Most Underated Fish?

[fitnessman]

I am going to go with the Common Carp. Not for table fair, but an awesome fish to fight.

There is a growing mass here in the states who are catching the Carp bug. Clubs are springing up all over.

The Euro style gear really make fishing for them a blast.

[Budweiser]

I'd have to go with sunfish, not much meat on them but they fight like hell when you hook em.

[Hartski]

What do you mean "Euro-Style Gear" Fitnessman?

[Cr4zy in da Club]

jack crevalle. good fighting common fish

[KennyK]

I'm going to go with the Abe Vigoda.

Hell of a fish.

[kickin2006]

I'd have to go with sunfish, not much meat on them but they fight like hell when you hook em.

As a kid we'd all go out on a pontoon boat on Farm Island Lake (near Aitken) and fish for sunfish. They are a blast to catch, especially for the little kids. But getting them off the hook is challenging what with the spiney dorsal fin and all.

[MatthewM]

Yep, Carp are great fighters!! We have some 18'' goldfish in our pond..great fun to catch.

-MatthewM

[Shike]

I used to fish for carp behind my house when I was a kid a lot. I think I caught maybe 3-4 in all the years I tried. :) Fun fish to fight.

[Nainoa]

As a kid we'd all go out on a pontoon boat on Farm Island Lake (near Aitken) and fish for sunfish. They are a blast to catch, especially for the little kids. But getting them off the hook is challenging what with the spiney dorsal fin and all.

That's easily solved...

The way to unhook a Sunny, is to slide you hand over him, from nose back... Holding him like you'd hold a Discuss... It pins the dorsal fins back and keeps you from getting "Spiked."

[Hartski]

That's easily solved...

The way to unhook a Sunny, is to slide you hand over him, from nose back... Holding him like you'd hold a Discuss... It pins the dorsal fins back and keeps you from getting "Spiked."

I'd imagine a good leather glove would help, too.

[kickin2006]

That's easily solved...

The way to unhook a Sunny, is to slide you hand over him, from nose back... Holding him like you'd hold a Discuss... It pins the dorsal fins back and keeps you from getting "Spiked."

Easier said than done for a 6 year old! I grew up catching rainbows, and only went to Mn for a few weeks each summer. Those spikey dorals were strange.

[fitnessman]

I'd have to go with sunfish, not much meat on them but they fight like hell when you hook em.

Bass fall into the Sunfish catagory as well ;)

Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Sunfish, Hybreed Bluegill (or Bream as they call the down south) are awesome little fish and even better table fair.

[fitnessman]

What do you mean "Euro-Style Gear" Fitnessman?

www.carpanglersgroup.com

My PB is a 40.2lber this year in Jan!

[skinnyfred]

^^Holy **** some of those carp are ****ing huge.

[Hartski]

www.carpanglersgroup.com

My PB is a 40.2lber this year in Jan!

Nothing common about those monsters!:eek:

I don't think anyplace in Iowa has carp like that, but we grow some monster cats down here.

[fitnessman]

I don't think anyplace in Iowa has carp like that, but we grow some monster cats down here.

No friend. Contact your local CAG chairman. I will get you his/her name if you wish.

[Hartski]

No friend. Contact your local CAG chairman. I will get you his/her name if you wish.

Nah, just let me know if you hear of any good spots in Eastern Iowa. :)

[fitnessman]

Nah, just let me know if you hear of any good spots in Eastern Iowa. :)

I might bring some of my Carp boys in here :)

[Donkey Hunter]

Bass fall into the Sunfish catagory as well ;)

Bluegill, Redear Sunfish, Sunfish, Hybreed Bluegill (or Bream as they call the down south) are awesome little fish and even better table fair.

Bluegill and Crappie for me, with ultra light tackle or even fly fishing, these suckers will fight. Plus they are the best tasting.

As for carp, I have never fished for them per se but I have bowfished for them, insane anounts of fun. But i hear they taste like crap.

Hartski, just look for some flood planes and when the rains hit and they fill up you should have all the carp you can handle.

[fitnessman]

As for carp, I have never fished for them per se but I have bowfished for them, insane anounts of fun. But i hear they taste like crap.


