Carp Fishing Florida

Everybody knows Florida as a prosperous state of the US. What many don’t know is that it is fishing heaven for the anglers. It covers long beaches, lakes, rivers, streams, and other water reservoirs. As we can assume, it allows both saltwater and freshwater fishing facilities. The freshwater version is quite relaxing. The best part is, even the beginners having basic skills can go for it. Bass, bluegill, carp, catfish, Crappie, saw-fish are some major freshwater species. Many visitors come here to target a specific type of fish. Today we are sharing details for the readers who want to get the best carp fishing Florida experiences.

carp fishing florida

Angling in Florida Freshwater in Search of Carps

Available carp varieties

Three types of carps are available in some million acres of fish-able water of Florida. Their structure, behavior vary a lot from each other. And so does the requirement of different baits. Let’s discuss everything.

1. Bighead Carps

They are native to eastern Asia and Russia. Only a few Florida rivers and lakes contain bigheads. They become mature within 2-3 years. Though the average weight is 18 kg, you can find 40kgs or bigger. They eat organic debris and dense vegetation. Also, water insects, shrimp, and boilies are part of their diet.

Identification: The body of a bighead carp is huge and narrow. Its big head carries downward eyes and a toothless mouth. Dark gray is the color of the front body. Eventually, it turns into cream toward the underside. There are dark irregular patches on its side and back.

Where to find: Their system is capable of withstanding various freshwater conditions. But they prefer living in cold water. The ideal water temperature lies within the 4 to 26 degrees Celsius range. Since the deep layers of a lake are warmer, they stay on the upper surface. The tourists often see them swimming in the shallow area. People noticed their existence in Panhandle rivers for multiple years. It seems they came from the fish farms during natural calamities. Still, no significant change in their reproduction takes place. These fishes deliver a negative impact on the local ecosystem. So, the FWC authorities marked them as a prohibited fish. The fishermen are allowed to kill it after catching it.

Suitable baits: You can use banana or other fruit-flavored boilies to catch bigheads.

Best weather for fishing: These carps become very active once in a year. It is early summer, their spawning time. They keep searching for food and tend to take more bites.

2. Common Carp

Asia is the origin of common carp. After years, a few US cultivation farms imported them to eliminate harmful populations. Their population increased, and eventually, they escaped into all over the country. They usually weigh 2 to 14 kg but can reach up to 40 kg. They don’t survive for more than 20 years. The fishes are omnivorous. They eat everything, including insects, including zooplankton, small worms, etc.

Identification: The common carp has a slim body structure. Its length remains within 15.75 to 31.5-inches. A short head, red flesh, and a toothless mouth with barbel result in an excellent appearance. Having a forked tail and dorsal fin are other features to recognize them. The color seems silver to green in most places. You will notice gray sides and yellow belly as well.

Where to find: The common carp love the lower and middle river streams. During spawning days, they act differently than the other times. 65 and 70-degree water temperature is ideal for them. They like to swim in groups in shallow water. So, after seeing a fish, wait for a while. You may see the spots of the other fishes of the group. For feeding, they prioritize places having larvae, crustaceans, snails, and underwater plants. The Apalachicola and Ochlockonee river systems of Florida yield numerous common carps. The state record of catching a 40.56-pounds common carp was from the first river. Keep your eyes on the steep banks, water structure, and submerged trees.

Suitable baits: Capturing process of a common carp requires heavy tackle. Dough baits, corn, and bread segments work well for them. If you don’t have them, try using worms instead.

Best weather for fishing: Both cold and hot environments offer great common carp fishing opportunities. Go to the spots in early spring and late fall.

3. Grass Carp

The presence of the grass carp community was firstly seen in Asia, Russia, and Vietnam. Next, they were imported in the USA. The goal was to control the growth of exotic vegetation because they consume a lot of aquatic trees. Most grass carps weigh less than 14 kg. If you are lucky, you can capture a 45 kg monster fish. Their lifespan is 5 to 11 years. They enjoy eating aquatic plants, insects, small fishes, etc.

Identification: Unlike the earlier carp groups, a grass carp has an oblong-shape figure. Their small eyes are on both sides of the flat head. They usually come in a blackish or olive-brown coloration. Besides, a silver coating is visible on the sides and stomach.

Where to find: These carps are mainly bottom feeders. Therefore, stirring up the debris from the pond’ base is a common incident. While fishing in shallow ponds, you can easily trace their location by following the muddy segments. Check the slow-moving streams carefully. Florida’s most massive grass carp was 56-inches long with 75-pounds weight. People have permission to catch the carp fish for breaking their personal records. But taking it with you will be illegal. You can visit Lake Trafford, Lake Istokpoga, and Lake Talquin for grass carp.

Suitable baits: It is hard to trick the cleve grass carps. The best way to catch carps is by pre-baiting. Cast your line attaching cherry tomatoes, insect grass, dog feed, or worms in the heavily baited area. In this way, you will surely get a bite.

Best weather for fishing: A grass carp’s reproduction period starts at 20 to 30-degree temperature. Then it consumes three times more food than its body weight. These days are the best for catching big carp fish.

2 thoughts on “Carp Fishing Florida”

  1. Hello Charles,
    I’ve been carp fishing all my life. Mostly in mid-atlantic area. I’m now a senior and reside in Lakeland, FL.
    Could you direct me to any waters near my home where carp reside?

  2. Apalachicola River and Ochlockonee River are only common carp source in Florida. A 40.56 pounds common carp caught in the Apalachicola River.

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