Do we credit carp with too much intelligence?

The big question

Do we credit carp with too much intelligence and why are some carp seemingly better at avoiding capture than others?

Jason Hayward

“Yes, we almost certainly do credit carp with too much intelligence. Carp, like any species of animal, vary in size, shape, personality and indeed intelligence. This is evident in every lake, as some carp get caught loads (‘the mug’) and some vary rarely see the bank (‘the myth’).

“I do believe that ‘intelligence’ is the wrong word though. Some carp just seem naturally more wary than others. Most species on this planet take experience from lessons learnt in their juvenile years, so maybe it’s a case that if a fish that is genetically more astute has a bad experience, it will naturally grow on to become one of the lesser caught fish.

“One thing I do know, is if you fish with the same bait and same rig, wherever you angle, you will stop learning and sooner or later you will come a cropper somewhere!”

Shaun Harrison

“I think ‘intelligence’ is possibly the wrong word here but certainly some fish appear to be able to avoid capture much more easily than others. I put this down to a host of differing reasons but will mention three.

“The way in which some fish naturally feed isn’t always conducive to one pricking themselves. Another reason is the baits we offer; some fish are heavily turned on by certain food items whilst another with be triggered by something totally different.

“I also think some carp lose their sensitivity around the mouth area and become less able to detect something wrong with a hookbait. which can make them tricky to hook and ultimately land.”