[farmer ted]

Out bass fishing today and not getting much action (pattern is changing and I haven't figured it out yet) and there are carp jumping everywhere. You can hear them all over the lake/ pond. One will jump in the same place maybe two or three times. Since carp are bottom feeders, I don't think they're feeding. Anyone know why they do this? I have seen it many times but never understood what's going on.

I also ended up snagging one with my x-rap...a small one, maybe 2 lbs. yuck. I'm one of those who think carp are gross but don't worry carp guys, I released it unharmed.

 

[NeWcS]

I have a customer at work who only fly fishes for carp & we were talking yesterday about why they jump. Ive heard it has to do with mate'in. Could also be some sort of killing method. Maybe belly floping on a school of bait fish(IMO)

As far as carp being "bottom feeders" im going to have to disagree with that. Carp will feed in all parts of the water column. Case in point this guy I know catches them on flys.

Glad to hear you released it.


[me=Jay_In_Parker] [/me]

 

[fishinwithlund]

Carp jump alot during there spawn and also feed on top water on flies and other bugs.

 

[Walking Eagle]

Carp will also jump all summer long even when not spawning. You don't see them jumping much in cold water.

One theory is that they are trying to rid themselves of parasites, but I never really bought that. I think they just jump for the hell of it.

Another fish that likes to jump out of the water is the spoonbill, or paddlefish. One time I was fishing with my dad in a little jon boat and a 100-lb-plus paddlefish jumped clear out of the water only about 3 ft. in front of my dad's nose. (The record is 198 lb.)

He lost his hat and threw his rod up in the air, but we recovered both.

 

[gotmusky?]

Besides for mating purposes, I think they jump just because it is fun. It looks fun at least and if I were a fish I would jump.

 

[Walking Eagle]

Besides for mating purposes, I think they jump just because it is fun. It looks fun at least and if I were a fish I would jump.

Jumping for mating?

Well if I was a carp I think mating in midair would be out of the question. Although I did know a gal who claimed she had done it while standing up in a hammock.

 

[gotmusky?]

It's just foreplay.

 

[scorpion_bsk]

It's just foreplay.

The carp who jumps the highest gets the nookie??!!! ;D

 

[iron_mammoth]

Years ago when I was a kid on a field trip to Barr Lake we were told by the Ranger who was giving us the nature tour that the male carp will call the female by slapping his tail on the top of the water, or jumping out of the water & splashing. Dont know if this is true but that is what we were told. :-\

 

[Walking Eagle]

One theory about carp jumping that sort of "holds water" so to speak, is that when they are bottom feeding their gills and gill rakers slowly accumulate bottom debris until it gets to the point where the debris interferes with respiration. The carp sense this and jump to "back-flush" their gills and clean them out.

Whether this theory is correct I have no idea, but it's a widely held opinion.

How's that for swinging back to topic?

 

[farmer ted]

I'd buy it W.E., good job.

 

[Guest]

They jump because they are happy.

Jumping for JOY!

That is the latest scientific research based on the lastest and most sophisticated scientific equipment, years of research, thousands of polls taken and the brightest minds on the planet working endlessly to solve this universal riddle. Many people have sacrificed their lives for the truth. Look for Nobel prize on this one.

Really.

 

[McFish]

When I was a little kid my Uncle told me they jumped to spy on fisherman and would tell the other fish. Im stickin with that ;D

 

[NeWcS]

When I was a little kid my Uncle told me they jumped to spy on fisherman and would tell the other fish.  Im stickin with that ;D

Id buy that!!!


[me=Jay_In_Parker] [/me]

 

[fishdawg]

One theory about carp jumping that sort of "holds water" so to speak, is that when they are bottom feeding their gills and gill rakers slowly accumulate bottom debris until it gets to the point where the debris interferes with respiration. The carp sense this and jump to "back-flush" their gills and clean them out.

This is the answer I have always heard is they are cleaning out the gills. I can't image it having anything to do with mating. Carp can't be getting it more than my single friends. O0

 

[NeWcS]

Is there an echo in here?


[me=Jay_In_Parker] [/me]