Buff, carp are grazing fish and are extremely wary. Also, they tend to be found in cloudy water due to their habit of rooting the bottom. Some people scorn the carp but properly prepared by marinating or smoking can be acceptable table fare. If you can locate some fish in relatively clear water with a rocky bottom you will find that these taste the best.
The carp grows big. The carp has TOUGH scales. The carp lives on the bottom although during the spring they can be found splashing the surface. This definitely requires a gun as opposed to a pole spear. However, if you miss, the spear will be dinged on the bottom. If it's mud, no problemo...
Since the carp is wary, it is difficult to get in range when diving with SCUBA, however, if the water is murkey and you have Xray eyes, it can be done. It is best to lay on the bottom for a minute, very still. The carp may cruise in your direction. Do not swing the gun, move slowly and carefully to bring it to bear. You may be shooting at shadows, so this is a one man hunt.
Freediving is easier in some cases but make no splashing or bubbles. If your snorkel makes blooping sounds when submerged, remove from mouth before diving. Once in the right depth, move slowly with the gun extended, if you have to swing the gun or rotate your body or move your free hand, this will spook the fish. Don't be surprised if you encounter a school of large carp. Carp school during certain seasons or time of day. Shoot the closest fish.
You will learn from experience but if you have specific questions I can answer them. You need a speargun commensurate with the range. If vis is 10 feet or so, obtain a rubber band speargun with a spear of 3 feet X 5/16" with a fixed double flopper head. Since the fish is fairly tough, a detachable head is not necessary. An AB Biller 36 mahogany gun with two bands is a good choice, especially freediving. For SCUBA, almost any metal gun of similar length will do. The JBL for instance. The rubber bands should be fairly stiff, 9/16" diameter.
Engage the spear, then the safety. Starting at the slide ring(muzzle), run the string around the line release with two or three loops. Cock the inner rubber band first and hook it to the forward shaft groove, then pull the other to the rear groove.
Bear in mind that a 30 pound carp can pull the gun out of your hand and duck you in the process. I recommend the Biller reel if you are freediving and if the fish run large. Lots of good used guns available for about 50 bucks. The one below needs two new bands though. A silvery gun should be painted flat black, gray or blue. Use black or blue bands, not amber.
http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1149579226
Good luck, don't forget to carry a stringer.
(edited: 6/6/01)
