As you approach your favorite fishing hole, you notice two things that make your heart jump. First, no one is around, so you have the place all to yourself. Second, although you need help identifying what they are, you see fish surfacing offshore. You’ve found a honey hole and are destined to fill your stringer quickly.

About 10 minutes after setting your lines, just as you’ve settled into a nice shaded spot, you see your line tense, and then the spool begins to run. You’ve hooked something big. After what seems like the most extended fight of your life, you land a sizeable golden-colored behemoth. This is when your heart sinks. Your trophy of a lifetime is nothing more than a common carp. A junk fish — or is it?

The common carp is native to Europe and Asia but, due to extensive stockings since the 1800s, can be found in most parts of North America. However, despite being a highly sought-after game fish in their native habitat, they are considered a nuisance by most American anglers. Until recently, the only sportsmen interested in catching carp were spear or bow fishermen who often thought they were doing everyone else a favor by removing this invasive species from local waters.

But each year, more and more New World anglers are realizing what their Old World cousins have known for a long time — the common carp is an uncommon advisory.

Widespread Availability

One reason for the carp’s newfound popularity is its wide distribution. Although it prefers shallow, slow, or still water with an abundance of vegetation, the carp has few other habitat requirements and can be found in either fresh or brackish water with a wide temperature range. This means that from the panhandle of Texas to the rivers of New England, the common carp has easy access to any angler.

Big, more significant, and biggest

A second reason for its newfound popularity is its size. Every angler knows that catching any fish is better than catching no fish at all. But every angler knows nothing gets the heart pumping like hooking into a fish big enough to fight back. The average adult carp weighs 10-20lbs and will prove a worthy opponent, especially on light tackle. Because carp have an exceptionally long life, as much as 35 years in the wild, it is not uncommon to find large adults in the top 40-50lbs, and the world record is over 100. The possibility of such a monster at the end of your line will excite even the most seasoned angler.

Gear

Dedicated carp anglers, like die-hard bass or trout enthusiasts, can spend a small fortune on special rods, reels, and custom equipment holders. But, like with most species, enjoying a fun-filled afternoon of catching carp on a more realistic budget is possible. As far as a rod & reel combination, any medium or medium heavy rod and matching reel capable of handling a 12-25-pound test line will do, similar to that used for bass in heavy cover or catfish. Terminal tackle should include a half ounce egg sinker and a No. 4 hook – larger hooks will be difficult for the carp to inhale into their tiny mouth.

Bait

As with most game fish, your choice of bait can make or break your day at the lake. Unlike other game fish, which eat a variety of live or cut bait, carp are vegetarians who typically feed on the roots and stems of aquatic plants. But this does not mean you want to hook a piece of celery to your line.

Many carp anglers find that corn is a very successful offering and will thread several kernels onto a long shank hook or a small piece of line tied to hang below the hook. The theory is that when the carp sucks in the corn, they will also inhale the hook.

A popular alternative is to make your dough balls similar to those popular with catfish anglers. The dough balls are made using various ingredients, often closely guarded secret recipes, including a base of cornmeal or crushed cry dog food, corn, and flavoring. The hook is baited in the same manner as when using corn, with the dough applied directly to or hanging below the hook.

Conclusion

After you get a couple of these “golden ghosts” under your belt and realize that just as many others have outsmarted you, you will soon find that these “junk fish” are a trophy in the rough.