You set the hook and begin to reel. Whatever is on the other end of your line must be a monster, because it is fighting so hard. You win the battle and bring the fish to the surface. You snatch it from the water. You smile as you hold your trophy up so a quick photo can be taken.
You proudly look at the fish and think, “That’s a real beauty!” Is it really? Beauty is subjective, isn’t it? What if your fish is a carp? Are you still going to proclaim the beauty of that swimming creature? I’d venture a guess that the answer to that question is a loud, “No!”
Steve Sarley: The common carp certainly has its place among the fun to be had fishing
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT
Read this article now.
Create a free Outdoor News account.
Create a free account below to get instant access to this article, thousands of Outdoor News stories, and our digital editions. Your 1-month trial starts the moment you sign up.
No credit card required
No credit card required
Subscriber? Login Here.
Share on Social
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
- Tags: Fishing, Illinois, rough fish
Hand-Picked For You
MN Daily Update: No three-bird, splash-duck bag limit option for Minnesota waterfowlers
Outdoor News
October 21, 2026
Minnesota’s deer harvest trending well ahead of 2025
Eric Morken
October 21, 2026
Minnesota DNR seeks feedback for potential changes to winter trout season
Justin Runberg
October 21, 2026
Indiana Fishing Report – October 15, 2026
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
October 15, 2026
New York Fishing Report – October 16, 2026
Site Staff
October 16, 2026
Lake of the Woods Fishing Report – October 19, 2026
Site Staff
October 19, 2026
Related Articles

Minnesota’s deer harvest trending well ahead of 2025
Eric Morken
October 21, 2026
Wildlife managers from the Minnesota DNR expected hunters would shoot more deer this year, and early harvest numbers this fall

Commentary: The hardest shot in all of hunting
Russ Mason
October 21, 2026
Wing shooting with a bow – taking flying game birds with arrows – is among the oldest and also the

Minnesota DNR seeks feedback for potential changes to winter trout season
Justin Runberg
October 21, 2026
The Minnesota DNR is seeking feedback on potential changes to winter trout season dates.
Currently, the season has two