Winter tackle for catching silver carp. Catching silver carp from ice in winter

Silver carp is a large peaceful fish carp family. It feeds exclusively on aquatic vegetation. Not every angler can boast of successful fishing for this fish. It’s not for nothing that the fishing community nicknamed him “elusive”; he just doesn’t want to peck at the baits invented by fishermen.

Hunting for him is always interesting and exciting. The fish is unpredictable, secretive and cautious. And catching a trophy specimen is a dream for any fisherman! There are no hopeless situations, but everything is in order.

Silver carp: description

Refers to commercially valuable fish. Distinctive feature This fish has a large head, weighing half the entire fish. The body is light silver in color, the fins are dark gray. The forehead is thick and high, the lower lip is strongly raised up, small eyes are located below the level of the mouth. This feature distinguishes the silver carp from all other fish.

There are 3 types:

  • white,
  • motley,
  • hybrid.

White The silver carp species grows slowly, feeds on phytoplankton, is good at clearing water bodies of overgrowth, and is valued for its ability to “filter water.” Thanks to him, the cloudy and green water cleared of detritus. Absorbs undecomposed animal remains, plants, and various secretions.

Motley the species is very different from its counterpart. His head weighs 40-50% of the total mass, while the white one weighs only 15-20%. It prefers zooplankton, which is a source of protein and protein, which leads to rapid growth and weight gain.

Hybrid the species was created as a result of breeding work. As a result, the silver carp turned out to be white in appearance, with a small head, and with growth rates and nutrition similar to motley ones. This is the most common and commercial species.

The fish prefers schools and feeds exclusively on river vegetation, zooplankton and phytoplankton. It lives a long time, up to 20 years, is able to increase its body weight by 20-30 kg, and grows in length about a meter.

Adults are considered to be specimens 50 cm long and 5-6 years old. Spawning begins at a water temperature of +20 and extends to June - early July.

Thanks to his gluttony, he is called the orderly of overgrown reservoirs. Behind a short time Silver carp is capable of destroying almost all excess algae and grass. Owners of overgrown lakes take advantage of this. It is worth populating this “reclamation” and the reservoir will come to life again.

In 1993, a trophy specimen weighing 47 kg was caught in Germany. The record weight of silver carp is half a centner.

Features of behavior

The fish is heat-loving, prefers warm, well-heated water and hot weather +25. At such a time, he becomes very voracious, while the rest of the fish stop pecking and strive to go to the bottom, into cool water.

When cloudy and cold weather sets in, it practically stops feeding, and at temperatures below +8 it goes deeper. In winter, it falls into deep sleep, trying to find a place in the deep pits.

The development of silver carp is slow. By one year he weighs only 60 grams, at 4 years he can weigh about 3-4 kg. For this reason, silver carp is rarely found in the wild.

For sharp and unexpected sounds white Silver carp jumps high out of the water to a height of 1.5-2 meters.

Habitats

China is considered to be the birthplace of this commercial fish, then it was spotted in the waters of the Amur. In 1960, it was brought from China to the former USSR. It was bred in artificial reservoirs or in fenced areas of rivers. Subsequently, a wider distribution of fish occurred.

Prefers rivers, lakes and reservoirs with warm temperatures, without strong currents. On the shallows, whole flocks bask in the warm morning sun. They love creeks and bays with warm water, staying in medium, non-cold depths.

Very often, silver carp live in canals and reservoirs near power plants, where warm water is released. They inhabit lakes and rivers with dense vegetation, which are heavily overgrown with grass, with a muddy bottom. Feels great in ponds with standing water.

How to increase your fish catch?

Over 7 years of active fishing, I have found dozens of ways to improve the bite. Here are the most effective ones:

  1. Bite activator. This pheromone additive attracts fish most strongly in cold and warm water. Discussion of the bite activator “Hungry Fish”.
  2. Promotion gear sensitivity. Read the appropriate manuals for your specific type of gear.
  3. Lures based pheromones.

Choosing a fishing spot

To find out if there are silver carp in a pond, there is a simple way. In the designated places, as close to the water as possible, break off the stems of the reeds and lower them into the water. Do this in several places where you intend to fish. Return to the starting place and examine the broken plant. If it is gnawed, there is a silver carp.

There are several main signs by which you choose a place to catch this cautious fish:

  • The presence of a rocky, sandy or clayey bottom;
  • The optimal depth is 2.5-3 meters;
  • The wind direction should be counter;
  • The water should be clean and clear;
  • The weather should be warm and windy.

Silver carp bite by season

Spring

The lack of food in the reservoir forces the silver carp to lean on detritus, occasionally floating to the surface of the water surface. Spend most of your time at the bottom. The nozzle should be placed at a distance of 5-10 cm from the bottom.