Carp are considered great table fair everywhere except the states (I have never ate one either).

History shows that during WWII the Carp took a beating here in the states. In Germany Carp is considered a Holiday meal..Saved for the most special events. During the war, if germans liked something, we did not. That has really carried over.

What was the largest stocking program the US has ever taken on? Due to over fishng in the 1800's we needed a fast growing food source.

Carp was the answer then.

[Hartski]

The first fish I ever caught was a small carp (like a foot long) , and one of my dad's friends smoked it for us. It wasn't very good, but it was edible.

[Donkey Hunter]

Well, ill let the germans enjoy all the carp they want. Bluegill and crappie for me!

[tpet96]

Carp are the hardest fighting fish hands down. Imagine a 15 lb bluegill. that is the type of fight you get out of a carp. And carp fisherman can say a trophy is a 30lb or higher fish. When was the last time you saw a 30 lb + bass or panfish? :D fitnessman is one baaaaddddd dude. Someone his size needs a fight of a larger size :)

[fitnessman]

Carp are the hardest fighting fish hands down. Imagine a 15 lb bluegill. that is the type of fight you get out of a carp. And carp fisherman can say a trophy is a 30lb or higher fish. When was the last time you saw a 30 lb + bass or panfish? :D fitnessman is one baaaaddddd dude. Someone his size needs a fight of a larger size :)

LOL! That was quick Shawn :D

We will continue to educate the US on this mighty sport fish! :D

Tpet, is a very good friend of mine. He introduced me to the world of Euro gear and Carp angling.

Then there is the time we caught two limits of Erei Perch on 24 minnows :eek:

[tpet96]

Then there is the time we caught two limits of Erei Perch on 24 minnows :eek:

Wasn't that 21 minnows....60 fish kept....tons of sheephead and gobies thrown back? :D Gotta love days like that :)

We need to get out carpin' dude. I wanna hear about all the winter action you've seen this year.

[fitnessman]

We need to get out carpin' dude. I wanna hear about all the winter action you've seen this year.

Dude..That was a HOOT..Remember diggin in the live well for puked up minnows? LMAO!

I know you heard the story about my PB..On a crappie jig in Jan..6lb line..:eek:

Get some of the CAG boys here..We need the exposure (note a non profit group for the advancement of Carp fishing).

With a site of this size Shawn..We do get a fair share of trolls...But this forum is my baby..They will be dealt with.

[Grind4Mine]

Carp are easy as hell to catch and id rather eat white castle

The North American Crappie is underated tho, getting into a huge school of crappie takes some skill, (there no where near as dumb as bluegill) and man, when u do get into that school, its like every cast u catch a slab...

U can catch crappie anytime as well, winter deep in xmas trees and other brush, spring spawing.

By the way, I love the new outdoor recreation thread.

[resurrected]

anything when you use ultralights as I do.......

[fitnessman]

Carp are easy as hell to catch and id rather eat white castle

The North American Crappie is underated tho, getting into a huge school of crappie takes some skill, (there no where near as dumb as bluegill) and man, when u do get into that school, its like every cast u catch a slab...

U can catch crappie anytime as well, winter deep in xmas trees and other brush, spring spawing.

By the way, I love the new outdoor recreation thread.

Carp..try to get a 30.

Crappie are awesome no doubt!

33 degree water and less than 4' of water..FLP: . Yup I can put you on Crappie today in 4' of water :D

[Grind4Mine]

Carp..try to get a 30.

Crappie are awesome no doubt!

33 degree water and less than 4' of water..FLP: . Yup I can put you on Crappie today in 4' of water :D
Lol, back when i was about 13, some buddies and i took a fishing trip down to Lake of he Ozarks in Missouri.....One night we went to a restaurant on the lake and noticed people feeding the carp...There were more giant carp in one little area than u could believe, although im sure u have all seen this before....

Well needless to say my buddies and i were back at that restaraunt the next morning at about 5 a.m., snagging 20 pound carp.... lol, talk about fun.

[fitnessman]

That's my point..Now imagine fishing for them and hooking by the mouth!

