Ann Arbor Botanical Gardens

Some koi at the University of Michigan botanical gardens.

There's also a cool bonsai exhibit to see too.

How to Edit Carp Fishing Photos

It's amazing what a simple cell phone and a free photo app can do to edit carp fishing photos.

Here's a demo of some editing I did this afternoon using Snapseed with a very typical carp that can be caught in most any public fishing area where I live.

You can take a very average fish and below average photo to make something interesting and convey a different mood to create something more interesting.

This is the original photo from my Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphone.

I used a Snapseed filter as a first step.

I used Snapseed to brighten the colors and crop it to remove distracting objects.

I used a different filter to tone down the bright colors. Then I adjusted the crop a little more.

I brightened my face so it was lighter.

Most of the time I would have been quite happy with photo #3, but in the end I think #5 is my favorite.

It's easy to overdo it, but on cold days when its too cold for carp fishing playing around with photos is fun.

Veteran's Day Carping at Lake Erie

I had the day off for Veteran's Day and decided to enjoy the last bit of decent weather before fishing prospects deteriorate for winter.

I caught these 9 carp. Most were little guys, but on November 11th with 62 degree weather and very little wind conditions were excellent.

Having a good, solid outing before winter somehow makes the winter months, when I'm not carp fishing, a little easier.

Personal Best Detroit River Carp

I've been focused on catching a new personal best Detroit River carp this year. In fact, for the past 3 years, I've been on a quest to catch big carp from the Detroit River. My goal of 30 pounds is now within reach.

In early summer of 2021 I landed a 26 pounder. Yesterday I bested that carp by a pound and a half! 

Out of the thick, morning fog, and in 34 degree temperatures, this 27 lb 8 oz entered the landing net. 

This fish took the hook bait timidly at first, but immediately bolted for the main river channel once I tightened the drag on my reel and lifted up on the rod.

A few minutes earlier we landed this nice catfish.

You never know what you might catch when fishing the Detroit River. There are good chances to land any of about 15 to 20 species of fish with catfish, carp, walleye, sheepshead, silver bass, perch, rock bass, smallmouth bass, pike, muskie and more are readily available. 

I met a gentleman who caught a 7' sturgeon while catfishing from a popular public pier. The gentleman stood 6'6 and the sturgeon was significantly longer (taller) as lay next to it. 

Note: If you do catch a sturgeon carefully land it and return it to the water quickly. Targeting sturgeon in Michigan has regulations governing that activity. Become familiar with those guidelines.

Detroit River Carp Fishing - October Edition

I caught this Detroit River Carp 2 minutes after casting my 3rd rod this morning. It turned out to be the only fish today. 

I think the cold front also cooled off the carp bite for today (in the river anyway).

Two Black and White Carp Photos

Here are some black and white carp photos from the weekend.

Small Carp Wanna Eat Too

 

Sometimes we lock in on catching bigger carp when we're fishing and experience disappointment when a small one arrives in the net.

But small carp get hungry too. Most of the time, the smaller carp fight much harder that the big guys and gals.

Here are two smaller carp from Friday.

Carp Fishing Necessity - Rain Gear

Some unexpected weather rolled in this morning creating some challenges but I still managed a couple of Detroit River commons.

One of my best fishing investments ever is the rain gear I'm wearing in these photos. The $70 jacket and pants are about 8 years old and are there when needed. I always carry these in my carp wagon, no matter the forecast.

My Newest Carp Hooks

 Besides Gamakatzu, I like these next best.

They run small, so a 4 is like a 6 in Gamakatzu.

Fall Carp Fishing Rocks

I love fishing on days like today. 

Here are some of the bigger fish.

The largest was 22#'s which is about the top in that spot unless you get very lucky. I've caught bigger there but it's not easy. 

It looks from my phone gallery that I caught 16 total fish. I could only fish a single rod. The bites were just too fast. 

All but one was caught on the same rod.

Ultimately, I had to stop because fishing alone, pulling fish through heavy weeds, taking photos, etc. took it's toll on me.

I was getting bites before I even sat back down in my chair.

At one point I just landed the largest of the day and John Mellencamp's "Hurt So Good" was playing on my MP3. It was certainly fitting.

I kept hoping for a 30 pounder but it didn't happen today.

Detroit River Carp in a Weedy Session

Carp fishing on the Detroit River is fun. The river is so big it can sometimes seem the odds are astronomical. 

With some practice and perseverance carp can be caught from any of the public parks along the shoreline.