Before spawning, which is May - early June, a strong bite begins. The fish grabs the hook and does not pay any attention to what is baited on it. Anglers prefer foam balls and foam rubber. They have no odor that can repel fish.

If islands of vegetation appear, which the wind blows into one place, the silver carp feeds there. By casting the bait 15-25 cm from this place, you can confidently expect a successful bite.

Summer

There is practically no bite. There is an abundance of live and plant food; it does not respond to artificial baits. The hotter the weather, the more diverse the food supply becomes.

But this does not mean that silver carp will not bite. Early in the morning, in places where the water is clear and not muddy, you can seduce him with your favorite bait. He greedily destroys it and cannot be tempted to do anything else. And when the water becomes cloudy and overgrown with duckweed and grass, there will be no bite.

Favorite places in summer are sun-warmed shallows with rich vegetation. Spinning rod and float rod are the main gear at this time. It is cast shallowly, about 2-3 m from the surface of the water. In cloudy weather, silver carp hide in driftwood and snags. The gear is cast deeper.

Autumn

The heat-loving silver carp does not like cloudy and cold weather. It descends closer to the bottom to find food and moves further and further from the shore. And at +8 it doesn’t bite at all, stops looking for food and descends into holes at the bottom of the reservoir for wintering.

If you catch it in the fall, then only in warm, windless weather, preferably with light rain. By this season, it fattenes up by filtering the water, collects the rest of the food, and at the same time swallows bait. Tries to stay in shallow water, where the water is a little warmer.

Autumn fishing requires maximum caution and silence. With an unexpected noise, the fish begins to jump out of the water; it has no time to eat. A suspicious silver carp goes deeper or takes cover.

Convenient fishing tackle: float rod, feeder. It bites on porridge and techplankton.

Winter

It is not common for silver carp to go into suspended animation. At times it goes out in search of food, but when there is ice cover it stays in deep holes. It feeds on small crustaceans and bottom detritus, which is quite enough for it.

During thaws, when the ice melts, successful fishing is guaranteed. In the absence of food, it is easy to interest him in feeding other fish. It bites well and is sold in fishing stores. The gear is thrown almost to the bottom.

Suitable for fishing with bloodworms and other plant attachments. They mainly use donka, zherlitsa,... Winter silver carp is a powerful and large fish. For this reason, gear must be strong and durable. He will resist fiercely and strongly, but the tired resistance fades away. Now all that remains is to bring it to the hole and pull it out with a small hook.

A silver carp weighing 102 kg was caught in 2008 in the Kharkov region, Ukraine.

Methods of catching silver carp: tackle

The main rule is to choose strong and durable gear. You shouldn't underestimate him. This powerful fish offers strong resistance when fishing. With one sharp movement it can tear a strong fishing line and break a strong tackle.

The diameter of the fishing line varies from 0.5 to 0.1 mm, the diameter of the leader is 0.35-0.4 mm, the hook size is 8.5-10. Choose a sharp and long sting. Since this fish is careful, the length of the leash should be 70-100 cm, but not shorter. The proximity of the sinker to the bait frightens the elusive fish.

There are several types of gear.

Donnaya


Differs from float tackle lack of float. Large specimens are caught with it. The bottom tackle must be made rough, since the fishing rod is not used. It is convenient to place it at a distance of 6 m from each other. This will avoid the gear getting tangled if the fishing is in the current.

Bottom tackle is easy to use without any tricks. The main quality is power to cast heavy equipment and bring out strong fish. There is no difference in the choice between monofilament and cord. But the fishing line will still be better, it is stronger. Spring feeders with a float have proven themselves well.

Float

Float tackle is the most common and easiest to catch silver carp. A carp rod or spinning rod will do. Take a fishing line 0.25-0.35 mm, preferably the color of the sky, if the water is clear, or the color of the reservoir. Rod length 2-4.5 m.

Silver carp tends to look at the bait from below, and sees the sky through the clear water. Therefore, the bottom of the float, like the fishing line, should be the color of the sky, and the top should be bright. It should not stand vertically, only horizontally or tilted and small in size. Caught with a fishing rod small fish, weighing up to 2 kg.

Float tackle with sliding float "Barilka"

The principle of operation is in, not in the load. This allows you to fix the float and tackle on both sides, on one side the weight and on the other the rod. It is made from a feeder tube that is placed on foam plastic.

The main thing in catching silver carp is the bait, which is driven into the spring.

