybe'. However, you discover that is not the case at all as you realize the stump is moving along the bottom and your line is attached to it. You are hooked into a freshwater bull and he's going to let you know about it.
The initial charge is incredible as the brutal savagery of the thrust becomes apparent to you, he means to live and he will stop at nothing. When your rod whips down into a grotesque bend, you steel yourself for the loud crack of a fishing rod exploding into a thousand shards and you question your decision in choosing it. Suddenly, the rods' tip rockets skyward as the Carp reverses his charge. At this moment, your heart is pumping pure adrenalin. Your hand is a blurr of motion trying to crank in the slack line to keep the fight in close because you know that the farther the Carp gets away from you, the greater the chances that the line will snag or wrap around something and the victory will go to the Carp. The rod doubles over again from an unbelievable pull for freedom and you are glad you spent a few extra bucks for that heavy duty rig because know you know you have a chance. Up and down the bank the battle rages on for what seems like hours, neithers' will willing to give up the fight and admit defeat. The muscles and joints in your hands and arms tire and they beg for a moment of rest but you and your adversary are locked in collective combat and both are determined to win. The savagery begins to wane but this is no time to relax. You must get him to the bank and release him before he has exhausted all of his strength. You have won the battle and this is your trophy and glory. By releasing him, you ensure that he will continue to grow and, one day, give another angler a battle that he will never forget.
This is the challenge and excitement that this great fish has to offer. This is the real trophy that this freshwater bull gives us to mount not on our walls but in our memories and our respect for him as a couragous fighter. Over the years, I've developed a deep admiration and healthy respect for this warrior of our freshwater streams. Once hooked, his pursuit for freedom is relentless and his power is awesome. I don't think I've ever fought a tougher fish. I am a firm supporter of catch and release. Please don't throw them on the banks and leave them for dead. Such a great fighter deserves to be "Released".
A monster carp will tear up your fishing gear with ease if it is undersized for the job. Spend the extra bucks and go heavy duty. I started out with a tubular graphite rod that I was told would handle the stress, not so. I hooked into a big Carp in an undercut bank one morning and set the hook. Up and down the river we went battling each other until the Carp got tired of playing with me and stepped off down stream. The big Carp snapped that graphite rod like a sun dried twig and I never.... saw..... the fish!
I use a heavy fiberglass fishing rod with the rod extending completely through the handle, no weak spots on this rig. This rod was custom built by me using parts ordered from the fishing mail order catalogs. The reel should be equally as strong unless you don't want to see your Carp fishing trophy.
Big Carp like sheltered locations with obstruction, a brush pile, log jam or an undercut bank. If you spot an undercut bank with a brush pile or log jam blocking it, you have just found Carp fishing Mecca. I'd bet your casting arm that there's a monster big Carp holed up in there living the life of Riley and just waiting for a chance to tear up your pole. Early morning finds them grazing quiet stretches in streams.
As you've probably guessed, our Carp fishing bait is a closely guarded secret, so, here it is: 50% corn flakes, 50% corn meal and enough water to mash it into a paste like peanut butter. That's it. That's all there is to it. Carp love corn! We used whole kernel corn in the beginning but, the big Carp were masters at sucking the kernels off the hooks. Corn meal with corn flakes as the binder worked perfectly. When they pick up a blob of this Carp fishing bait, they have to work to suck it off the hook and the majority never make it. One more item you can add to your Carp fishing gear is a small amount of the dense brown catkin from the Cattail plant, kept in a small container. Mix the catkin fibers into the paste to make the Carp fishing bait harder to suck off.
I've heard a lot of negative opinions as to the food quality of Carp and I think the majority of it is hearsay passed on by those that have not taken the time to try the meat for themselves. In my opinion, Carp taste just as good as any sunfish, Bluegill, Crappie, Goggle-eye, Perch, you name it. I prefer the juveniles or pan sized fish compared to the big adults, not because the flesh is less tasty but because the older they get it seems the more bones there is in the flesh. Some butchers score the flesh to cut up the tiny bones so that they are less noticable when you consume them. Still, there are others who use vinegar to soften the bones and swear that the vinegar does not affect the taste of the meat. You be the judge.