I am 250lbs with a 2,000lb combined total...A 20lber will whip me!

[Donkey Hunter]

Haha that reminds me of a amusement park in Iowa called Adventure land. They have a creek/canal with an assload of carp bigger than my leg.

[resurrected]

Carp..try to get a 30.

Crappie are awesome no doubt!

33 degree water and less than 4' of water..FLP: . Yup I can put you on Crappie today in 4' of water :D
I used to fish for crappie at hoover dam and alum creek reservoir. awesome palce when i was younger.

[fitnessman]

I used to fish for crappie at hoover dam and alum creek reservoir. awesome palce when i was younger.

I have stomped some awesome ground at alum.

[CitadelArmyJAG]

I gotta go with a catfish... Great fun fishing for them, and they are good eating.

THough I dont know how good they would taste at this size.

[fitnessman]

I gotta go with a catfish... Great fun fishing for them, and they are good eating.


Channel cats...FINE eating...The only fish my wife will eat over anything (steak,lobster..You name it).

Nothing like a hot summer night and my wife saying.."Why don't you go catfishing"

Sitting on the bank..Lantern just humming...Life at it's finest!

[CitadelArmyJAG]

Channel cats...FINE eating...The only fish my will eat over anything (steak,lobster..You name it).

Nothing like a how summer night and my wife saying.."Why don't you go catfishing"

Sitting on the bank..Lantern just humming...Life at it's finest!
Agreed... thats a fine little mental image you conjured up there. I am just going to sit back and enjoy that for a minute I believe. :)

[Spuddy]

That's easily solved...

The way to unhook a Sunny, is to slide you hand over him, from nose back... Holding him like you'd hold a Discuss... It pins the dorsal fins back and keeps you from getting "Spiked."
i just lip em like a bass. i even lip pickeral, trout and everything else. i dont think ive touched anything but a fish's mouth for the last 10 years, and ive caught a LOT. the only ime this was a bad thing was when i caught like a 2" sunny and couldnt get a good grip in his mouth.. oops

is it just me or do carp just look kinda... gross? i can imaginve how great of a fight they would put up, but those things and just so damn ugly i dont know if i want to go after them :p

[fitnessman]

Agreed... thats a fine little mental image you conjured up there. I am just going to sit back and enjoy that for a minute I believe. :)

Man I gotta quite typing so fast..LOL!

Above poster..Lip a Sunny? You must have very small fingers :D

[achievasc92]

I have to agree with carp. In the US, carp are ridiculously underrated, very few people target them specifically. I spent all last spring/summer/fall trying to beat my personal best of 13lb. I researched and started using a hair rig, apparently with that type of rig the carp usually hook themselves as they mouth the bait. Long story short, my Berkely lightning rod/ ambasseduer 5600 combo shot out of my rod holder, down the bank, and into the depths.

[fitnessman]

I have to agree with carp. In the US, carp are ridiculously underrated, very few people target them specifically. I spent all last spring/summer/fall trying to beat my personal best of 13lb. I researched and started using a hair rig, apparently with that type of rig the carp usually hook themselves as they mouth the bait. Long story short, my Berkely lightning rod/ ambasseduer 5600 combo shot out of my rod holder, down the bank, and into the depths.

This is the best night I have had on bb.com since 1997.

I never dreamed I would ever ever hear the words "hair rig" here! What next? Boilies. Spod Rods? Look at my rod pod?

achievas,,Look at Euro gear...You will be a Carp nut in no time!

[GREENFEATHER]

You guys are killing me here. I haven't freshwater fished in years!! My line is saltwater.

Fitty, you're right about carp, a damned fine fighter!! My best is a 24 lber about 10 years ago on 10 lb line. It took a damned crawdad of all things. There are some monsters over at Loch Raven, they even have orange and white ones over there, lol.

[fitnessman]

You guys are killing me here. I haven't freshwater fished in years!! My line is saltwater.

Fitty, you're right about carp, a damned fine fighter!! My best is a 24 lber about 10 years ago on 10 lb line. It took a damned crawdad of all things. There are some monsters over at Loch Raven, they even have orange and white ones over there, lol.