Bait for fishing


DIY bait recipes

  1. Water— 4 l, — 1 kg, semolina— 2.5 kg, honey- 1 tbsp. l. Bring the water to a boil. Add the peas, turn the heat to low, and cook for 4 hours. Stir occasionally, avoiding burning of the porridge. Strain the finished peas through a colander. Peas are not needed; they are used for other purposes. Bring the strained broth to a boil again, add semolina, stirring vigorously. Lumps should not form. Place the finished porridge until it stops sticking to your hands. Add honey and refrigerate.
  2. Semolina- 500 gr, corn flour- 500 gr, breadcrumbs- 300 gr, - 30 gr, sugar- 3 gr. Mix the products, add a little water and honey.
  3. Condensed milk- 1 bank, powder cake- 1 package, powdered milk. Condensed milk is whipped with a mixer. Gradually add half of the milk powder and cake powder. The mass should be like market sour cream, put in the refrigerator. After 40 min. remove from the refrigerator, add the remaining half of the milk powder and cake. If it gets too steep, add a little water.

By experimenting with baits you can achieve good catches. The main thing is not to be afraid of innovations.

  • Choose a place for fishing that is clean and transparent.
  • The assembled equipment is installed on a convenient stand.
  • Turn on the system.
  • For the first half hour there is no bite.
  • On float rod pay attention to the float.
  • Pay attention to the ringing of a bell or electronic device.
  • The bite lasts 1-1.5 hours.
  • The fish hooks itself, you need to prepare for landing.
  • When the silver carp gets tired, bring it to the shore.
  • Catch a fish with a hook.

Following these simple tips, you can safely go to your local body of water for a generous hunt for the “elusive”.

Catching silver carp at the beginning of winter is quite an exciting business and at the same time quite profitable. In winter, silver carp gather in large schools, so once you find a school, you can give the silver carp a good fight. Unlike many other fish, silver carp can be caught even as large as possible. Although, many people believe that catching silver carp in December is completely unrealistic. But this is far from true. Yes, indeed, the intense bite of this fish stops already in November. The silver carp goes into hibernation, but periodically wakes up and goes to feed. You just need to guess the period when he feeds. At this time, you will not leave the reservoir without a catch. The time to go out to feed is when there is a thaw, and this is when you need to seize the moment.

You should look for silver carp in December in deep places and in wintering pits. In places where there is a lot of underwater vegetation. There he hides from predators and feeds there. It does not like sudden changes in water temperature, which is why it does not run aground. At depth, the water temperature remains the same throughout the winter.

In November, it is difficult and almost impossible to catch silver carp. There he takes a temporary break and goes into hibernation. In addition, ice sets in in November and the fish need to adapt to the new environment, this also indicates the passivity of the fish. But in December, with the first thaw, it comes out of hibernation and the adaptation period is far behind. So December can be considered a successful month for silver carp fishing.

Silver carp are caught in winter exclusively on winter fishing rod. no other gear is acceptable. You can put a nod or a float on the fishing rod, it doesn’t matter. But as bait you should use a medium-sized jig, black or gray in color, sometimes a white one with a medium hook is suitable. Fishing without bait will not bring results, one jig will not be enough, you also need bait. Well, the only bait used is bloodworms; other baits do not work on this fish in winter. Don't forget about the strength of the fishing line and the fishing rod itself. Silver carp is very good fighter, he does not give up until the last. Almost all anglers love him for this. The bite of the silver carp is confident, it takes the bait and immediately pulls, while the nod bends almost 90 degrees, and the fishing rod can bend a little. At this time, hooking should be done, otherwise the fish will not be caught.

Be a little late and the silver carp will run away, make a sharp strike just to be sure. But don’t rush to pull straight up, let the fish get tired. Silver carp has a lot of strength; at the very first tugs it can break your entire tackle if you pull it quickly. To successfully catch a silver carp, you need to wait a long time until the fish loses strength and stops resisting, it turns over on its side. At this time, begin to pull closer and closer to the ice. It is better to lift silver carp onto the ice using a hook. Having brought it to the hole, you hook it by the gills with a hook and pull it out.

Do not drill many holes in the fishing area. Despite its impressive size, silver carp is very shy. There is no need for extra noise, it will scare away the whole flock, and then the fishing will not make you happy. The use of complementary foods in winter is also not advisable. This will not lure the fish, but can only scare it away; a cloud will rise that is not usual for silver carp at this time.

When silver carp comes out to feed, you can catch it all day long; at night it is useless, only during the day. The activity in the morning is slightly better than in the afternoon. The weather also has an effect on the bigheaded fish; unstable pressure disrupts the activity of this fish. But light snow, on the contrary, increases appetite. When there is a southerly wind or when there is complete calm, silver carp behaves more actively than in the north and east.

