I recently caught a 12-pound carp in the Guadalupe River and about a 12-pound redfish in Redfish Bay near Aransas Pass. Which was the strongest fighter? Which is the best to eat? It was a toss-up on the fight. Carp are powerful fish but so is an oversized redfish. Concerning table fare, it’s a no-brainer. The best way to eat a carp is to tack it to a cedar plank, season it well and roast it in the fire. Then throw the carp away and eat the plank.
Starting in late January, I have made numerous trips up the Guadalupe River in pursuit of white bass and stripers. The annual spawning run has been weak thus far. On our earlier trips, we caught several nice stripers and a few white bass. Nothing super exciting. But three scenes do stand out.
Hooking the carp was one of the best events. I cast my little crappie jig against a stone wall a little below the rapids. The bait stopped suddenly and I was sure I had hooked a rock. Then the rock began to swim. I knew I was hooked into a powerful fish. Maybe a big striper? But I saw a flash of yellow-gold. Had to be a big carp. It was a long fight before he came to the net. The hook was in his tail. I released him to fight again. Next time he needs to keep his butt end out of my way.