Very big misunderstanding about Carp...They are not "bottom" feeders. They need protein like we do.

Like the forum Rob? :D

[GREENFEATHER]

Very big misunderstanding about Carp...They are not "bottom" feeders. They need protein like we do.

Like the forum Rob? :D

Love it fitty. You forget, I'm an ichthyologist, with papers!! :D When the weather warms up, I'll get some pics of my captive carps.

[lebronjames]

it would be awesome if ya guys can post pictures along with the fish you guys are talking about as well, cause other people like me who dont know about fish, but are interested in them would appreciate them :)

this thread is awesome even without pics but some pictures would make it better :)

[Grind4Mine]

it would be awesome if ya guys can post pictures along with the fish you guys are talking about as well, cause other people like me who dont know about fish, but are interested in them would appreciate them :)

this thread is awesome even without pics but some pictures would make it better :)
Dont worry man, as soon as i get to my ol mans house over the weekend im gonna post my hunting and fishin pics....I have some old time fishin pics that will make u all laugh.

[Big Ad]

Carp are considered great table fair everywhere except the states (I have never ate one either).

History shows that during WWII the Carp took a beating here in the states. In Germany Carp is considered a Holiday meal..Saved for the most special events. During the war, if germans liked something, we did not. That has really carried over.

What was the largest stocking program the US has ever taken on? Due to over fishng in the 1800's we needed a fast growing food source.

Carp was the answer then.

Not in Australia, they are actually a real pest here in that they compete with the native species. They are everywhere in the fresh water lakes though, i didn't know they were very good sport, i'm sure i'll get some funny looks when i give them a try...

For my vote the most underated fish is the humble Australian herring which are only small but can give a quite exciting fight on light gear, but that probably won't mean much to you americans :)

edit: here is a couple of pics and some info on herring http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/fishtales/what/what_herring.htm

[GREENFEATHER]

Not in Australia, they are actually a real pest here in that they compete with the native species. They are everywhere in the fresh water lakes though, i didn't know they were very good sport, i'm sure i'll get some funny looks when i give them a try...

For my vote the most underated fish is the humble Australian herring which are only small but can give a quite exciting fight on light gear, but that probably won't mean much to you americans :)

edit: here is a couple of pics and some info on herring http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/fishtales/what/what_herring.htm

They're also a pest here as they can rummage the nests of bass, bluegill and crappy. Once they're established in a pond, you have but one recouse and that's to drain the pond and remove them to get rid of them.

[fitnessman]

They're also a pest here as they can rummage the nests of bass, bluegill and crappy. Once they're established in a pond, you have but one recouse and that's to drain the pond and remove them to get rid of them.

Eggs are far from a carps primary diet. If they were, lakes would of been cleaned out 100 years ago.

During spawn (warmer waters) Carp tend for a higher energy food source (carbs if you will). Colder water (under 48 degree's) the tend to go more protein.

Keep in ming GF. We stocked them in the US in the early 1800's.

[Chipman]

I see that no one does any Gar fishing just for fun. I have caught some as long as 4 feet using hundred pound test. It is like trying to control a train wreck.
I have also caught what some call a bowfin but we call it a grennel. Usually when one hits your line is broken so quickly you just stand there asking what the hell was that.

[Hartski]

I've always wanted to go deep sea fishing for marlins or sharks, but you won't see me on the ocean until it's legal to fish for Great Whites.

[resurrected]

I've always wanted to go deep sea fishing for marlins or sharks, but you won't see me on the ocean until it's legal to fish for Great Whites.
I just heard the jaws theme song being palyed in the background when I read this........

[Hartski]

I just heard the jaws theme song being palyed in the background when I read this........

Trust me, I'll have a bigger boat. ;)





And a .50 BMG Sniper Rifle :D

[tpet96]

Dang....talk about a LOT of response in a thread :) Anyways, check out the attachment to this post. Talk about a lot of carp in one area :) This is up in NE Ohio at Pymatuning lake. They stack up here each year and people feed them. It's become an international tourist mecca.