Silver carp belongs to the carp family. This commercial fish is not yet very common, but it feels very good in our reservoirs. Fishing for silver carp in winter will give you a lot of pleasure, especially the catch itself. Some individuals can weigh more than 50 kg! The behavior of silver carp is difficult to predict. In response to an unfamiliar sound, he may jump out of the water and find himself in your boat. , we recommend this section of the site to you. Only a persistent and patient fisherman can catch silver carp, because it is not at all easy.

Fishing for silver carp in winter no less interesting. With the onset of cold weather, fish do not lose activity and do not settle in bottom holes.

How and what is the best way to catch silver carp in winter

Only after freeze-up sets in, the silver carp remains almost all the time in the bottom pit, and only occasionally comes out in search of food. Rarely appear in feeding areas. Silver carp feeds on silt, food that is at the very bottom and small crustaceans.

At catching silver carp in winter The best bite is when there is ice or during a thaw. They fish in the depths, almost at the bottom. In winter, silver carp are deliberately not fed, so it may like food provided for other fish. Silver carp bites well on special bait powder (technoplankton), it is sold in fishing stores. Most often, silver carp are caught in winter using a jig with bloodworms or with vegetative baits, using feeders, donks and girders. Many silver carp have quite a noticeable weight, so fishing equipment must be strong.

Subtleties when catching silver carp

Winter fishing for silver carp It requires skill from the fisherman, because the fish does not lose its activity and gives a violent fight back. Resistance weakens only when the fish is exhausted. After this, the silver carp can be easily brought to the hole and removed using a hook.

In winter, silver carp bite starting with a strong pull, while the nod of the fishing rod confidently bends down. The fisherman needs to judge the strength of the fish, and if he manages to hook successfully, then be prepared for a long fight. Even in winter, silver carp can fight for quite a long time, so anglers need to stock up on fishing line.

Fishermen who managed to hook a silver carp in winter are afraid that they cannot get a fish of such size out of the hole. Don't be afraid. It is quite possible to pull silver carp, like other fish, onto the ice. When you are fighting silver carp, the line must be kept taut at all times. Over time, the fish will weaken and begin to lie on its side, and then slowly pull it towards the hole. Almost immediately after hooking, a silver carp caught and pulled ashore falls asleep.

Most fishermen are inclined to think that fishing for silver carp in winter is not very effective, and this fish should be considered as an object of fishing only in summer. However, persistent and purposeful fishermen successfully hunt silver carp even during frosts; all they need is knowledge of what and where to catch it in winter.

There are three types of silver carp in the reservoirs of Ukraine: white, hybrid and motley. All of them are distinguished by the presence of a massive head and light color. This fish can reach more than a meter in length and gain weight up to 50 kg. Fishermen value silver carp for its dietary and tender meat.

Silver carp is a very heat-loving fish, and most often in winter it is found in reservoirs with waste water near hydroelectric power stations. IN small ponds Representatives of this fish species are found only if there is a sufficient amount of food supply.

For most of the day during the frosty season, the silver carp is in a wintering pit, but when it comes out of it in search of food, it can move throughout the entire water area of ​​the bottom layer of the reservoir.

Fish of the species in question avoid cold water and areas with strong current. In winter, it is less picky when it comes to food, and feeds mainly on dead organisms of organic origin and pieces of silt.

Silver carp are most active during the first ice and with a thaw. At such times, you should go in search of prey in areas about five meters deep.

Catching silver carp in winter involves casting bait as close to the bottom as possible, at a distance of no more than 15 cm from the silt.

The fish in question bite best in the morning in the winter, around 9-10 o’clock.

The best tackle for winter fishing for silver carp are jigs of lead, black and light green colors. Hooks should be very sharp and durable, number plate 3 or 5.

The best bait for catching silver carp in winter is considered to be a bloodworm.

The rod should be at least 3.5 meters in length. Be sure to equip it with plenty of strong veining. If you want to use a reel, then inertia-free specimens have an undeniable advantage in winter fishing.

The optimal leash for catching silver carp in winter is 70-100 cm long.

When biting, you need to keep the line taut and slowly pull the exhausted prey towards the hole. When fishing, we recommend that you be very careful, since the silver carp bites with a fairly powerful pull, and the downward nod bends instantly. It is better to get the catch out of the hole with a hook.

Fishing for silver carp in winter in Ukraine uses a variety of baits: plant twigs, reed leaves, green or blue foam balls.

And remember, the essence of the main technique for catching silver carp in winter is the ability to carefully “extinguish” the resistance of the fish and skillfully fish it out.

By carefully preparing a pond for breeding silver carp, as well as planting food in the nearby area, the owner will be able to receive regular profits and use the products personally. Such a business will be promising and profitable if you adhere to optimal conditions for keeping fish.

