The Lake
Carp Care
Taking proper care of carp, or any fish, is crucial to ensure their health and safety after being caught. Here are a few additional tips to consider based on our guidelines:
1. Handling and Equipment:
○ Use soft, padded mats and landing nets to minimize damage. Make sure the mat is large enough to support the carp’s body without causing undue stress or injury.
○ Always wet your hands before handling the fish to avoid removing protective slime that covers its skin.
2. Health Monitoring:
○ After catching the fish, examine it closely for any signs of injury or disease. If you find any cuts or abrasions, use an appropriate antiseptic treatment specifically designed for fish, being careful to avoid sensitive areas like the eyes and gills.
○ Always have a treatment kit on hand when you’re fishing, especially for longer sessions.
3. Time Out of Water:
○ Carp should not be left out of water for too long. Always try to take your photos quickly, and if you’re photographing the fish, support its weight evenly to avoid harming its internal organs.
○ Keep the fish wet throughout, even if it’s out of the water for a brief moment.
4. Fish Recovery:
○ When releasing the carp back into the water, let it recover in the water before it swims off. Gently hold the fish, supporting its body, and allow it to regain strength. Don’t rush the release.
5. Sacks and Keep Nets:
○ As mentioned, avoid using sacks and keep nets to store carp. They can be harmful, leading to injury or stress, which can reduce the fish’s chances of survival once released.
By following these steps, you’ll help preserve the fish’s well-being and contribute to sustainable
angling practices
Carp History
Carp History:
The fish stocked at Woolacombe Lakes boast a remarkable history, and we anticipate
impressive growth in the coming years. Introduced in 2024, the fish initially ranged from 2lb
to 15lb. What’s truly remarkable is their expected growth rate of 2lb to 4lb per year, with
many reaching an average weight of over 30lb. This growth is further enhanced by our
selective introduction of high-quality Emperor strain carp, known for their excellent growth
potential, stunning appearance, and the possibility of reaching weights over 50lbs. By
focusing on the Emperor strain, we are developing a premier carp fishery with an emphasis
on producing strong, healthy fish that thrive in these optimal waters.
Breeding:
Our stock is supplied by Lana Springs Fish Farm, a facility renowned for its meticulous and
specialized breeding process. Their approach ensures full control over the carp’s life cycle,
starting from the eggs and raising the fry to maturity. This allows them to carefully monitor
the health and quality of each fish. Each year, only the best specimens are selected to refine
and enhance the Emperor strain’s key characteristics—rapid growth, stunning body shape,
and aggressive fighting nature. By regularly grading and selecting the best fish for breeding, Lana Springs continually refines the strain’s traits, focusing on improvements in size, body shape, and scale patterns. This selective breeding ensures that each generation of carp is stronger and healthier than the last. Health is a top priority in their breeding program. Rather than pushing for rapid growth through rich diets that could cause long-term health problems, they use quality carp pellets and natural food sources, allowing the fish to grow at a steady pace while maintaining strength and longevity. This careful approach supports the Emperor strain’s long lifespan and overall vitality, ensuring the carp remain in peak condition for years to come.