Common carp, also known as German carp, Mirror carp(weird scales), buglemouth bass, etc. has been around since the early 1900s when they brought them from Europe. Long enough, that they are not considered invasive, but have pretty much earned the title of "native carp". As mentioned, they're fun to catch.
However, the invasive carp we all hear about are the Asian carp, consisting of the Silver carp and the Bighead Carp, both which are plankton strainers. Most of you probably know the Silver as the "jumping carp," which is on countless YouTube videos. These are the fish that should not be returned to the water. A little internet research will show you that they're bad news.
I release Commons to catch again. IMO, bowfishermen (and I'm one of those too) have put quite a dent in the Common carp population over the years because they're so easy to whack, especially during spawn time. Most veteran bowfishermen consider them "beginners" fish. The Asian carp are quite a bit more challenge, and you're doing our waters a favor by removing them.
They easy to distinquish from the Common carp, as I show in the attached photos (Common carp gold with big scales, Silvers, silver with fine scales)
Last edited by Saltwaterwalt; 01-28-2018 at 10:27 PM.
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