Carp Fishing in Ohio
Common carp have long been celebrated for their qualities as sportfish in Europe, but they have received a far colder reception in North America, where they are regarded more as a nuisance than something to catch. Still, carp tournaments are becoming more common in the United States, and the fishing public is gradually waking up to carp fishing. Ohio is in the middle of carp country, and the state offers countless lakes and rivers from which this tough, hefty fish can be pulled.
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History
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Native to Europe and Asia, carp were widely stocked in the United States in the early 20th century. The fish spread rapidly, and have survived many attempts at removal. Today, carp are accepted as a fixture of our freshwater environment. The Ohio carp record was set by Judson Holton from Chillicothe, Ohio. Holton pulled a 50 lb. carp from Paint Creek in 1967.
Spring
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Carp are usually concentrated in deep waters until temperatures rise in April. Focus on deep spots near shallow feeding areas, and fish with doughballs and crayfish on bottom rigs. Once carp start to move to shallow water, they will be seen congregating in feeding areas. Carp are easily spooked, but can be caught on corn, cornmeal, doughballs and boilies (hardened balls of egg, protein powder and flavors).
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Summer
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Ohio carp fishing picks up in summer. The fish begin spawning activity when water temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Fish will be seen visibly splashing in shallow water. Target these areas. Traditional bottom-oriented presentations with cornmeal, boilies and doughballs work well, but carp can also be caught on floating baits such as dog food and puffed breakfast cereal. As summer progresses, carp will only feed during cool parts of the day, becoming inactive during peak heat.
Fall
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Carp eat a lot in autumn to prepare for winter, but they won't exert much energy to do so. Try larger boilies and doughballs. Drop-offs and weed beds are good pre-wintering areas. Carp will also be found in summer spots, but avoid locations that are exposed to cold winds.
Winter
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Carp become highly inactive during Ohio's cold winters. They will eat, but only if bait is presented close to them. Small baits on a single hook become essential. You should focus on finding fish rather than trying to attract them. Look to deeper water near weedbeds and drop-offs. Carp will seek out the warmest water available in winter, so target warm-water discharges from power plants or other facilities.
Locations
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Though widespread across Ohio, carp are more prevalent in certain waters. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, top spots for carp in the Buckeye State include Indian Lake, Scioto River, Buckeye Lake, Lake Erie, Maumee and Sandusky Bays, North Reservoir (Portage Lakes), Pymatuning, Rocky River, West Branch Reservoir, Ohio River, Paint Creek and Muskingum River.
Regulations
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Ohio has no restrictions on carp fishing. They can be kept in any numbers, at any size and in any season. A valid Ohio fishing license is required to fish for carp, however, and these can be purchased on the Ohio DNR's website, and at bait and tackle stores across the state.
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References
- Photo Credit carp on Steroids image by Christine from Fotolia.com
