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.