Fitness......I haven't heard your new PB story from Jan. I wanna hear this. Any pics? :)

[fitnessman]

Dang....talk about a LOT of response in a thread :) Anyways, check out the attachment to this post. Talk about a lot of carp in one area :) This is up in NE Ohio at Pymatuning lake. They stack up here each year and people feed them. It's become an international tourist mecca.

Fitness......I haven't heard your new PB story from Jan. I wanna hear this. Any pics? :)

The advantage of 200,000 plus members :0

I posted at ogf about this fish..But here we go:

My best friend and I fishinful (from ogf) we out in jan in my small boat. We hit our fav Crappie hole with minnows and tubes...NOTHING! Water was open due to strange weather here in Ohio this year. We were fishing a feeder creek that has never really frozen..The Crappies just were not there this year.

I suggested we hit the main lake and a good drop I know..In 15ish FOW. We had nothing to show for the day (4 hours) but two LM in the three pound range.

We hit the drop..Just fine and anchored up. I went to my go to crappie bait..A berkley 1" white power tube. I added a small split due to depth.

NOW..Me and my friend are not used to day like this..Not catching fish..So we were getting stupid..Hey if you can't catch fish you might as well have a good time...Right?

I pitch my jig out there a mighty 20' and let it sink...I crank up and feel weight..Set hook..SNAG!!!! So I start the rod thumping stupid thing thing.."hey Jim..I got one"..

Next thing ya know..I am like UT-OH! This fish drug my little 14' boat all over. Jim being a great angler knew to pull anchors. He operated the elect motor like a surgon.

35 min later..On 6lb mono. I landed a 40 plus carp. No camera! (you know me tpet) and after several min of line class records..I released this fish to fight another day.

[resurrected]

Dang....talk about a LOT of response in a thread :) Anyways, check out the attachment to this post. Talk about a lot of carp in one area :) This is up in NE Ohio at Pymatuning lake. They stack up here each year and people feed them. It's become an international tourist mecca.

Fitness......I haven't heard your new PB story from Jan. I wanna hear this. Any pics? :)
I go to the spill way a few times a year with my girl we are a few hours away...

[Seosaid]

Sorry Fitty, I might be late in replying to this, but the most underrated fish is definitely the one hanging over my bed!

He's a very fisty fish and I have to keep an eye on him otherwise he uses the Internet to order very inapropriate things and load my credit card! :D

[fitnessman]

Sorry Fitty, I might be late in replying to this, but the most underrated fish is definitely the one hanging over my bed!

He's a very fisty fish and I have to keep an eye on him otherwise he uses the Internet to order very inapropriate things and load my credit card! :D


:D

[elinas]

haha! they call that the bait monkey! or shall we say bait bass

[resurrected]

Just went to the ohio a few weekends ago, Since the carb on the boat is waiting for a rebuild. I had to fish from shore under a train trestle. I caught 20 inch walleyes with a rubber lure, threw em back. But to my surprise I caught a 28 inch catfish. I was not sure what it was it felt like a snag until it was close to shore. Then I had to play with it for ever. I finally got it in and I think someone took a picture of it from around here cause I saw a camera pop. Anyways I caught this on....... ready for this? I was so surprised I did it....... 6 pound test with an ultra lite.

[Marv]

I'd say Sand Bass or Strippers are the most underrated fish. Both are hella fun to fish for.

[Cyborg Surfer]

Ladyfish / jacks for saltwater...

Tilapia (sp?) are fun on flyrod, easy catch, good fight

[Seroph4x]

i hope you kill all carp you catch...massive pest to our waters and if you catch one and dont kill it, you will get into trouble here. they ruin our fishories.

but yeah its a good fighting fish. can be used in sushi even. just dont release the bastards lol.

[Seth25]

If your fishing just for the fun of it,carp are the best fighters. You can have alot of fun with some corn and medium action rods.

[resurrected]

i hope you kill all carp you catch...massive pest to our waters and if you catch one and dont kill it, you will get into trouble here. they ruin our fishories.

but yeah its a good fighting fish. can be used in sushi even. just dont release the bastards lol.
Actually the opposite I beleive, Carp is a desirable fish if fresh tanked from what I read. The Japanese supposedly eat them as a delicacy. I once talked to a fishologist, ( what ever they are called) and he told me put them in a fresh water tank and feed them cereals and minnows for a few weeks and they are very edible. But they are also bony as hell and this is what makes them inedible in the US. Don't know how much is true but i beileve most fish is edible if in clean water.
Here they seem to help clean the bottom from stuff that is undesirable.

