The Largest Carp Ever Caught in Pennsylvania Was an Imposing Creature

The Keystone State offers plenty of carp fishing opportunities. But there’s one location where a man in the state managed to catch a common carp that set a whole new state record. Discover the largest carp ever caught in Pennsylvania! Plus, learn some carp fishing basics and discover who holds the current record for largest carp caught in the world.

Carp Overview

In Pennsylvania (or this hemisphere for that matter), carp are not native. It’s believed that carp was introduced to the U.S. in the mid to late 1800s. These fish are native to Europe and Asia and by the time 1880 rolled around, they had been introduced to half of the states within the U.S. Common carp (scientific name: Cyprinus carpio) are hefty fish that make up part of the minnow family. They have distinctive golden scales that make them glimmer when the light hits just right. They may be darker, however, with more of a brown than golden coloration.

They have triangular heads and blunt snouts and live in freshwater only. This could be in streams and lakes as they have a preference for muddy-bottomed environments where the water remains warm and moves slowly. Despite their preferences, they are quite hardy and can survive in less favorable environments. These fish are omnivores and have a varied diet that includes aquatic insects and small crustaceans along with algae and aquatic plants.

Despite their varied diet, they stop eating altogether during the winter season. Instead of seeking out food sources, carp settle into the bottom of the water to slow their metabolism and enter torpor, which is a semi-dormant state. On average, they range between 10 and 20 pounds and grow between 12 and 25 inches long. Carp have long lifespans, with some making it into their late forties in captivity. In the wild, however, their lifespans are cut short to 20 years on average.

Carp Fishing Basics

For starters, you have to head to the right spot. Carp love murky water so don’t head to clear areas. Remember that they prefer slow-moving, warmer waters as well, which means you’re more likely to find them in side channels and backwaters. As far as the time of day is concerned, early morning is best. When you know where you’re headed and at what time, you can make sure you take the right bait. Since they have a varied diet, this part is simple. Bollies are a fantastic go-to if you find a remote spot. But if you notice lots of anglers engaging the same tactic, the fish have likely gotten smart and won’t go for it.

In that case, you can try some sweet corn as a backup. If you’re fishing in the river, go for a four to six-foot-long rod. However, if you’re fishing for carp in a larger body of water, take an eight to 10-foot rod. Test your monofilament line with 30 pounds to start and use a bait-feeder spinning reel equipped with two drag systems. As for hooks, avoid anything shiny! Carp can spot them in the water, which makes it difficult to catch them. Chumming is a great way to attract carp but keep from overfeeding. You still want them hungry! If you’re the type to prefer more of a challenge, give bowfishing a try. Carp behavior allows for good aim but you’ll need to learn a new fishing routine.

The Largest Carp Ever Caught in Pennsylvania

It was 1962 when George Brown of Saltillo, Pennsylvania was in the right place at the right time. He was out on Juniata River in Huntingdon County when he managed to set a new all-tackle record for common carp in the state. The largest carp ever caught in Pennsylvania weighed 52 pounds!

The bowfishing record in the state was set by Jordon Miller, who used a bow to shoot a 29.7-pounder. Miller owns Nocturnal Addiction Bowfishing, a passion-turned-business venture. At the time of the catch in 2016, Miller set out to a taxidermist with a plan to mount the carp he shot with an arrow impaling the mount.

The Largest Carp Ever Caught in the World

The record for the largest carp ever caught in the world stands at 112 pounds and six ounces. The year was 2018. The common carp was caught in Euro Aqua Lake in Hungary by Michael Schoenmakers. This reservoir is home to large carp fish, which are regularly stocked. However, access to this small reservoir is restricted to club members only.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Rocksweeper/Shutterstock.com