Fall Fishing for Common Carp

Here are some recent catches from Friday and Saturday's efforts.

Friday's carp were caught from an extremely weedy lake and Saturday's fish were from an urban river.

Shallow Lake Carp

Here's a catch from Saturday morning's fishing trip.

Sadly, the lake is overrun with weeds at the moment. 

Shallow water, warm weather, warm water temps, and fertilizer runoff from residential lawns help contribute to some of the weed growth in smaller lakes.

Even the deeper lakes suffer from heavy weed beds in the shallow areas near the shoreline. My favorite carp fishing lake in this area of the state has depths of 60 to 80' in some places, but it still has heavy weed growth.

Detroit River Carp Challenge

Hello, fellow anglers and adventure seekers. I'm Brian Pearcy, The Cardinal Carper, and today, we're embarking on an exciting journey to one of North America's most dynamic fishing spots - the Detroit River.

Here, amidst the urban hustle and bustle, lies a hidden gem for anglers chasing the legendary Common Carp. These powerful fish are known for their strength and cunning nature, making them a thrilling challenge for any angler.

As the current of the Detroit River flows, so does the potential for an unforgettable fishing experience. The sheer size and resilience of these carp are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

This one looks similar to the hybrid goldfish I've caught from Lake Erie. But with the size I'm leaning toward it just being a small, and young, common carp.

 

New Detroit River Personal Best

I just caught my new Detroit River PB this morning. I've been on a 4 year quest to land a 30+ pounder from the river. Keep in mind that I'm a show-up-and-fish-person. And, I primarily fish from 6 a.m. to about 3 p.m. on Saturday when the public parks are most accessible. 

I do not prebait, I don't fish where it's posted "no fishing", I dont have access to private land, use a kayak, have a personal home on the river, nor do I rent homes on the river so I can fish from the backyard for a few days. I fish from public parks about 12 to 13 times per year that are accessible to anyone and everyone (for a free admission).

I say this to emphasize that literally anyone with a desire, patience, and a little practice can catch large fish.

I've never understood fishing for small 1 or 2 pound (or even smaller) bass, catfish, or walleye like so many I see kept on stringers every week. It's just not my thing. I want to catch the larger, harder charging fish, if possible.

Pop over to YouTube. Search for "how to tie a hair rig for carp fishing" and go for it.

The common size carp around here is 12 to 14 pounds with an occasional 20 - 22 pounder landed a few times per month. So when I hooked into this Detroit River monster wannabee this morning I got pretty excited. 

This strong swimming river fish gets me as close as possible to 30 pounds without actually doing it. At 29 pounds and some ounces this fish got my hopes up for awhile and took some effort to land in the net (thanks Bill).

I'm not through for 2023. There's still time for the 30# in September and October, but this wonderful fish will help tide me over until it happens. I hope to see you out on the bank, pier, or riverwalk soon.

Shore Angling vs. Boat Angling

You don't need a boat to catch fish from the Detroit River. 

Many people fish from the shore, piers or docks along the river. It depends on your preference and the type of fishing experience you're seeking. 

Shore fishing has several advantages compared to boat fishing, which includes:

1. Accessibility: Shore fishing is more accessible since you don't need a boat. You can fish from various locations along the shore, including parks, piers, docks, and riverbanks.

2. Cost-effective: Shore fishing doesn't require the expenses associated with owning or renting a boat, making it a more budget-friendly option.

3. Simplicity: Setting up for shore fishing is generally simpler and quicker than preparing a boat for fishing. You only need basic fishing gear and can start fishing almost immediately.

4. Minimal Maintenance: With shore fishing, you don't have to worry about maintaining or storing a boat, saving you time and effort.

5. Family-friendly: Shore fishing can be a family-friendly activity, providing opportunities for everyone to participate without the need for specialized boating skills.

6. Social Experience: Shore fishing allows you to interact with other anglers, creating a sense of camaraderie and sharing fishing tips and stories.

