Common Carp Length - Weight

Common Carp | Credit: USGS

Common carp, a species originally native to Asia and Eastern Europe, have been introduced to environments worldwide.

They are known for their adaptability and size variability, which can be influenced by factors such as habitat, diet, and age.

The common carp's ability to reach substantial sizes is one of the reasons it is prized by anglers and considered a challenging catch.

Typically, a common carp that measures 15 inches in length may weigh around 2 pounds. As they grow, the weight-to-length ratio increases. A 16-inch carp might average closer to 2.5 pounds. This incremental growth continues, with a 17-inch carp possibly weighing around 3 pounds, and an 18-inch carp around 3.5 pounds.

The pattern of growth tends to follow this trajectory, with each inch in length adding roughly half a pound to the carp's weight. By the time a carp reaches 24 inches, it could weigh approximately 6.5 pounds.

Moving towards the upper end of the scale, a 30-inch carp often tips the scales at about 10 pounds. As the carp grows larger, the weight gain per inch can become more variable.

A 35-inch carp might weigh in the region of 15 to 25 pounds, and a 40-inch carp could weigh 25-40 pounds or more, depending on the conditions it has lived in.

It's important to note that these figures are averages and individual weights can vary significantly. 

Notable Carp Catches - Length and Weight

While bowfishing in 2014, Adam Faatz of Hawthorne, NJ, broke the New Jersey state record for common carp with a 45 lb. 6 oz. specimen with a length of 42 inches.

On June 9, 2013, bowfisherman Patrick Johnson took a new Ohio state record carp in Lake Erie. The massive carp weighed 53.65 pounds and measured 45 inches in length.

In 2022, Ayden Minick caught and released a new West Virginia state record common carp caught from Summersville Lake. The record-setting carp weighed 45.2 pounds and was 41.2 inches long. 

In 2012, bowfisherman Zack Seitz reeled in a 59-pound common carp measuring 46 inches long, breaking the Wisconsin state alternate method record.

Related Information

Carp Fishing in North America

Tackle and Techniques for Catching Walleye

Walleye | Credit: USFWS

Catching walleye can be an exciting and rewarding experience. This post includes popular lures and techniques that are often used.

Jigs are among the simplest lures, consisting of a hook with a molded lead head. They can be fished vertically or cast and retrieved through any part of the water column.

Jigs can be tipped with live or dead minnows, worms, and leeches, or with soft plastic bodies and tails.

Crankbaits are another popular choice for walleye fishing. Typical crankbaits for catching walleye are around 4-3/4 inches in length and come in a variety of popular color patterns.

Spinners can also be effective for catching walleye.

Soft plastics can be used on their own or in combination with jigs.

Live bait rigs, such as worm harnesses, can be very effective for catching walleye.

Stick baits are another good option, especially for larger walleye.

In terms of techniques, walleye are known to be low light feeders and feed well at night but they also feed and bite during the day.

Anglers usually fish for walleye in less than 40 feet of water mainly because this is where most walleye live. Adult walleye primarily eat fish such as yellow perch, alewife, and ciscoes.

An understanding the behavior of the fish, using the right equipment, and being patient are key elements of successful walleye fishing.