The weeds were a nuisance, but I took it as a challenge. 

Here are some photos from the reward.

I enjoy black and white carp fishing photos. There is something so simple about them that it's satisfying.

Detroit River Carp Fishing

I caught this low teens common carp at the Detroit River recently.

 

The public parks along the Detroit River have plenty of fishing access.

Two Carp at Lake Erie

After taking a few off from fishing I headed back out on Saturday morning.

Unfortunately, the algae bloom on this water is in full swing. It's actually unhealthy to allow people or pets to be in the water. Luckily, fishing requires minimal water contact. 

But, I've noticed that the bite slows down during algae blooms.

I did manage a couple fish in the 19 hours of fishing.

I really like the colors in the photos. I give credit to the blue shirt I'm wearing.

6 Reasons Why You Should Go Carp Fishing in 2022

It’s fair to say that the popularity of carp fishing continues to grow year by year. With it, more people are taking up the hobby and many of those are opting to do so on a regular basis. 

Carp fishing is an angling subcategory that involves catching various species of freshwater fish. The focus is on larger fish with adult common carp being the primary target for most anglers. 

You may be asking yourself why anyone would want to go carp fishing in 2022… But let’s get into why you should go carp fishing in 2022:

It’s a cheap and accessible hobby

Carp fishing is a relatively cheap and accessible pastime that has the potential to become much more. 

If you start small with a basic setup and minimal expenses, you can scale your setup over time as your experience and requirements grow. 

For most people, it will cost around $150 to get a basic carp setup going. You can get everything you need for a successful carp fishing trip for around $200-$250. 

It’s a popular hobby among various demographics, especially in the UK and the rest of Europe, where it’s a very popular past time.

You don’t need a lot of equipment to get started

In order to get started with carp fishing all you need is a basic setup and a rod and reel. 

To help you get started, we have put together some recommendations that include everything you need to get started carp fishing. 

There are many different types of rigs and bait you can use to help get your first carp, but the most common are pole and line fishing, feeder fishing, and hook and line fishing. 

The main pieces of equipment you’ll need are the rod, reel, hook, line, bobbin, and hook bait.

It’s great for people who are just getting into fishing

Carp fishing is great for people who are just getting into the sport of fishing. Because carp are Big Fish and easy to catch, they are the perfect fish to get started with. 

When you’re just getting started, the most important thing is confidence. And once you’re confident with your equipment, and have learned the basics of fishing, you can move on to other types of fishing. 

Carp fishing is a great sport for kids too. It’s low-impact and great for young anglers to build confidence and develop skills.

Carp aren’t easy to catch, making it a challenging activity

You can expect to spend a few hours on the water, and catch nothing, or you can catch loads of fish. You just never know what’s going to happen.

When you go carp fishing you’re always in for a surprise, which can be both frustrating and exhilarating. You never know what the weather is going to be like, or what the fish are going to be doing. In fact, there are many ways you can make the carp bite better. 

If you’re looking for an extreme fishing challenge, carp fishing may be the perfect thing for you!

The feeling you get when you catch a big one is second to none

The feeling you get when you catch a big one is second to none. It’s a great feeling to bring in that first carp of the season. It’s not easy to catch a large carp, especially if you’re targeting bigger fish. So when you do catch one, it’s extra special. 

When you catch a large carp, it’s not just about the fish.

• It’s about the experience. 
• It’s about being out on the water, enjoying the scenery, and enjoying nature. 
• It’s about having a good time with your friends and family. 
• It’s about being challenged, and overcoming that challenge. 
• It’s about being part of a rich and unique pastime. 
• And it’s about making memories that will last a lifetime.

Because you don't always have to eat the fish you catch!

This is one of the main reasons why carp fishing is so popular with sport fishermen. That is, people who enjoy catching and releasing fish for others to enjoy catching again later.

There are multiple species of carp that are growing popular as a sport fish, including: grass carp, common carp, and mirror carp.

Conclusion

Carp fishing is a great hobby with a rich history. It’s a challenging pastime that you can do with friends and family. 

If you’re looking for a new challenge in the outdoors, or want to get into a new pastime, carp fishing could be for you. 

Ready to get started? 

Then keep reading the carp fishing blog for how to articles and photos of carp I've caught.

Ask questions and share photos of fish you've caught.

Best Fishing Line for Carp Fishing Beginners

Last weekend I spent some time at Meijer looking at options for beginning carp fishing anglers. Today I stopped at Walmart to survey their options.