7. Environmentally Friendly: Shore fishing has a smaller environmental impact than using a boat, as it doesn't involve fuel consumption or potential water pollution.

8. Safety: When shore fishing, you eliminate the risks associated with boating, such as accidents, capsizing, or getting stranded.

Shore fishing offers a more accessible, cost-effective, and straightforward fishing experience while still providing the chance to catch numerous types of fish.

I am starting a new Facebook group and page you might be interested in joining:  https://www.facebook.com/michiganshoreanglers

Detroit River Carp

This chunk is the largest from a recent outing at the Detroit River.

I enjoy fishing the river because it's challenging and you never know what going to on the end of the line.

It can be one of many species and could even include the largest freshwater fish available to Michiganders in the form of a sturgeon

Detroit River Carp

I am starting my focus on the Detroit River for the season.

I am convinced that the possibility to increase my personal best from the river of 28#'s is just around the corner.

But neither of the fish from Monday's effort were close.

These are my first two carp caught at the Detroit River this year.

I have started a new Facebook group and page you might be interested in:  https://www.facebook.com/michiganshoreanglers

Carp Fishing The Longest Day Alzheimer's Association Fundraising Efforts

Some of the fish from today's fundraising event:

Support the Alzheimer's Association 

Michigan Mirror Carp

I've had good luck catching mirrors the last few weeks. 

I caught another today while participating in The Longest Day fundraiser to benefit the Alzheimer's Association.

I want to highlight the mirror separately (and the big fish for the day).

 

Huron River Carp Fishing

Here are a few photos from a day of fishing on the Huron River in Ann Arbor.

The fish typically range from 8 pounds up to 14 pounds with an occasional fish up to 19 or 20 pounds.

Reel Fish Real Fun Kids Event

It's the third year I participated in the Reel Fishing Real Fun Kids Carp Fishing Event at Ann Arbor's Gallup Park on June 10th hosted by the Michigan Carp Anglers.

We caught some fish, made new friends and, hopefully, introduced carp fishing to a future generation of carp anglers.

Some liked to participate hands-on. Some liked to watch from a distance. Others preferred to get up close and personal after the carp was landed and unhooked.

Everyone seemed to have a lot of fun.

Carping in Detroit Metro

It was a day with two firsts: 

1) goldfish (I caught a koi in the same spot several years ago), and 

2) mirror carp over 22 pounds (an ounce or two shy of 23#).

I believe this is my personal best mirror from any venue. I have caught very few mirrors ever.

Urban Carping in Motorcity U.S.A.

After a nice outing last weekend and landing a nice fish just shy of 23# we decided to try it again today.

It was a day filled with boaters, a jet skier, ducks, a squirrel that ventured a little too close, and an unexpected visit from Mrs. Michigan Carp Fishing. 

We haven't had any significant rain in more than a week, so that coupled with warmer weather and sunshine triggered a massive algae bloom in our river of choice for spring fishing.

After a few small carp I noticed a lot of activity near a bridge in our swim. I've tried fishing in that area several times and it often ends in a snag and with a lost fish. But not today!

Urban Carp Fishing in May

Let's talk about knots. I have a reminder based on an experience I had on Saturday.

At one point while fishing on Saturday I had to tie on a new in-line lead. The scissors I've been using have become progressively dull and while trimming the excess braid it took a few attempts. That caused a fraying on the braid and it was cut shorter than usual. (I typically leave an 1/8" or so.)

I should have cut and re-tied but I wanted to re-cast quickly since the fish were biting.

To shorten this story, I hooked the 6th fish, fought it awhile and reeled in the line with no fish, no hook and no lead.

Three possibilities I can think of:

1) I hooked a pike or small muskie 

2) My lazy knot tieing caused the knot to slip a little and ultimately fail

3) Something like a razor blade or lawn shears magically appeared in the water between casts and snagged me causing a cut-off

I lean more towards #2. 

Learn from my mistake, double check your knot and leave a little extra in case it slips.

Here are some photos of fish that did manage to land in the net.