River Carp

[darrell.cook]

It's been a long tome since I posted on AN, so hello again to everyone.

I just wanted to share one of my best mornings fishing with someone - the wife doesnt understand me

I've just returned from a couple of hours fishing on the rever Itchen, near where I live in Southampton, today I fished a stretch I haven't fished before and am delighted to say I caught my first river carp. Next cast followed my second!

The first fish was not like I imagined a river carp to be - it was a mirror and resembled a football! It was as long as it was wide as it was deep and weighed in at 12lb 4oz. The second was so pale as to be almost Koi like, but had a classic shape and weighed in at 8lb exactly.

 

I always thought a river carp would be long and lean, especially from small fast rivers like the Itchen. Anyone else had experience of river carp ? Certainly gave a good account of itself and was a little different to the chub I was targeting!!

[Chris Plumb]

Jeez - I fish down there for the grayling - never knew there were carp there!!!

 

Bet that was - err - intersting on chub gear!

 

 

Chris

[rob.i]

well done DC.bit of a surprise eh....rob

[me]

I've never caught one are any different from lake carp. Do they fight differently?

[jeepster]

they do indeed, they fight like hell! i had a 7lber the other week, gave me a real fight

[monkeyboy]

'I've never caught one are any different from lake carp. Do they fight differently?'

 

 

Youve got to remember with any fish on a rive your not just fighting against the fish, you are also fighting the current of the water and any fish will use this.

[Chris Plumb]

I had 3 carp out of the River Test earlier this season whilst fishing bread flake for roach. Biggest was 'only' 8lb 6oz but with lightish gear (and a match rod and centrepin reel )it was certainly and interesting experience. The current of course rather multiples the strength of the fight....rather pleased to get them in!

 

 

Chris

[PeterJC]

A few years ago I had a river Kennet carp of 6lb on 12 March, two days later I had two more (from a different venue) best going 15lb 14oz. I have never had a river carp before or since. They do fight well, I had them all on barbel gear on the edge of floodwater, as soon as I hooked them they rushed into the current and headed towards Reading like a 125 express!

They do crop up in the Kennet over 20lb and I am sure that a concerted campaign would produce some great fish, maybe.... one day.

Peter.

[Chris Plumb]

I've had them from the Kennet quite regularly too - usually when Barbel fishing - so I'm a bit more geared up for them! There are or rather were a lot in the Ufton river stretch. RDAA removed quite a few from here a couple of seasons back (they were put into their still waters) and re-stocked with barbel.

 

 

Chris

[Jeff S]

darrell.cook:

 

I just wanted to share one of my best mornings fishing with someone - the wife doesnt understand me    

Thats funny! My wifes eyes glaze over, roll back in her head and she starts to babble when I mention fish..

 

River carp. Never have seen one around here. Only still water though I bet there are a few. Sounds like good day