As expected, Walmart had a much bigger selection of rods, reels, and tackle. 

I was looking for Quantum rod and reel combos, but didn't find any.

The selection of fishing line was very impressive.

They had lots of PowerPro braid in stock and monofilament in 15 - 20# sizes that would work for carp fishing.

The selection of rods and reels are also fairly impressive with several catfish combo options and Ugly Stik choices.

If buying a combo, verify how much line is on the reel. I would verify the reel holds at least 120 yds of line suitable for carp fishing.

What Fishing Line Do I Personally Use?

I like 50# PowerPro. Some feel it's overkill and it might be for catching catfish. As a carp fisherman who has caught carp up to 37#'s. I also fish in waters with lots of snags. A lighter line may break easier in these snaggy conditions. 

Almost every time I go carp fishing I end up snagged on objects in the water. The strength of PowerPro provides the capability to retrieve the lead and other tackle. 

Although the hook sometimes bends when it releases, at least I get my $4.00 leads back. I can either rebend and reshape the 50 cent hook or replace it. It's 50 cents vs. $4.00.

The braided fishing line doesn't "give" or "stretch" like monofilament line does. This provides more control and the ability to fish with lighter drag, which is important to me when carp fishing because carp have a very tender month unlike other sport fish.

Detroit River Shoreline Fishing

The northeast wind today made carp fishing a challenge on the Detroit River. 

Weeds in summer are a nuisance on a good day, but the wind direction made fishing from the west bank frustrating at times.

I still managed to land some common carp this morning. 

There are perch and walleye rigs all over the river bed in this area. There's nothing like reeling in to rebait and finding hooks, rigs, weedless hooks, etc. on the line as well.

Luckily, the 50# braid we use makes it simple enough to rip through those.

I developed a technique of taking up any slack in the line, then tightening the drag, and next pulling straight up with force to rid the line of weeds and break through the wads of monofilament and end tackle. 

My grandpa used to call stuff like that, "someone else's headache", which is an accurate description.

Why Do I Like Shore Fishing?

I don't have a boat. I don't have space to store a boat. And, although I have money to a boat, maintaining the boat, fueling, transporting, buying a tow vehicle, etc. is not something I am willing to spend money on. 

I don't need all those items. 

For about $250 I can buy the items I need to start catching fish weighing 15 - 20 pounds from shore, without a boat.

I spent many days of my youth in Missouri fishing fresh-water locations catching bluegill, perch and bass. None of those fish come close to averaging 15 - 20 pounds.

If I'm going to catch fish - let them be BIG fish!

Affordable Carp Gear?

I had a case of the "I need to get out of the house blues" today, so I made a trip to the local big box store near my house to find out whether they had any affordable fishing gear suitable for carp fishing.

Rods

I found a whole bunch of options for fishing rods. They had about 10 different Ugly Stik models.

They had a 7' GX2 spinning rod for about $50. I'd prefer an 8' if it were available.

I tested the NGT Carpstalker rods a few weeks ago and the GX2's are more substantial rods.

Reels

I didn't find any baitrunner reels, or any reels that I would personally spend money on for carp fishing.

I was looking for some Quantum reels, which they do sometimes keep in stock. The Optix model is adequate for carp fishing in the 40 to 60 size. Amazon has them for $28 right now. If using a shorter rod, lean towards to "40" and if using a longer rod, consider the "60".

Or, if you have a Cabelas nearby, Okuma ABF-55 baitrunner reels will do well right off the shelf.

Fishing Line

I found some 20# PowerPro line, but I'd feel more comfortable with >= 30#. (I use 50# PowerPro.) 

They didn't have any, but Berkley Big Game monofilament is another option. I've caught carp with 20# Berkley monofilament in the past.

Hooks

The local big retailers stock Mustad hooks. A size 4 or 6 Mustad would be suitable.

If they have a suitable Gamakatzu hook, I'd lean in that direction a little more.

Leads

I'd still opt for some inline leads that are commonly used for carp fishing. Some 2 oz or 3 oz inline leads from CarpKit.com or BigCarpTackle.com would be my personal choice.

Conclusion:

It might be possible to find suitable gear for carp fishing locally, but buying from a retailer who specializes in carp gear would be preferable. 

An alternative "starter option" is to get the Ugly Stik Catfish Combo rod and reel if its available. This would allow new anglers to see if they enjoy carp fishing before investing heavily in equipment and gear. I do question though how many carp the reel will endure before the handle breaks. 