  • Valuable food product
  • Why is silver carp recommended by nutritionists?
  • Primary requirements

Silver carp (otherwise known as silver carp) is a genus of fish belonging to the carp family. The genus includes three modern looking: silver carp, bighead carp, hybrid silver carp and one species of extinct fish. In Russian reservoirs there are only two species: white and motley.

These fish are essentially filter feeders - they purify water from detritus thanks to a specific filtration device - gill rakers connected by bridges. Therefore, in order for the reservoir to have clean, transparent and fresh water, it is not only filtered with special devices, but also silver carp are released into the reservoir. Since water temperatures of 18-20 degrees Celsius are considered a comfortable temperature for their spawning, silver carp reproduce well in climatic conditions Russian Federation, while they are unable to live in European reservoirs. China is considered the homeland of these fish, but later they were artificially released into many Russian and Ukrainian rivers.

Silver carps live in large schools. The average lifespan of these fish is 5-7 years. They reach sizes up to 1 meter in length. Their weight is up to 35 kilograms. Their scales have a shiny silver tint, and their head seems disproportionately large. This fish is of great value in the food industry and is actively bred in artificial conditions. She grows quickly. At the age of three years, it can weigh up to 5 kilograms, and an adult is quite capable of reaching a weight of 16 kilograms, which is extremely beneficial for manufacturers of consumer products made from silver carp meat.

Valuable food product

The energy value of 100 grams of raw silver carp is 86 Kcal. Depending on the cooking method, age and size of the fish, this figure changes. For example, when stewing, calorie content drops by 10 kcal, and when frying, it rises by 15.

Fish meat over 5 years old is considered fattier and therefore has a higher energy value. At the same time, silver carp meat is rich in proteins and carbohydrates that are useful for digestion, which are easily absorbed by the body. In addition, it is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 acids, vitamins B, E and D, provitamin A, and contains large quantities of phosphorus, iron, sodium, potassium, calcium, zinc and sulfur.

Omega-3 and omega-6 acids, when consumed regularly, prevent the formation of malignant tumors, nervous disorders, the development of cardiovascular failure, hypertension, and reduce cholesterol levels to normal levels. A huge amount of minerals can improve the growth of nails, hair, nails, promotes reparative regeneration, in particular of the skin, stimulates the production of iron-containing hemoglobin, which performs a gas exchange function and removes toxic substances.

For diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, gout, gastritis, or low acidity, it is also recommended to eat boiled, steamed, or stewed silver carp. Reductions in sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure are observed within a few weeks.

  • almost 98% of the proteins of this fish are absorbed by the human body;
  • the time for complete digestion of silver carp meat is on average about two hours;
  • fish oil contains vitamins A and D;
  • meat is low-calorie;
  • recommended for use by people with overweight and nervous diseases;
  • cardiovascular and digestive systems;
  • During thermal processing, meat loses less liquid, so dishes are easily chewed and quickly digested.

This fish is also used in cosmetology. Due to the content of high-molecular collagen in meat, creams and gels are produced from it that moisturize and nourish the skin, smoothing out uneven surfaces. Masks for hair and nails based on the same high-molecular collagen help strengthen and improve their health.

Breeding silver carp at home

Growing silver carp requires special conditions. So, the water should be warm - up to 25 degrees Celsius; these fish are very fond of the sun, the muddy bottom of the reservoir and reservoirs rich in vegetation. The ideal depth for them is 3-4 meters. At dawn and dusk, silver carp swims into shallow water, and during the day swims to the bottom.

Silver carp feed mainly on phytoplankton and zooplankton, which are a source of proteins. The three different species of silver carp differ ecologically and morphologically. They also differ in their dietary preferences. Silver carp are medium-sized schooling fish that feed only on phytoplankton.

Bighead carp – large fish, whose head makes up half of their mass. The color of their scales is dark, sometimes spotted. Their diet is extensive and includes zooplankton, which is why they quickly gain weight. Hybrid silver carp are large fish, the head of which makes up only 20% of the mass, quickly gaining weight, feeding on both zooplankton and phytoplankton. Resistant to cold.

Silver carp can also feed on artificial feed. They grow to commercial weight at the age of two, as they weigh about 500-600 grams.

Sexual maturity in these fish occurs at the age of 3-5 years, when their body length reaches 50 centimeters. Spawning takes place at a water temperature of about 18-20 degrees Celsius, that is, in May - June. Silver carp eggs are floating and are swept only in places with whirlpools or along the current. Caviar swells in water. Fertility is high - from one million to three million eggs per spawning.

Silver carp breeding can take place, for example, in a pond. The life of a silver carp in an artificial reservoir should last 2-3 years. It is necessary to take into account the fish’s requirements for the size and depth of the pond, oxygenation, and monitor the size and development of the fish. Thus, dividing them into age categories helps to avoid the spread of diseases and improve conditions for breeding and growing fish.

