What happens to a carp once you've hooked it?
Ever wondered what happens after the hook penetrates? Fish expert, Ben Gratwicke will now explain...
The following shows you the processes a carp goes through after getting hooked. This is all natural to the fish and the only thing on their mind is shedding that piece of metal in their mouth.
01 If the fish is clever, it will shake its head or carefully manoeuvre and shed the hook, spinning, rolling and rapid mouth movement are other such ways; if it’s not so clever, then it's fear time!
02 From this point on, adrenaline will be released. Once secreted into the bloodstream, it rapidly prepares the body for action in emergency situations. The hormone boosts the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles while suppressing other non-emergency bodily processes (digestion in particular). If the fish has a gut full of food some of this will be excreted during the fight.
03 At this point with this added bodily exertion, the oxygen demand will go up and the fish will respire much harder. Just think if you had run around as fast as you could for five minutes and then shoved under water how do you reckon you would act? Always think as if you were the fish!
04 Once landed, if held in a sack, the fish will often lighten in colour as added blood is in the muscles and skin. Had a fish that will not sit still on the bank before? This is all down to its natural instinct to escape, so take your time and try to calm the fish by covering its eyes and keep it nice and wet to minimise damage to the skin.
Picture captured by Rob Hughes