While anglers find satisfaction in catching a wide variety of fish species, there's one mighty aquatic giant that stands out above the rest — carp. With its formidable size, extraordinary strength, and an elusive nature , the carp has earned its place as one of the most prized catches in the angling world. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating stories of the biggest carp ever caught in the world. These tales not only showcase the dedication and skill of fishermen but also shed light on the wonders that our planet's waters hold. So, sit back and prepare for some mega carp record stories.
The Biggest Carp Ever Caught
The world's largest recorded carp catch belongs to British angler Colin Smith. He reeled in a massive common carp weighing 105lb 13oz (48.05 kg) in 2016 from Euro Aqua, a fishing lake in Hungary, surpassing the previous record of 101lb 4oz (45.87 kg), which was also caught in Hungary.
Europe is known for its sizeable carp. In 2019, a French angler set a new world record by catching a 112lb mirror carp. These catches underline Europe's reputation for extraordinary carp fishing and the ongoing pursuit of anglers in search of record-breaking specimens.
World Record Carp
On November 23, 2018, Michel Schoenmakers made angling history by catching the first-ever carp weighing over 50kg. This massive fish was also landed at Euro Aqua in Hungary. This monumental achievement weighed in at a remarkable 51.20kg (112.64lb). Congratulations to him for this incredible milestone!
When we were writing the blogpost other enormous carp came out at the same lake, like for example a 91.11Lb (41,3kg) mirrar that came out on the 14/10/2023 at Euro Aqua.
Biggest Carp Ever Caught in France
When it comes to carp fishing in France, some noteworthy catches come to mind. The first is the impressive catch by 11-year-old Callum near Reims, weighing in at 96lbs 10ozs. This was one of the biggest carp ever caught in France.
Then, in 2015, a French angler set a milestone by landing a common carp weighing 99lb 4oz (45 kg). This catch was a record-breaker at the time, highlighting France's reputation for big carp. These stories serve as a reminder of the potential for remarkable encounters with massive carp in French waters.
Several 100lb+ carp have been registered in France like Scar Fish caught in Gravières near Dijon. Another 100lb+ carp has been caught in Lake Serene in the Champagne Region.
Largest Carp in North America
In North America, the current record for the heaviest carp catch belongs to an angler in Missouri, who reeled in an 86lb common carp in 2017.
The Cyprinidae Family
The Cyprinidae family reigns as the most prevalent freshwater fish, boasting a rich diversity of traits among its members. While their sizes can vary significantly, some individuals within this family stand out, growing to impressive proportions, occasionally exceeding 100 pounds in weight. At the apex of this family's grandeur stands the Giant Barb, also known as the Siamese Carp, a colossal species renowned as the largest of all carp. These majestic fish thrive in a range of aquatic habitats, including canals, floodplains, and swamps.
Giant Barb
The Giant Barb inhabits the Mae Klong, Mekong, Indochina, and Chao Phraya regions. Although they are rare, these fish have gained recognition as one of the most important freshwater species worldwide. Reports indicate that they can grow to remarkable sizes, possibly reaching up to a colossal 660 pounds (300 kilograms).
Common Carp
The common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is a globally distributed species, inhabiting many regions across the world. It is a favored catch among anglers and has been intentionally introduced to various new habitats.
The current world record for the largest common carp stands at 101 lb 4 oz (45.8 kg), a remarkable catch made in Hungary in 2012.
Mirror Carp
Mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio mirror) represent a subspecies of common carp, distinguished by their unique scale pattern. They exhibit fewer scales than the common carp, with their scales being noticeably larger and irregularly shaped.
As for record-breaking catches, the world record for the largest mirror carp caught was 110 lb 4 oz (50 kg) in France in 2013. However, in 2018, Hungary claimed the new record with a colossal mirror carp weighing 114 lb (51.7 kg).
Koi Carp
The title for the world's biggest koi carp may have shifted from time to time, and the specific information on the largest koi carp might have changed. Koi carp are a variety of the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) that have been selectively bred for their distinctive colors and patterns, and they are known for their large size. Koi can reach impressive sizes, often exceeding 2 feet in length, and exceptionally large specimens can even surpass 3 feet.
Grass Carp
Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) are carp species recognized for their effectiveness in managing aquatic vegetation. They are commonly employed in pond management to keep weeds and undesirable plants in check.
The world record for the largest grass carp ever captured, weighing in at 93 lb (42.2 kg), was achieved in South Carolina in 2009.
Bighead Carp
Bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) are originally native to Asia, but they have been widely introduced to various regions worldwide, frequently due to aquaculture activities.
The current global record for the largest bighead carp ever caught is 112 lb (50.8 kg), and this impressive catch was made in Thailand in the year 2009.
Black Carp
Black carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) hail from eastern Asia and are recognized for their knack for snail consumption, making them valuable for managing specific aquatic pest populations.
The existing global record for the biggest black carp ever caught is a substantial 151 lb 14 oz (68.9 kg), a feat accomplished in China in 2010.
Silver Carp
Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) originate from eastern Asia and are notable for their tendency to leap out of the water when startled, presenting a potential hazard to boaters.
The existing global record for the most massive silver carp ever captured is 108 lb (49 kg), a catch made in Missouri in 2011.
Siamese Carp
An angler in Thailand clinched the title of the heaviest carp caught in Asia when they reeled in a remarkable 256lb Siamese carp back in 2015.