A pond size of two hundred to three hundred square meters is considered optimal. The pond must be filled various types plants to facilitate the attachment of eggs. Spawning grounds are used in May-June for no longer than two weeks.

The first fish transplant occurs after 5-7 weeks. The presence of up to 900 fish per hectare of reservoir is allowed, unless, of course, the increase does not exceed 2 kg. The bottom of the pond must meet the requirements of the fish. At first, stocked fish feed only on natural food, which must be added in large quantities. In the fall, sexually mature individuals are selected, which will subsequently give birth to offspring. They are placed in a separate reservoir, where they remain until spawning.

As a business, growing silver carp is a simple but labor-intensive operation.

Primary requirements

  1. When the water temperature is below 18 degrees Celsius, the fish does not receive enough nutrients from the feed, so all the energy it receives, all the nutrients are spent on maintaining the life of the fish, and practically nothing is stored. Thus, the fish does not gain the proper weight.
  2. Reservoirs must be regularly cleaned and disinfected, otherwise they will become swamped and cause infections in fish.
  3. Agricultural products are subject to a certain agricultural tax. Then the sales volume should represent exactly 70% of agricultural products, but if this is not the case. The main income of the company comes from processing or retail sales - this is taxed according to different rules, and can even lead to fines if it is declared that the enterprise is agricultural.

The first thing that is recommended to do is to thoroughly study the area of ​​the site for fishing, the depth of the reservoir, the possibility of supplying and discharging water. To achieve profitability, it is recommended to grow white or hybrid silver carp, since they are considered fast-growing, and 80% of their body weight is suitable for consumption. Thus, in a reservoir the increase can be up to 6 centners per hectare. Knowing the cost of fish and feed, it is possible to determine profit. 5 tons of fish can be placed on a 10 hectare reservoir. The cost of 1 kg of fish is on average 90 rubles, then the income from the sale of this volume will be about 500 thousand rubles. Costs in the form of prices for feed, catch, reservoir protection, transport and marketing expenses are deducted from this income, then we have a net profit. On average, 3 kilograms of feed yields an increase of 1 kilogram of fish. Therefore, costs may exceed expenses unless you grow the food yourself in an area near the pond.

It is recommended to organize as additional income recreational fishing in the pond, charging a certain fee for it. This will contribute to both the popularization of the enterprise and increased earnings. After all, silver carp are deep-sea and heavy fish: they do not bite on a fishing rod, and it is very difficult to catch them. Thus, you can make additional profit from this, with almost no expenses.

Success in fish farming: reality or dream?

One of the most successful enterprises in Russia, which specializes in the cultivation of silver carp, is Biserovo. Its general director, Andrei Semenov, claims that the farm sells up to two tons of live fish annually. This volume is partially grown at the enterprise itself, while the remainder is grown in ponds rented throughout the country. Currently the company supplies live fish to all major chain stores throughout Russia. Andrey Semenov claims that the most difficult thing in the fishing business is sales. After all, fish is a seasonal product. The highest price for fish is in the summer, and the lowest prices are in early autumn, since then each fishery presents its product on the market.

In order for fisheries to be competitive in principle, a third of the employed workers must be involved in the marketing of products. Biserovo has a well-functioning delivery system: every day orders are distributed among 14 vehicles, which travel a clearly defined route between customers. Of course, to establish this system, it was necessary to think through plans, conclude agreements, and participate in various events. But, according to Andrey Semenov, all this brings excellent income.

Few fishermen can boast of catching silver carp in the wild. Most often, large catches can be expected in private reservoirs, where silver carp breed in huge quantities and almost no one leaves without a catch. Breeding silver carp is a very good idea for a business.

This fish is found in the waters of the Amur, and in other regions it is bred exclusively in private reservoirs. The fish is quite unpretentious. He gains weight very quickly. Some individuals reach 1 meter in length and up to 3 tens of kilograms in weight. The fish has no enemies and exists quite peacefully with its fellow carp and grass carp. Silver carps have 3 types.

Silver carp

It has gray-green scales on the back and silvery sides. The silver carp has an elongated body and a head that occupies a fifth of the entire body.

Bighead carp

The main feature of this species is the head, which occupies half of the entire body. Bighead carp has dark sides and a dark green back. The main advantage of bighead carp is its very rapid weight gain.

Hybrid silver carp

This species is considered ideal because it has a relatively small head and a rapid rate of weight gain. His distinctive feature is that it can be kept in cool water.

