For many anglers, the common carp is a trash fish, literally. They think of carp as living in the mud, something they catch by accident, and when they do, it ends up in the trash or compost pile. While fresh carp would be far down my list of desired meals, they do offer some excellent summer fishing opportunities.

Carp are not native to Pennsylvania. Originally from Asia, carp were introduced across the United States in the late 1800s as a potential food source and to relieve fishing pressure on native species, many of which were declining in number. Due to their ability to survive and even thrive in lower-quality water, they were thought to be ideal for waters affected by runoff from timbering and mining. Later, they were used to control vegetation in decorative ponds in communities and golf courses and often escaped to local waterways. Today, the common carp can be found across the Commonwealth.

Not to be confused with many other species of carp, including the grass carp, the common carp is not destructive. Although it is non-native, it is not considered invasive and often coexists with native species with little to no conflict. The common carp is easily identified by its large scales, golden or bronze color, and the soft flesh barbels on either side of the mouth.

Although the common carp has fallen out of favor as a potential food source, it still offers an exciting challenge for anglers. With a 10-pound fish being considered small for many water anglers, they will soon realize that even an average carp will challenge their light freshwater tackle. But what do you need to catch carp?

As with any species, the first step in catching carp is identifying a good fishing spot. Look for areas with a muddy bottom and cover. The cover can be logs, overhanging branches, or weeds, although a favorite of mine is among cattails. Next, you need a rod & reel that will handle the weight of an adult carp, which is often between 10 and 20 pounds. I like a rod that is at least 7 feet in length, medium weight, and pair with a heavy-duty reel. The reel is spooled with a 10- to 15-pound line, usually braid. Attached to this, I have a very sharp bait hook and a pencil bobber. Depending on where I am fishing, I will also use either a rod holder or a horizontal pod.

Baits are one of the best-kept secrets of carp fishing. Although you can use sweet corn, bread, worms, or even lures, the most common bait is a dough ball. Hardcore carp anglers will make their dough bait and guard the recipe like the Royal Jewels. For those just getting started, commercial dough baits are available. Carp are also one of the few species open to bow anglers.