Spruce Run Carp, Catfish, and a Cautionary Tale

[Eskimo]

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I took a break from chasing bass to do something I haven't done in a long time - fish for carp. I chose Spruce Run because it has abundant carp and far fewer mosquitos than the Passaic River.

It actually felt pretty good to not be a part of the armada of fishing boats out there pursuing bass. I could just find a quiet place, throw in some corn, cast my bait into the chum area, relax, read and wait for the hit.

The action was pretty fast, but the carp weren't especially big. I don't think I caught a fish over 8 or 9 pounds, although I lost a couple of fish after long runs that may have been pretty big. I don't know if that's a reflection of the high fishing pressure on that reservoir or an issue with food availability.

Spruce Run lends itself well to bottom-fishing because it doesn't have the thich carpets of weeds that other bodies of water have. Perhaps it's because they draw the water levels down every fall and the weeds die off as a result.

There has been some discussion on NJFishing as to whether all carp should be euthanized after being caught because they're non-native and may adversely affect the population and growth of more desirable species. I considered this, but decided to release them all alive.

I have tasted carp and they're awful. I have little room left in my freezer to keep them. I didn't want to kill them and dump them in the water because big, dead fish are REALLY gross and it reflects poorly on us sportsmen. I didn't want to dump them in the woods because a park employee told me they're having an issue with a nuisance bear. I didn't want to be responsible for feeding a nuisance bear in a very crowded picnic ground. This could only lead to bad things.

I concluded that these carp aren't living that long and they'll all eventually be caught by somebody who sees some value in them as a food item or as an archery target or something. I have no use for them except as something to fish for.

One of the fish I caught was a small White Bullhead Catfish. I reached for it as it was thrashing around the bottom of my kayak and the spine on the pectoral fin plunged deep into the webbing of my hand between my thumb and index finger.

The pain was excruciating! The pain was way out of proportion with the small puncture wound it caused. The pain spread to the tips of my fingers and my wrist. I was in agony for a few hours and then pain subsided.

I did a little research online and found that bullhead catfish actually have venomous spines on their pectoral fins and dorsal fin. From a webapge:

When a spine enters a potential predator, the membrane surrounding the venom gland cells is torn, releasing venom into the wound. Wright describes how catfish venoms are neurotoxic and hemolytic, and are capable of producing a variety of effects such as severe pain, ischemia, muscle spasm and respiratory distress

I have been scratched by the spines of Yellow Bullheads, Black Bullheads, Channel Catfish, and Hardhead Catfish, but that White Bullhead definitely put a hurt on me. I don't know if a White Bullhead's venom is different, or if it was a result of the puncture wound it made.

Be careful out there handling those catfish.


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[Eskimo]

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One more thing. When I was doing my online research on catfish venoms, I found what must be one of the strangest videos on the internet.

These women are running around on the beach in their bikinis with a dead Hardhead Catfish. One woman starts spanking the other woman with the dead catfish and the catfish's pectoral spine gets caught in the woman's thigh.

Part 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M16iNEH-3kc

Part 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quF8wITJHgU




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[FASTEDDIE29]

Very informative report with some nice fish caught. Thanx for the info on the catfish, very interesting! I kinda feel like your report can be turned into a short tv show on the Discovery channel, lol! TIGHT LINEZ!!!!

[buzzbaiter]

Yep bullheads. channels, whites, even the little madtoms can inflict pain. Its their 'nuclear option' when being eaten.

[Eskimo]

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Originally Posted by FASTEDDIE29

Thanx for the info on the catfish, very interesting! I kinda feel like your report can be turned into a short tv show on the Discovery channel, lol! TIGHT LINEZ!!!!

Thank you.
I would like my own fishing show, but I've been told I have a face for radio and a voice for writing.



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[lunkertaker]

The first time I fished Spruce Run I was surprised at all the carp Jumping all over the lake. The second time, was fishing the creek that feeds near the boat ramp in the back and saw some HUGE carp. Since that time I always take my bow-fishing equipment. I have only managed to shoot one going close to 20+ lbs in the same location. There are even bigger monsters there!