Common carp
Cyprinus carpio
Also known as: Mirror carp · Scaled carp
One of the strongest and most cautious freshwater targets; a long fight.
Habitat
Lakes, reservoirs, ponds and slow rivers over muddy, weedy bottoms.
Behaviour
Roots on the bottom leaving bubble trails; very wary and quick to leave pressured swims.
Feeding
Plants, seeds, larvae, crustaceans, worms.
Recommended baits
Sweetcorn, boilies, paste, worm.
Recommended methods
Shore ledgering, feeder, baited waiting.
Safe handling and release
Always use a wet unhooking mat for large fish — dry ground damages the slime coat.
Confusable with
Tench and rudd; carp has two pairs of barbels on the upper lip.
Regulations
- Minimum size
- 40 cm
- Daily limit
- 5
T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı · last verified 03.08.2026
- Closed season
- 01.03 – 31.05
T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı · last verified 03.08.2026
- Closed season
- 15.03 – 15.06
T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı · last verified 03.08.2026
- Closed season
- 01.04 – 30.06
T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı · last verified 03.08.2026
- Closed season
- 15.05 – 15.08
T.C. Tarım ve Orman Bakanlığı · last verified 03.08.2026
Regulation information is not legal advice. Rules vary by country, region and season; every record shows its source and last verification date. Always check the current official regulations yourself.