While browsing through some threads on a general fishing site/forum, I read many posts by other fisherman on indiscriminately killing and wasting carp. Of course I could'nt help but get in the conversation...There were the typical myths of carp, and some that just did not make sense. Trying to allieviate some of those myths, I could see not much progress was being made. I realize one simply cannot change the beliefs of many narrow minded people, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step...I certainly was not there to get into a pissing contest with everyone, but as long as we are voicing our opinions...How very frustrating it is to talk to a brick wall. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem going catfishing or bass fishing and respecting those fish as much as the carp, but why do these people feel it is their resposibility to regulate what fish should be in the water and which ones should be snagged or shot with a bow and left to rot on the shoreline? I'm very glad we have a site like this with intelligent, open minded people to help preserve carp fishing. Thank you all for being here!

I agree with that 100%. It really upsets me to no end when people tell me that they kill carp by throwing them on the bank to die. I think most of these people are just doing what they were taught by their elders. Not only is it cruel but it actually doesn't do what they think it's doing. By thinning out the population can actually result in a massive spawn that results in more and smaller fish. But good luck explaining that to those types of people.

Hi jackcurry, welcome to the boards.

Thats why we share our beloved sport on sites like this. You are absolutely right on the ill effects of what these people do.

It's at the point, when someone asks me what I'm fishing for, I just say "catfish"...I never have to explain myself or argue about catfishing...

It's a great thing to be able to talk and share carp fishing with people like yourself with no negativity. You are welcome here anytime.

Thanks for the welcome. I live in Austin and fish Town Lake and Lake Austin regularly for big carp. I took one of my friends last night who is an avid bass fisherman and he has never really fished for carp. Well we had a good night and I let him reel in the big one of the evening and after it was all said and done he was telling me that his shoulder was feeling sore from the fight... Enough said.
I am posting a pic and story in the carp fishing news if you are interested.

5 mounths ago i have a very very big CArp.... 4 kg... great one !

I am newer to carp fishing than most, but it is true how people talk down about fish like carp, catfish, gar, etc. In fact these fish fight better pound for pound than almost all the so called sport fish. Oh well, there loss.

http://carpfishingtackle-blogger.blogspot.com

What really ticks me off is bow fishermen, I have had them do their dirty deed right in front of my lines before, I used my spod rod and threw a 3 oz lead at them, finally they moved on.

There will always be people with this type of mentality but nothing short of banning bow fishing or a 3 oz. lead upside their head will stop it, lol. I do however think there has been some definite progress made in the past few years alieviating some of the myths about carp. I hope it has opened some peoples eyes and realize that these are magnificent creatures and deserve a respected spot on our "game fish" list. (with the exception of the invasive types)

A guy at the campground where I fish said "Carp, suckers and bullheads are useless. If you catch one you might as well leave it on the bank to die!" I told him that I wouldn't be following his advice. I told him that kids love to catch bullheads and the big ones are tasty. I also told him that the suckers are sporty fighters for a short time, and while I don't eat them, they make great cut bait for catfish. It was then that I put on a clinic about carp. I asked him what he liked fishing for and he said "Bass, Smallmouth and Largemouth." I asked if he ate them and he said no he was a catch and release fisherman. I then asked him when he last caught a 10 lb Bass? He said "I've never caught a 10 lb Bass!" I smiled and said I caught a 12 lb Carp this morning and several more 4-10 lbs today. It's the biggest and strongest fighting fish in this river. I don't eat Carp and I'm a catch and release fisherman when it comes to Carp, so we really aren't that different if you think about it. Then he said "Hell, it's all about having fun!" I said "That's right man."