[Seroph4x]

Actually the opposite I beleive, Carp is a desirable fish if fresh tanked from what I read. The Japanese supposedly eat them as a delicacy. I once talked to a fishologist, ( what ever they are called) and he told me put them in a fresh water tank and feed them cereals and minnows for a few weeks and they are very edible. But they are also bony as hell and this is what makes them inedible in the US. Don't know how much is true but i beileve most fish is edible if in clean water.
Here they seem to help clean the bottom from stuff that is undesirable.
well thats rather interesting. we can actually get fined if we release carp in some areas of our country, as they do massive damage. im going to make a thread about selling fish and other things that people in Australia usually get rid of.

[resurrected]

From wikepedia

Carp
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
For other uses, see Carp (disambiguation).
This article or section deals primarily with the United States and does not present a worldwide view of the subject.
Please improve the article or discuss the issue on the talk page.
This article or section does not cite its references or sources.
You can help Wikipedia by introducing appropriate citations.?Carp


Bighead carp, Aristichthys nobilis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Actinopterygii

Order: Cypriniformes

Family: Cyprinidae


Genera
Abramis
Aristichthys
Barbodes
Carassius
Cirrhinus
Ctenopharyngodon
Cyprinus
Epalzeorhynchos
Henicorhynchus
Hypophthalmichthys
Labeo
Mylopharyngodon
and others

A carp is any of various freshwater fish of the family Cyprinidae. The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is the most common and best-known species of carp. Originally from Asia, carp were introduced to England from western Europe during the 13th century, when they were cultivated mainly by monks. They were subsequently introduced into North America in 1877. Fish were released in ponds in Druid Hill Park in Baltimore, Maryland. Later, surplus populations were released in Washington D.C.. This was a project of Rudolf Hessel, a fish culturist in the employ of the United States Government. There was substantial favorable publicity and carp were widely introduced throughout the United States. Introduced Carp readily adapted to their new environment, spreading rapidly throughout any drainage area in which they were released. Carp have since become naturalized in almost every water in which they were introduced.

While tasty when grown in good water, carp can be riddled with small bones in unpredictable locations. Most carp have a fishy taste and are not considered to be good for eating in North America, although they are popular in restaurants in Japan and Taiwan where the fish are also considered to be signs of good fortune. Carp is a traditional Christmas Eve dish in the Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, Germany and Poland. The common carp is one of the most aquacultured consumption fish in the world, produced in the hundreds of thousands of tons anually.

Carp have food and angling value that is celebrated in some parts of the world. The carp has not yet gained gamefish status in the U.S. and are considered garbage among bass fisherman. In Europe on the other hand they are a trophy fish and lake owners are prepared to pay as much as £4000 or $7500 dollars for 40lb carp if fisherman fish for them on a catch and release basis.

[edit]
Controversy
Carp have gained a negative reputation in the U.S., being blamed for everything from a decline in sportfish stocks to decreases in water quality. In Europe, Carp are preferred for sports fishing, as popular as Bass are in the United States. Separating the Carp's reputed impacts from its actual impacts can be difficult. There is little evidence yet to support the claims of Carp eating the spawn of other fish. Tales of Carp muddying waters and destroying water weed through their bottom-feeding habits are often exaggerated, becoming problematic only in the shallowest and muddiest of waters.

[jboyd1]

I caught the IGFA Jr world record about 5 or so years back when I was 16. 39 inches 37 lbs, It was probably heavier but we just put in the back of a pickup and drove to the place with the scales, fish dryed out a bit. Took me about an hour but got it swimming and released it after getting it certified. the story got put in the paper along with the picture, they contacted me about 2 weeks after that to see If I still had the fish. Some business in China or something like that wanted to buy it for 900$. So I wrote a note to self, next time I catch a big carp I should check and see if anyone wants to buy it first.