Grass carp are a large, freshwater species of fish that is native to Asia, but were introduced to the UK and other European countries to combat weed control.
They can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh on average around 20lbs. Grass carp are herbivores and primarily feed on aquatic plants.
Anglers often target grass carp for their size and fight. They are considered good table fare (not in the UK!) and are popular in many Asian cuisines.
Grass carp can be caught using a variety of methods including bait fishing, fly fishing, and lure fishing. The most common baits used for grass carp include bread, corn, worms, and vegetables.
What Do Grass Carp Look Like?
Grass carp have large, torpedo-shaped bodies with grayish-brown scales. Their bellies are white and they have long, whisker-like barbels around their mouths.
Grass carp can grow to be over three feet long and weigh over 70lbs, however, in the UK, the average weight is around 15-20lbs.
Typically in the UK, grass carp (the scientific name is Ctenopharyngodon Idella) are found in slow-moving rivers, canals, ponds, and lakes.
Grass Carp Habitat and Distribution
Grass carp are found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and rivers throughout the UK. They are a non-native species that was introduced to the UK in the 1970s.
Grass carp are a popular game fish and are often stocked in ponds and lakes for angling purposes. They can also be found in canals, reservoirs, and drainage ditches.
How To Catch Grass Carp
The most common method for catching grass carp is bait fishing. The most common baits used include bread, corn, worms, and vegetables. Anglers will often use large amounts of bait to attract grass carp.
When targeting grass carp, it is important to fish in areas where there is an abundance of aquatic vegetation. Grass carp are most active in the early morning and late evening hours.
Fly fishing and lure fishing are also effective methods for catching grass carp. A variety of flies and lures can be used to target these fish.
Tackle and Gear For Grass Carp Fishing
When bait fishing for grass carp, it is important to use heavy-duty tackle. The fish are large and can put up a good fight. A baitrunner reel, or spinning reel loaded with 20-30lb test line is ideal.
A typical carp fishing setup that includes a 2.75lb carp rod, 15lb mainline and a robust reel is sufficient to catching grass carp.
For fly fishing and lure fishing, a 9-11 weight fly rod or spinning rod is appropriate whilst using a fluorocarbon leader of 20-30lb test.
Grass Carp Spawning
Grass carp spawn in the spring when water temperatures reach 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit. The female grass carp will lay up to one million eggs per spawning season.
The eggs hatch within 24-48 hours and the fry are able to feed on aquatic plants immediately. Grass carp reach maturity within two to three years.
Fun Facts About Grass Carp
We’ve found a few fun facts about Grass Carp. Did you know any of these?
- Grass carp are a type of freshwater fish that is native to Asia.
- Grass carp were introduced to the UK in the 1970s in an effort to control aquatic weed growth.
- Grass carp are now considered to be an invasive species in the UK as they are capable of causing significant damage to native plants and animals.
- The average lifespan of a grass carp is 10-15 years.
- Grass carp are herbivorous fish and their diet consists primarily of aquatic plants.
- Grass carp are known to uproot large areas of vegetation, which can lead to problems such as bank erosion and reduced water quality.
- Grass carp are also known to compete with native fish species for food and habitat.
- There is currently no effective method of controlling grass carp populations in the UK.
- Grass carp are considered to be a serious threat to the ecological balance of UK waterways
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Last update on 2024-04-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
