Carp Fishing On Trend

Carp fishing has traditionally divided opinion depending on which side of the Atlantic you live - but it seems even in America carp fishing is experiencing a revival.

Carp fishing has always been a noble sport for the Brits, with some of the best carp fishing opportunities in Eastern Europe. But in America, carp have traditionally had something of a bum deal, dubbed as 'bottom-feeding behemoths' low on the list of game fish that American anglers covet. Perhaps it's something to do with the waters on either side of the Atlantic. In America, carp are prolific, making it harder to catch other more sought after species. But in Britain, although carp are popular, finding water to target them is very difficult. Bespoke carp fishing holidays are therefore popular, offering unbeatable stretches of water in places such as the Ukraine and across Eastern Europe.

But even in the States, where carp have a bad name, carp fishing is experiencing something of a rev ival as anglers realise that they can produce the best freshwater fight during the fishing season. A feature from Oklahoma has highlighted the fact it's time to rethink carp. Stating that most fishermen view the 'common carp with scorn' and a waste of time and effort, a survey amongst anglers in the region revealed that carp rank next to last, with only the poor gar considered to be worse. But a revival of carp fishing on a fly rod has triggered a new found respect for the fish. Now, carp have been dubbed 'diamonds in the rough'. One fisherman told the local press: "Without a doubt, the carp is the hardest fish I've every tried to capture with a fly. They are a smart, savvy fish with incredible senses to motion in the water."

The challenge of the mighty carp makes for a worthy battle, with several different types of carp identified offering varying degrees of toughness for the angler, from the fast cruisers who are almost impossible to catch to the 'slow lane cru isers' who are an easier option. Tailing carp are said to be the easiest to catch as they're looking for food, but their tunnel vision means planting your bait in the right spot. Now, even in America, Carp is becoming a trophy fish.