What is it? Hint: Not a Common!

 

Take a look above at this "carpy" fish that I landed today.  At first glance, most fishermen would think it is a small common.  But, it has very tiny scales that extend all the way to the bottom of the belly.  It also has a mouth that is not under the head; rather it is across the middle. And, the big hint to solving this mystery fish is that it has no barbels under its chin as a common carp has. This fish is actually a wild hybrid goldfish.

These wild hybrid goldfish inhabit parts of the Blackstone River system.  I've caught others in the past.  Though they are usually quite small, I did get a 4 lb. "monster" years back.  They seem to be active in late fall, early winter and early spring all cold water periods.  They will hit the same baits as carp.  This one took a kernel of maize with an artificial fished on the hair rig.

Take a look at the head and mouth of this wild hybrid
goldfish.  It has a mouth that comes across the
middle of its head and it has no barbels like a carp.