Ideally, reel handles should be metal because they take alot of stress when landing carp. I've broken 3 reel handles that are plastic, so I will stick to metal handles from now on.

Independence Day Carp Fishing Session

The weather this morning at 5:30 a.m. was perfect for carp fishing, the Detroit River was mirror smooth, and the carp were biting. It had all the desired elements for a nice morning of fishing on the river.

Boat traffic picks up on the river around 9 a.m., which provides some uninterrupted bottom fishing time. With the bait situated at the bottom of the river, chances of catching improve, but it's not a fool proof method (just the best method I'vetried so far). 

The boats seem to churn up weeds, because shortly after boat traffic increases I start to notice many more floating weeds coming by. The weeds get caught on the fishing lines and pull out line from the reel or shift our bottom baits as the current pushes the weeds along. But it's still possible to catch carp.

At one point I recasted my middle rod and within 30 seconds I had a screaming run.. Yes - 30 seconds! Maybe it was even less.

I love days like this.

I posted a couple of days ago about my lack of mirror carp catches, but this morning the mirror carp decided to play. I caught one of the elusive and rare Detroit River mirror carp. Out of the 100 or so carp I've caught on the river in the last 8 years, it's the lone mirror to enter my landing net.

I ended with 7 in total today.

And, now an encouraging word for aspiring river carp fishermen:

People sometimes ask me why I fish the Detroit River so much even though Michigan has hundreds of other lakes. Besides the points that 1) very few of the noted "carp lakes" are near my home, and 2) that many lakes I'd like to fish have almost zero public fishing access availability; the river is a challenging place to consistently catch carp.

* Even small river carp are strong swimmers and can be challenging to reel in. 

The first time I fished the river I caught a single fish. The next several times, I spent all day long fishing only to blank. 

So, it became a challenge to figure it out.

Now when I go fishing I sometimes catch 10, 15, 20...and up to my personal record - 34 !

Downsides:

• I have lost lots of tackle.
• The current is pretty strong out more than a foot or two from shore.
• You need a partner to help land the fish or you will struggle more than necessary.
• You need a substantial landing net to hoist the fish up to 8 feet from the water over the railing where you are fishing.
• You have to be patient with larger boats generating waves in your swim.
• On average, the fish are smallish compared to lakes.

But the state record for a Detroit River carp is in the 36 pound range, so there's always a chance for a true river monster sized fish. 

And that keeps me going back to the Detroit River in search of my new person's best carp. Given enough time, I think it's a possibility.

The Lone Carp

I caught this little guy this morning. Every year I notice that the carp bite slows down once the fireworks start. This year is no exception it appears. I had two others who sheared off on a submerged picnic table snag in this swim.

After reflection, some of the slow-bite could be impacted by the plethora of fish flies that are currently available in the river. When food is plentiful, I think fish prefer the natural / normal sources most of the time. 

Submerged Picnic Tables

I'm not sure when it became fashionable for ice fishermen to move the park picnic tables out onto the ice when the lake / river is frozen over but two different paces I fish that are about 50 miles apart in different counties have this issue. 

If you are an ice fisherman and you see someone doing this, consider suggesting they don't. If you are not comfortable speaking to them about it, report it to the parks and recreation department or DNR as appropriate. 

I'm guessing there are submerged picnic tables in other bodies of water as well.

It's really getting ridiculous at this point (and frustrating).

Black and White Fish Photos

 

Black and white photos put more emphasis on the fish, carp in my case, and less on the post-processing skills and apps to adjust the colors, exposure, sharpness, etc. to get perfect results in color photos.

Most fish photos result from the personal preferences of the person doing the processing. 

Some like deep rich colors, sharp edges, and higher contrast while others focus on filters to simplify the process deferring the results to the various algorithms used to let the software do the heavy lifting and "settle" for someone else's version of photography. This is known as "computational photography". It's built in on most Smartphone cameras and apps now.

Black and white format adds some simplicity back to fishing photos. It's not a contest to see who has the better phone app, mirrorless camera, or DSLR. 

It shouldn't take a week to process fishing photos and post them on the internet. I enjoy sharing my photos, but if I can't make the photo presentable in two minutes or less, I probably won't post it at all, or I'll convert it black and white.

Simple just works sometimes.

The trend among many photographers is to "push" or "under expose" photos to darken them. This technique suppresses details in the photo. 

I prefer the opposite in my photos. An appropriate exposure or even slight "under exposure" brings out more details in black and white photo formats.