Things You Need To Know About Carp
Dog Lane Fishery
Have you ever stopped to think that there might be more to the
carp lurking at the bottom of the lake than meets the eye?
Carp strains common to the UK include:
• Common carp
• Mirror carp
• Linear carp
• Leather carp
• Grass carp
The story of carp is truly a success story. Since its
introduction in the 1300s from mainland Europe to England and
Wales, the carp has flourished in almost every river and lake
in Britain. Carp were introduced initially by monks as a food
source, but once stocked in estate lakes and fisheries, they
became interesting to anglers.
Carp got the reputation for being incredibly difficult to
catch, but over time anglers honed their knowledge and skills
to develop the modern techniques that are used today. During
the twentieth century, carps’ popularity with anglers continued
to increase. The record for the largest carp caught in Britain
stands at over 60lb and whilst carp this large are a rarity, it
is not uncommon for them to grow to over 10lb, with 20lb being
considered specimen sized.
Carp fry feed on plankton and water fleas, but adult carp, with
their vacuum-like mouths and sensitive feelers, tend to feed on
the lake bottom. Although not strictly predators, carp have
been known to eat other fish. They have extremely sensitive
taste and smell receptors, which enable them to distinguish one
type of shellfish from another. This is how they avoid baits on
which they have been caught already.
The water temperature needs to be between 18°C and 20°C for
carp to spawn, so this usually happens in late May and early
June. Often, young carp can’t build up enough fat reserves
before the winter and die, but the ones that do survive can
live for over 40 years, therefore, ensuring the survival of the
species.
About The Author: The Dog Lane Fishery near Napton in
Warwickshire has a carp fishing lake that contains carp in
excess of 25lb. They provide excellent facilities including
ample parking, toilets and showers. Visit their website now by
clicking on http://doglanefishery.co.uk
Find More Related Information
See Also:
Index of All Hunting & Fishing Articles
Index of All Sports Articles
