Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Specimen weight: 5.4 kg (12 lb).
Record weight: 29lb 13oz, The Lough, Cork. 1998.

Ross Macklin with a 17 lb 4 oz carp from the Lough in Cork, August 2001

A recent inroduction to Ireland and an even more recent angling target.

Features:
There are four varieties of carp in Ireland. These are the fully scaled Common Carp, the Mirror Carp, which has relatively few scales and a smooth body surface, the linear carp, with scales along the lateral line only and the Leather Carp which are totally scaleless and also very rare.

Spawning:
In Ireland, carp only spawn sporadically and require a water temperature of between 20-22°C over a period of three or so weeks to precondition their eggs. They are sexually mature at 3 years. Egg size is 1 -1.5 mm.

Fecundity:
The average adult carp produces approximately 250,000 eggs/kg.

Longevity (age):
Carp can live for up to 50 years.

Diet:
They are mainly benthic feeders, feeding on larval insects, chironomids and other bottom dwelling organisms.

Best Angling Methods:
Float fishing with small wagglers or float controllers; ledgering with bomb or swimfeeder.

Best Baits:
Maggots, sweetcorn, bread, pastes, worms and a range of flavoured boilies with an extensive range of groundbaits and additives.