On a scale of 1-10 how likely is this?

I didn�t even know they made 2 lb test.........

3 or a 4 on a one to ten scale. I have seen a 23 pound carp caught on four pound test line and a 20 pound Blue Cat caught on two pound test line. I know the IGFA keep records on large fish being caught on light line. Could check with them to see how common catching a fish 30 plus on 2 pound test line. Either way I would not think it is all that common to catch a 30 plus pound fish on 2 pound test line. I am sure it has been done a lot but not a common thing. Just my two cents.



Side Note: The fight and challenge would be a catch of a lifetime!

First you gotta find a water that produces them that big of course, then from there it's just getting lucky not running into a snag. It's not great on the fish to target them with such light line, either. It can tire them out excessively and they may die from exhaustion. In the UK standard line is 12lb mono, although there are also match anglers who are generally targeting smaller fish (up to low to mid teens) that use 4-6lb test.

Myself and Mike USMC-GY watched Fred aka Rionator fight a 25 to 30 lb Grass Carp on Lake Austin for 45 minutes on 2 pound test line. We saw the fish and it was at least 35 to 40 inches long. The fish broke off at the boat. The fish hit a piece of worm while Fred was fishing for sunnies!

Not 31 pounds but here is a good one I landed on a tenkara fly rod with a 4lb leader.

Nice one! Did you get a weight?

No weight. I was not targeting carp. I also had no net, so I had to get in the water.....

Possible if you have enough line and fishing an area without any snags. Not probable, nor advisable though.

I used to catch decent sized carp on 4lb test. Stopped immediately when I realized the potential for 30-40lb fish. In regards to the op question, sure it's possible, in open water, no snags, etc. Like TXMulti-Species said though, the risk to the fish is huge so not worth it.

Winter time, I'm using exclusively 6 lb leaders with hooks size 10 or 12. Rods are light or ultralight 10' to 13' (2-10 lb or 4-8 lb).
Last winter, my biggest one was 18 lb, with multiple fish from 12 to 14 lb.
That's my favorite kind of fun
But I don't think 2 lb is reasonable at all! You will loose close to 100% of carps even if they will be not real big.

The current IGFA world record on 2 lb test is 31 lb 8 oz so it has been done. The only reason I can see anyone attempting this is to set records. Using this small of test is actually not that bad on the fish since the fish is really never stressed under the pressure of the line. If it takes off quickly the line will immediately snap. On a scale of 1 to 10 it is a 1. Personally I like to go the other way and use heavy leader and tippet just in case I get a big one like this Squaw Creek lake record lol.

That's an awesome catch there Osborn! Have you been back to try and break your record?

This is going to be a reply that has varied opinions on the matter of catching a Carp on 2 lb test. We live a society and time where personal best are difficult or costly. Just look at the deaths on Mt. Everett, 11 in 2019. Personal best may be; way behold the normal Joe. Time evolved and cost of setting goals for one self my a be a single trip of a life time. So the challenge of catching a carp on two lb my seem odd to some. But feel free to do it. Carp are non-native in the US and if you grow-up in the old school biology classes of removing non-natives from an ecosystem. There a good choice for 2 lb record, Before any one get on a soap box as a carp hater I do fish form them and do enjoy it, but I do wonder as if they compete with native species as they spawn among gar, add to water quality issues in the playa systems, aquatic plants need light, simple competition fore space in aquatic systems. I do understand that carp has been here a long time, much like feral hogs, pheasants ect. Yes, I did spend most of my early career life removing Salt Cedar, Chinese Tallow, and West Indian Lantana at the tax payer expense and some of that work now. I do find a great irony that tax payers and conversation minded folks now find ways to value species on a variety of levels. So if a 2 pound record is within your limits: that does not violate legal means, I know see that Texas water bodies are now setting limits on carp( Lady Bird Johnson). Please send back on reply on how it was done.

side note the playa system of west Texas would be a perfect set up to set a carp/2pond record.

IGFA would also like to know, after it is done.

https://igfa.org/world-record-requirements/



Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Other Names German Carp, European Carp Description Nongame species, no bag or size limits except on Lady Bird Lake

Cyprinus is Greek, and carpio is Latin; both words mean "carp." The common carp is a heavy-bodied minnow with barbels on either side of the upper jaw. Typically, color varies from brassy green or yellow, to golden brown, or even silvery. The belly is usually yellowish-white. The dorsal fin with 17-21 rays, and the anal fin both have a heavy toothed spine. Individuals 12-25 inches in length and weighing up to 8-10 pounds are common, although they can grow much larger. Common carp may live in excess of 47 years and weigh over 75 pounds. The all-tackle world record was landed in 1987 from Lac de St. Cassien, France, and weighed in at 75 pounds 11 ounces.

Life History Although carp are generally considered a nuisance by North American anglers, they are highly prized as sport fish in Europe, as they are often excellent fighters. A growing number of anglers in the US are becoming interested in carp as a sport fish. Although flavor varies with the quality of the water from which fish were captured, their sheer abundance has made them an important food fish in some areas.

Distribution Common carp are native to temperate portions of Europe and Asia. They were first introduced into North America in 1877. At that time they were considered so valuable that the precious brood stock was fenced and guarded. Since that time countless introductions both intentional and unintentional have allowed Cyprinus carpio to become one of the most widely distributed fish species in North America, ranging from central Canada to central Mexico, and from coast to coast. In Texas, common carp are ubiquitous.Carp are generally considered a nuisance by North American anglers, they are highly prized as sport fish in Europe, as they are often excellent fighters. A growing number of anglers in the US are becoming interested in carp as a sport fish. Although flavor varies with the quality of the water from which fish were captured, their sheer abundance has made them an important food fish in some areas. The Texas rod-and-reel record is currently 43.13 pounds. The North American record exceeds 57 pounds