Sleeper Spots and Big Carp

A sleeper spot is one of those places that gets very little attention and fishing pressure. Sometimes these places hold enormous fish that grow and grow and are never caught (like the thirty at right that was caught in a MA sleeper lake). Are there sleeper spots in RI that could hold a thirty pound carp? I think it is possible.

For a small state, we have a fair to good knowledge about where carp exist. Back in the 1980's and 1990's credit the Wasliewski brothers (Steve and Kevin) with doing a lot of exploring and discovering what we know about carp fishing today in RI. Those pioneers of carp fishing in RI did a fabulous job of finding out where the fish exist in at least the mid section of the state, and passing that info onto others. For their efforts they are the only two carp fishermen I know in RI who have landed fish over 30 lbs.

Could there be more spots that hold a thirty pounder....sleeper spots we know very little about? Here is my line-up of some places that could be sleeper spots:

1. Turner Reservoir, E.Providence- We know carp are in this spot, but how many and how big is the question. Boaters have told me they have seen enormous fish in the north end of the lake. I saw a small one caught in the south end. Other fish grow to big sizes here.

2. Waterman Lake, Glouster- Bass fishermen have told me they have seen huge ones in this massive lake. I know of no confirmed catches.

3. Georgiaville Pond, Smithfield- No confirmed catches that I know of but lots of rumors of big fish. This place has large bass and pike and is part of the Stillwater system that does support carp.

4. Stillwater/Stump Pond, Smithfield- One of our guys landed an 18 lber. from here at the south end of the pond. I keep hearing rumors about the north end. Can it be true?

5. Slatersville Reservoir, North Smithfield- This is a huge place with no confirmed catches, but people along the lake claim they have seen them there. It is also a place known for big fish.

6. Tidal Section of Blackstone River, Pawtucket- I saw large ones spawning here years ago and occasional ones have been caught, mostly by accident. Much of this area is unknown and unfished. It is loaded with debris and has a strong current, but access is good. Could this place have a thirty pound mirror? It certainly could support one with its abundant food supply.

Will one of these sleeper spots awaken in 2010? Keep all this in mind when planning for next season!