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"American carp" isn't American at all... it's just an Asian species [like all carp, IIRC] that was brought here in the late 1800s via Europe. It and the more recently introduced high leaping Silver Carp that they talk about in the main article are related to Koi...not that close to goldfish.

Though somewhat similar looking because of the large scales, none of them are related to the three Buffalo species here, which are native suckers. I've caught bigmouth buffalo up in a deep lake near St Louis on a home-made anise doughball just under the surface and it was really good.

When I caught my first bigmouth buffalo, the folks around me told me it was a trash fish full of bones so I kept it for the cat. When I got home I thought I'd try to fry it up and see for myself just in case. It was not a trash fish at all, it was excellent, so the cat only got the head. The bones were not a problem at all... maybe because it was only about a 3 pounder.

I never cared much for "American" carp. Caught a great big 4 ft grass carp on a treble hook with a green grape once and had a blast bringing it in on a 2lb line... was tempted to cook it and see if it was any good for food but it was so late in the day I just let it go.

Can't go fishing these days because I'm talking care of someone and if he can't go I can't go...but I do miss it.