This question comes from a carp newbie...
While talking to several fishermen and reading different articles on line, i've come across quite a few folks that believe carp are a nuisance fish with undesirable meat. I've heard them called trash/garbage fish. One guy here at work says that if or when he catches them, he guts them and leaves them on the bank for the birds. He says thats the right thing to do with carp.
Where does this come from? Are they an issue here in Texas?

Okay, I'll wade into the morass:

(1) Many fish are considered a nuisance at least somewhere in the world. While beloved in the U.S., largemouth bass are vilified as an invasive species in some parts of South America. Walleye are a top-tier fish in the upper Midwest, but are looked down upon by salmon and trout anglers in the Northwest. Catfish, hailed as great table fare in the South, are viewed with disgust in some parts of the Northeast. Get the idea?

(2) Some people who call carp "trash fish" think that carp are full of worms and maggots. Not true. Carp can be just as healthy (or unhealthy) as any other fish.

(3) There are two main reasons why some people dislike carp: (a) they can live in polluted waters where other species cannot, and thus are sometimes mistakenly blamed for polluting the water (actually, it is we who pollute their waters); and (b) they can increase the turbidity of the water due to their habits of rooting around the bottom, although this is far less a problem than people think.

(4) Except for white amur (grass carp), gutting a fish and tossing it on the bank is illegal. In fact, it its illegal to kill a fish of almost any species without intending to use it for bait, food, etc.

(5) TPWD has clearly and plainly stated that carp are not a problem in Texas.

There. I feel better. Anyone else have something to add?

[After I replied, I realized that this article could have seemed defensive, or worse. That was not my intent. I lightened up the last line to make things a bit clearer.]

I'm guessing that you, with a few posts and some time here, are not trolling.

Simply put? 2 things: ignorance (and my ignorance, I mean by the strict definition) and marketing.

And let me know your buddies name, and what lake he leaves the carp on the bank.

That is correct. This is an honest question.

stupidity is all it is, take him to catch 1 and maybe he will change his mind!

its not stupidity, its ignorance.

big difference.

anyone who dislikes a certin fish so much to catch and gut for no reason or even to shoot w/ a bow only for fun i have no use or respect for!!! just one mans feelings...mine!
i believe if you consider yourself a true fisherman,you will take care of all fish caught...even the ones you eat!

I have to agree with you 100%

ebjr

Carp are considered a "naturalized" species. Meaning that they have adapted to the surrounding environment and do not harm the ecosystem. TPWD has even posted article on carping as a sport in their publications.

My suggestion to you is to never gut a carp, or any other animal, that you do not plan to consume or utilize in a legal way.

Hopefully you will be able to come by whiterock lake for the "get-together" and you will see how carping is truly the best time that can be had while fishing.

Here's a big reason why any fish are viewed in positive or negative ways......

Scenario 1 - Grandpa and little Timmy go fishin' down at the crick....they find a spot under the big Maple tree that's notorious for catchin' "the biggin" since grandpa was a young buck. Grandpa shows little Timmy how to thread the worm on the hook, then Timmy throws out his bait and waits. After a few minutes, the early spring morning brings a few carp in to feed......it's pre-spawn and the carp are really gettin' after it.

"Dern-it!" grandpa cries "Them cotton-pickin' carp are takin' over my beloved crick!"

"But Grandpa" Timmy wonders "Can't we try and catch those carp? They seem to be the hungriest"

"I ain't never gonna catch no slimy, worm-infested, water polutin' carp that I won't throw up for the 'coons!" Grandpa insisted.

"Yeah" Timmy mimmicked "them stinkin' carp are messin' everything up! Let's fish somewhere else Grandpa."


----this simple little exchange will more than likely set the tone for Timmy's perspective of the carp. He will probably cling to any negativity thrown around about carp, and probably will look at other rough fish in a similar way.



Scenario 2 - Grandpa and little Timmy go fishin' down at the crick....they find a spot under the big Maple tree that's notorious for catchin' "the biggin" since grandpa was a young buck. Grandpa shows little Timmy how to thread the worm on the hook, then Timmy throws out his bait and waits. After a few minutes, the early spring morning brings a few carp in to feed......it's pre-spawn and the carp are really gettin' after it.

"Looky There Boy!" grandpa cries "Them carp are movin' in with a vengeance!" grandpa gets out some corn and throws a handful in, then puts a couple kernals of corn on his hook and pitches it out.

"Grandpa" Timmy wonders "Can we try and catch those carp? They seem to be the hungriest"

"Of Course! Those carp are the best fightin' fish you can find between here and the ocean.....and they love corn!" Grandpa insisted.

"Yeah" Timmy mimmicked "They Love Corn! Look Grandpa!" his eyes lit up as his rod doubled over and his drag went zzzzzzzzzz zzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz "I got me one!"



Whether it's your grandson, daughter, or friend, being positive or negative, especially to someone who looks up to you and/or wouldn't know any better, effects their outlook on the particular species.....or even fishing in general.

Wow, well said Alan...

I've been on both ends of the conversation......thankfully, I'm more on the positive side now.

I second that!

I Do C.P.R on most fish.... I'll keep a catfish or redfish now and then but I release ALL fish I do not plan to eat...

As yall know I have a buff problem.... they stop me from catching carp, yes I do get frustrated with them from time to time but I respect the fish and release everyone that I catch.

Just my veiw on "trash fish."

GG

I appreciate everyones response and clearing up all of the misinformation i've received. I'd like to get out there and give these fish a shot. I'm hoping to be able to swing by tomorrow and get schooled on the art of fishing for carp.

Thanks again,
Ed