Age and Growth - Few wild carp live longer than 12 years but individuals in captivity have lived as long as 47 years. Carp generally grow rapidly for the first few years until they reach sexual maturity and slows as energy is diverted into reproduction. Growth rates of carp vary considerably across North America which may reflect geographical, biological and environmental conditions at different locations. Sporting Qualities - Pound for pound, carp will put up a fight equal to most sportfish. In Europe, carp rank third among sportfishes behind Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout.
Carp are powerful and can grow quite large so appropriate tackle is required.
Popular baits include dough balls canned corn, bread crusts, and worms fished on the bottom. Common carp are not listed as a sport fish in Florida, and there are no bag or size limits. Eating Qualities - Carp are very bony but if properly prepared are excellent eating. Boiling and smoking are the two primary methods of cooking them. State and World Records - For Florida, the state record is 40.56 pounds caught in the Apalachicola River.