Freshwater

Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio · Cyprinidae

Also known as: European carp, Mirror & leather carp (scale variants)

A powerful, intelligent, widely distributed coarse fish — the backbone of European sport angling.

Identification

Deep, heavy body with brassy-golden scales, two pairs of barbels at the mouth, and a long dorsal fin.

Warm, slow lakes, ponds, canals, and rivers with soft bottoms.

Native to Eurasia; introduced worldwide and now one of the most widespread freshwater fish on earth.

Omnivorous bottom-feeder — insects, crustaceans, plant matter, and seeds rooted up from the substrate.

Late spring to summer in warm, weedy shallows; a highly prolific broadcast spawner.

Pre-bait a swim to draw fish in, fish a hair rig so the hook sits free of the bait, and be ready for a hard first run.

Best techniques

Lures & baits

Best season: Late spring through autumn, in warm, stable weather.