CARP FISHING THE MISSISSIPPI

Once known as “the queen of rivers” carp were introduced to North American waters over a century ago. The carp has so successfully assimilated itself into the nation’s waters that it is likely here for good. These bottom-feeder root along the floor of rivers, lakes, and ponds uprooting vegetation, and roiling the water in search of food. This increases the turbidity (muddiness) of the water, which in turn reduces the ability of predator fish (such as pike or walleye) to see their prey and other species that prefer water relatively free of sediment. Carp are rugged and plentiful, and since they are one of the toughest fighting fish, they have quickly become the target of challenge for many anglers across the country including the Mississippi River where anglers have been in a race to perfect their doughball bait recipes to entice these hard-fighting, powerful fish to a battle. Anglers have found many ways to attract Carp over the years with some dedicated to mastering the perfect bait and others the perfect rigs.

In the features below Matthew Collins shows us how to tie a classic hair hair rig used for carp fishing, then the Pete and Blake over at Northwood Angling take us on an adventure for Mississippi River Gold!

CARP FISHING THE MISSISSIPPI