Bait making success and storage failure

[spideyjg]

Went to the river to get a carp for an IV run. First cast I was hooked up. It was a beast took a long time to get it in and landed. It must have been 15+ lbs. 

Ice chest was nowhere big enough for it and was on a rock by the waters edge. Soon as I let go it flopped, flipped the chest over into the water and got away. 

Realistically he was way bigger than I wanted to mess with for bait.

Probably was for the best.

Jim

[Pinoyfisher]

You seriously need some good luck to your way! Hit the surf, tides are great this week.

[Latimeria]

Soon as I let go it flopped, flipped the chest over into the water and got away. 

Nice catch Jim, but I have to say this would have been fun to watch as a fly on the wall.   

You're right, probably best as a 15# carp is a bruiser as bait.   Mike is also right, get out to the surf as the water is clean and the sharks are there!

[spideyjg]

Other guys land little ones but bruisers 10+ always grab mine.

I want to try it as shark bait also since a scaled carp chunk will not come off the hook if you go through the skin. I have to cut them off changing baits in the IV.

Jim

[Eric H]

Carp are super stinky too

[spideyjg]

Carp are super stinky too

Not uless you let them spoil. They have a very strong sweet smell if killed and gutted right away.  A Dutch fishmonger said to ensure their gallbladder doesn't rupture or the whole thing is ruined.

I've cut a few ensuring no innards get punctured by turning them upside down, cutting into the  body cavity, and pulling the guts out enmass.

The result makes me wonder why they aren't eaten. They  have a real fatty meat so spoilage would be quick and foul.

Jim