Does carp work well as saltwater bait?

Question

Hi folks. I often like to fish in the Bronx river in New York, and it's just loaded with big fat carp which I catch very easily. I'm not sure if this river is clean enough that you can safely eat any fish from it, so I was wondering if it's possible to use freshwater carp as a cut bait for saltwater fishing (for bluefish, sea bass and such). I usually use bunker fish purchased from the bait store, but they typically charge $3 each. The carp are much larger and would be a much better deal (especially since I can get as much as I want for free), but does anybody know if saltwater fish would find carp palatable, or would they turn their noses up at the unfamiliar fish? I've cooked and smelled/tasted a small sample of it, and it doesn't have any odd flavors.

Answer 1

Certain varieties of carp will actually scare fish away (the natural morphiones within body hormones), however, the species of carp, Crucian Carp, are about 3 inches when you can buy them, and they will attract Sea Bass like crazy!!! But, Bluefish don't enjoy the Crucians as much as others, so what you can do to make them liek the carp is simple... Salt the bait before using, it covers up the fish's natural morphines, and Bluefish like the smell mixed in. Hope I could help.

Answer 2

I have tried using carp in the brine a few times and while it holds up well in the saltwater it's not an oily fish like bunker. My friends and I have never caught a fish on carp but we have reeled in a few nice blue claws. The gold carp will attract more attention due to its color, catches more crabs too. Depending on where you are fishing you can always try snagging bunker and freezing some for later. Try the carp, you may be able to catch some sharks. Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Good luck!