I’m new to the area, and this is the only area I know of where to get out and fish. In the past two months of going down to this area, I have seen some really messed up things as far as fishing tactics. That is why I only go very early in the morning. By the way, if anybody has any good shore spots near the Inver Grove or St. Paul area, I would really appreciate some suggestions.

At first, I thought that someone had hooked this fish by “juggin’.” Here’s how the coke bottle setup went, the heavy mono line was tied from the 16oz coke bottle to the hole(wound) inflicted on the fish. There was no other line that was on the fish or the bottle, so the thought that it may have been used for bait doesn’t hold up. It appeared someone purposely tied this fish to the bottle. It reminded me of that scene in Jaws where they attached the barrels to the shark.

The fish was really in poor shape. I counted seven pretty good sized wounds on it, but you know what, it still put up a heck of a fight when I was reeling it in.

The upsetting thing about this was that the person who did this made sure to cut a hole in the side of the carp’s cheek and run the mono line at least four times through and double tie the line. Well, anyway, this was my first carp. I’m looking forward to catching the different species that the Mississippi has to offer!

This is exactly the information that I needed. Thanks everybody!!!!