Carp local fish species facts and Limits. Carp also are known as “Mud Marlins” are an introduced species that has plagued our freshwater lakes and river systems. They adapt to these environments, they flourish and breed at astronomical rates taking over residential native species such as trout and perch. For this reason that they are considered a noxious pest species that must not be returned to the water. Its not all doom and gloom many anglers enjoy targeting carp. There accessible, they grow to huge sizes, they fight well and they’re easy to target with simple baits and rigs.
Click here to read our detailed guide on Catching carp around Melbourne & Victoria
Scientific name
Cyprinus carpio
Carp size and catch limits
Carp can grow well over a meter in length even in small shallow systems. There is no minimum legal size and carp must not be returned to the water. Fines apply if you return carp. Please enquire with Vic fisheries if you would like to no more about this.
Best baits to catch carp
Corn, scrub worms, earthworms, bread, maggots and boilies
Lure recommendations for carp
Traditionally you would target carp on bait however it was becoming increasingly popular in recent times to catch them by sight casting with soft plastics. Soft plastics with natural looking minnows, grub tail soft plastics and hard body lure. 70mm Squidy wrigglers in bloodworm, Strike tiger curl tail grub in bright yellow and hard body lures such as Atomic Hardz in natural colours are great choices.
Carp eating rating
Generally not considered a fish to be eaten by Australians. Some would argue if you clean them thoroughly they can be filleted or boiled into a soup.
General tips for carp fishing
Carp are considered a noxious pest and it is illegal to put them back into any water system if caught. Carp are fun and easy to target with baits you can collect from your pantry some corn, bread or worms and hang on. Fish with light gear it makes carp fishing so much more enjoyable.
Rod and rig setup for carp
Targeting Carp on light gear is great. We recommend using a 7-foot rod that has a 3-5 or 4–6 kilo capacity. Paired with a 3000 or 4000 size reel spooled with 12-pound line and an 8-pound leader. Good rig setup for carp is a simple running sinker to a swivel or unweighted
Best times to catch a carp
Any time of day but you’ll get more bites on sunrise and sundown.
Recreational fishing guide
You can obtain a free Victorian recreational fishing guide from the Victorian Fisheries Authorities
Additions or Corrections for this fish species
If you feel this fish species guide is missing key information or needs any corrections. Then please let us know by emailing our team at enquiries@fishingmad.com.au with specific details in the email. Thank you