On scale 1-10 Where are we in Texas regarding potential of Carp and Buff fishing as a sport. 1 There already 10 huge potential.

I would say we are at a 9 or 10. Most people I talk to outside this community still don't regard the carp or buffalo as a viable sport fish...I travel all around Texas and Louisiana and everyone gives me funny looks when I talk about carp fishing.

Im in Oklahoma so I can't really answer your question but the only other carp fishermen I've met in the state are the guys at BCT. We have tons of lakes full of carp but not many people fish for them.

Nick, everyone gives me funny looks too. I get made fun of a lot by my bass fishing buddies. No one understands how hard they fight or how difficult they can be to catch so I just show em pictures of hot chicks holding carp and it changes their opinion pretty quickly.

Next time someone looks at you funny just show them something like this and it'll put a new perspective on carp.

That my friend is an awesome pic! Who's gonna make that their sig?

Something makes me think some of us (certainly myself) like the funny looks and travelling the road less travelled.I also enjoy explaining what "all that stuff" is.

I agree their is great potential for growth.

It really depends on who you ask. For the anglers that pursue them they are a great sport fish. As for the funny looks, except from the catfisherman, a couple of smart comments usually works. What really gets them is when I say, "Well let me know when you catch a 30 lb bass in that fancy boat, cause I can catch 30lb carp from the bank."

I think what would really cause them to catch on is if they became an acceptable food fish to most

My thoughts are these....

1.Introduce more kids to carping because they have no prejudices once they've caught a hawg carp going back to other fish just wont cut it.

2.Competitions like Lake Fork Tourney in Feb. I know we all like fun fishing but plenty of time places to do that....Exposure Exposure does carp fishing good.

Just a couple thoughts

But do you really want carping to catch on really? It can become a Pandora's Box. I've been kayaking for some time now, and now that its "caught on" I can't go get lost at some of my old places anymore. And mid summer on LBL you can nearly walk across the west side of the lake on kayaks. I hear about more accidents, I see more litter, and I've heard rumors that TX could start requiring registration soon.

I've seen the respect all you guys have for your sport, and fish. If it gets more popular inevitably there will be those who kill fish, treat them poorly, trash the lake etc.

Not trying to be argumentative. Just offering food for thought.

I for one want more kids to go carping especially my fatherless boys because they can fish from bank with a bite alarm and have potential to catch a huge fish.

Cypher, I see where you are coming from on having maybe too many carpers. However, I think we will have a long way to go before we catch up with all of the bank guys fishing for catfish.

Even though euro techniques are catching on in the US it is going to take a looooong time before carp become an actual sport fish. Look at LBL for instance, it is a carp sanctuary yes, but you can still take carp. We must keep doing what we are doing and spreading the sport of carp. Enforcing the "no waste" clause on the TPWD is a must, but we are far far from overall appeal to the masses.

That being said we are not even close nor is there huge potential. There is potential but we probably won't see it in our lifetime

I'm sorry what were we talking about.

I'm totally distracted by Rookie's carp fishing calendar.



www.anglersnet.co.uk/fishingtackle/fishing_calendar

But seriously, every time I'm out fishing I have at least one interested fisherman that I get to introduce to the sport. I think all the gear ($ investment) turns some off, so I usually explain its as easy as an egg sinker and a size 6 hook with some sweet corn.