All silver carp love to spend time in warm water. They are most active at a temperature of + 25 degrees, then they have an excellent appetite and, accordingly, gain body weight. The ideal reservoir for keeping them should not exceed 4 meters in depth. Silver carp like to spend the morning and evening hours near the shore, and when the sun is at its zenith, they try to hide in the depths or bury themselves in the silt.
Silver carp reaches sexual maturity after 3 years of age. Spawning occurs in early summer, when the water warms up enough. One female silver carp can spawn up to a million eggs, which remain floating in the water. The fish tries to spawn in whirlpools. Newborn eggs swell with water and increase in size up to five times, then begin to drift. After 3-4 days, silver carp larvae hatch from the blisters and immediately begin to gain body weight, eating everything around them.
Silver carp meat is very valuable. It is quite oily, but at the same time retains its tenderness. Silver carp meat is successfully used in dietary nutrition.

We also want to remind you that we very often write business ideas about fish farming, in particular, we recommend reading at least a few articles: “Alternatives in small business - carp farming,” “Smoking fish at home” and “Crayfish farming business plan.”

Breeding White Cupid and Silver Carp

Herbivorous fish, which are currently becoming increasingly widespread in Russian water bodies, include grass carp, common carp and bighead carp.

Quite numerous experiments on breeding and growing White Cupid and Silver Carp in ponds have shown that in central Russia, fingerlings of white carp reach an average of 15-20 g, two-year-olds 200-300 g, three-year-olds - 1 kg.

In the Krasnodar Territory, three young grass carp grow on average up to 2 kg, and in the Turkmen SSR - up to 3 kg or more.

Fingerlings of common silver carp grow in ponds in central Russia up to 7-10 g, two-year-olds up to 400 g and three-year-olds up to 800 g.

Two-year and three-year-old bighead carp reach 500-600 and 1000-1200 g, respectively.

All these fish, especially the common silver carp, are very sensitive to any damage.

Therefore, they should be transplanted from one body of water to another as rarely and carefully as possible.

The cultivation of breeding material begins with the larva. First, the juveniles are raised to an age of about 3 weeks (from the moment of hatching from the eggs) in special fry ponds, in which the abundant development of zooplankton is ensured. The grown fry are transplanted into nursery ponds, where they are raised until autumn.

The reared fingerlings are left to overwinter in nursery ponds (if conditions permit) or are transplanted into wintering ponds in the fall.

Breeding two-year-old fish and older fish are raised in separate small ponds such as feeding or in nursery carp ponds together with carp fingerlings.

This is done because when separating herbivorous fish from carp underyearlings during autumn fishing, they are injured less than when separating two-year-old carp from commercial (table) carp during fishing in feeding ponds.

Herbivorous fish selected for the breeding of two-year-olds and replacement young fish of older ages are placed for wintering in separate wintering ponds, which contain soft underwater vegetation.

The approximate norms for planting replacement young herbivorous fish in ponds when growing breeding material are as follows: White amur 50-80 pieces/ha with a piece annual growth of at least 1.0-1.3 kg; common silver carp 600-800 pieces/ha in the southern regions and 200-400 pieces/ha in the middle zone with a piece growth of at least 1.0 kg over the summer; bighead carp up to 300 pcs/ha in the south and up to 200 pcs/ha in the middle zone with an average annual gain of about 2.0 kg.

In the fall, a group of fish is selected from a stock of older replacement fish, from which offspring are expected to be obtained the following spring. These fish (future spawners) are placed in a separate wintering pond, where they are kept until spawning begins. Manufacturers from different types Herbivorous fish are planted, if possible, in separate wintering areas.

Flow in such wintering ponds is not necessary. It is only needed if the dissolved oxygen content drops below 3 cm/l.

In the spring, when the water temperature in wintering ponds rises to 10° C and the fish begin to feed quite intensively, the ponds are fertilized (by water) with ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate and superphosphate. This is done to ensure better development lower algae and crustaceans.

Grass carp is fed with freshly cut grass or finely ground mixed feed, cakes, meal, grain waste, which is given in the form of a thick dough. The daily feed supply is 2-4% of the live weight of fish.

Spawning of white carp and silver carp

When a stable water temperature of about 20° C occurs (several days after the carp spawners are planted for spawning), the wintering ponds are fished and the spawners are carefully inspected, separating males from females.

In ponds, even with strong flows, producers of herbivorous fish do not spawn, although their reproductive products develop quite normally until the fourth stage.

Therefore, to obtain offspring, they use the pituitary injection method. For herbivorous fish, so-called fractional injections are used: first, a preliminary (introductory) injection is made, and a day later a permissive injection is made. For injections, acetonated carp pituitary glands are used.

F. M. Sukhoverkhov, based on his research and data from Chinese fish farmers, proposes replacing the pituitary glands of carp with the pituitary glands of silver crucian carp, the preparation of which is much simpler.

