United States Carp Fishing

For the longest time, carp fishing has had a bad name in the United States; however, that is rapidly changing.  Carp, often called trash fish by bass fishermen, is gaining in popularity due to its large size and weight, as well as the fight put out by these powerful fish.

Because of their strength and their good fight, anglers of all types are up for the challenge.  Carp was at one time considered a bottom feeding fish; however, through studies it has been found that carp eat mostly the same diet as a trout or a bass.  More and more states are catching the carp fever, as it has been known throughout the United Kingdom.

In some places in the US, carp is only a catch-and-release type of fish.  There are major reasonings behind this.  The lifespan of a carp tends to be quite long, which contributes to its very large sizes.  On the contrary, carp are also known for soaking in the toxins in the water in which they live, meaning they can be found in very polluted water and still thrive; however, carp that is caught in polluted waters mustn't be eaten.  Many of the largest carp are found in places where the water is polluted and that is a reason why it has taken a long time for carp fishing to catch on in the United States.

While carp fishing is popular, it doesn't hold a candle to the popularity of bass fishing.  There are nearly a million members nationwide of various bass fishing clubs and organizations.  There are carp fishing clubs, as well; however, these only boast a couple thousand members.

Magazines and new carp fishing organizations have helped raise the awareness of the sport of carp fishing among those who never considered it to be a sporting fish.  The popularity has grown so widespread that there is now actually world carp fishing championships held every year to see who can angle the best fish of the year.  These championships garner so much positive press for this type of fishing that it encourages other anglers to come out and give carp fishing a fair shake.

There is certainly a long ways to go, but carp fishing is definitely gaining ground in the US.  If they will ever gain the love and respect that bass fish have, well, that remains to be seen.  It does look like their popularity is only going to continue to grow.