Carp
Best Baits for Carp
About Carp in Missouri
Carp, now there is a fish that will give a good fight. Found in most Missouri lakes, carp frequent shallow murky water where they look for food. It is easy to catch carp from shore, giving anglers without boats the same experience of catching one of the strongest fighting fish. Heavy gear is best when fishing for carp. For added excitement, try using lighter gear. Just hang on!
Watch for carp in the early morning and evening hours as they break the surface of the water. Carp are most active from early spring to fall and begin spawning in April. They will bite on a variety of baits, with dough balls and canned corn being the most popular. Worms, mussels and even occasionally on a fly flipped on the surface of the water can also be used.
Rigging methods for carp include weighting bait on the bottom or suspending from a float. Carp are a good fish for new and young anglers to experience the thrill of catching and landing a strong fighting fish.
Don’t listen to stories that carp is a trash fish and should not be eaten. They can be boney but fixed the right way, carp will make a delicious meal.