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Full Version: EricM, Cherokee, TARP SPECIES #17 - common carp, April 1, 2009, rantoole
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Yesterday I got a phone call that I have waited about 2 years for! My friend rantoole called and said that he knew where there were some BIG carp working and that I'd have a very good chance at catching a Tennessee trophy (34+ inches) if the weather didn't storm too bad and put them down overnight. I jumped into the car first thing this morning and hit it for Cherokee lake.<br /><br />Now, it may seem a bit strange to some of you that a man would get all excited about driving 275 miles round trip for the chance to catch a couple of carp, but I have been unable to catch a big enough carp to qualify for the Tennessee Angler Recognition Program over the last few years. I've worked some shallow coves when they start to warm up, using corn and dough balls, but I just didn't put enough hours into trying for a monster. Well, today was the day and I was thrilled for the help!!<br /><br />Rantoole didn't even try for a carp today, he left them to me while he played with an ultralight for crappie and bluegill. He did, however put me on 3 carp today, one of which qualified for the TARP program at 34-1/4"!!!!! Rantoole netted the big fish and we measured it, but when I tried to pick the fish up for a nice picture, I didn't get a good grip on it (no handles!) and it wound up back in the water without a pic or a weight. Wow, they are STRONG! What a hoot!<br /><br />Really sorry 'bout not having a nice picture to post, but at least we got the measurement!! emoDance emoDance