After a preliminary injection, the fish are released into flowing ditches, males separated from females. A day later they are caught again, given a permissive injection and placed in low-flow cages. 10-14 hours after the permissive injection, the mature eggs are strained into an enamel basin and inseminated with the milk strained here (stirring with a goose feather).

The fertilized eggs are washed for about 5 minutes and then transferred to devices for incubation. It should be borne in mind that the eggs of herbivorous fish swell greatly and increase in size after fertilization. So, if the diameter of unswollen eggs is 1.1-1.3 mm, then after swelling it increases to 4-5 mm. This helps to significantly reduce the specific gravity of the eggs and ensure their buoyancy in water flows.

The eggs of herbivorous fish are incubated in Ses-Green devices installed on the current, Weiss devices, and less often in Chinese-style floating devices.

Incubation of fertilized eggs at a temperature of 22-26 ° C lasts 28-34 hours. The free embryos that hatch have a length of 5-5.5 mm.

They are inactive and, while in the apparatus, periodically rise to the surface of the water. After 3-4 days they switch to a mixed diet (yolk + processed food).

At the age of 5-7 days, the yolk sac of the larvae is completely absorbed, and at this time they feed on lower algae, rotifers, and small crustaceans (mainly cladocerans).

Until 6-8 days of age, the larvae are kept in fry pools, which are supplied with water saturated with small live food, and then they are transplanted into nursery ponds.

At the age of 40-45 days, the fry stage of development ends, and they switch to food typical of adult fish.

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Drawing of a silver carp


Stocking and fishing


Feeding bighead carp

Drawing of bighead carp

Stocking density of bighead carp

Photo of fingerling silver carp

Fertility

Photo of silver carp caviar

Silver carp, feeding exclusively on fine food in the form of microalgae and small zooplankton, is capable of processing significant amounts of food, thereby becoming a kind of ameliorator - a purifier of water bodies from excess amounts of algae.

General characteristics and nutrition of silver carp

White carp (or common) - flattened on the sides, covered with small scales. Two and three year old silver carp are silver in color, while older fish are bluish-gray. The eyes are set deep. Top part the back has a dark stripe on both sides, the sides are light. The silver carp's mouth is directed upward. The silver carp has a keel extending from the line of the gill opening to the anal fin. In the Yangtze River (home of the white lobster), fish at the age of 11-15 years reach a weight of 20 kilograms. The intestines of silver carp fish are six times longer than the body.

In China, in the Yangtze River, silver carp (white) reaches sexual maturity in three to four years, in Hungary 5-6 years. Spawning of silver carp takes place at temperatures close to 24 degrees.

Drawing of a silver carp

For silver carp fry, the first food is zooplankton. When its body length reaches five to ten centimeters, the silver carp switches to feeding on phytoplankton. By this time, the fish develops a filtering apparatus on its gill arches, and the silver carp filters out the phytoplankton. A silver carp weighing a quarter of a kilogram can filter up to 32 liters of water in an hour, while filtering out up to 1300 mg of small algae. Since the food components used are small, the digestion of food in silver carp proceeds quickly - for intensive use of food, the intestines are greatly lengthened. Two-year-old silver carp uses mainly algae, which currently predominate in the reservoir. During intensive feeding, the fish is located in the part of the pond where a mass of algae accumulates under the influence of the wind. With sufficient heat in the second summer, it reaches the marketable weight without much strain.

The growth of silver carp is slower than that of grass carp. After the 1st summer it reaches a weight of 25-60 grams (optimally), after the 2nd summer - 300-600 grams, and after the 3rd - 1.0 - 1.6 kilograms. The weight of four-year-old silver carp can be 2.0 – 3.0 kilograms.

The activity of silver carp fish is especially beneficial during the period of “blooming” of water bodies, when algae die off and, settling to the bottom, decompose, creating an oxygen deficiency.

Depending on the temperature conditions Across the country's fish-breeding zones, stocking density varies dramatically. So, if in the northern zone of the country it is recommended to plant up to 600 yearlings per 1 hectare of feeding pond (and here they grow up to 250-350 grams), then in the southern regions of the country there are experiments where up to 4 thousand pcs./ha are grown and more, and with obtaining a sample of at least 500 grams. In some southern zones, silver carp becomes the main crop of pond farms, and carp is bred as an additional fish.

Silver carp feed only on phytoplankton, and therefore must be planted in ponds rich in phytoplankton. When grown together with grass carp, feeding, as well as adding fertilizers to the pond, have a positive effect on the growth of silver carp.

The planting density of silver carp can be increased:

The gill filaments of silver carp can become clogged with silt, so they are caught earlier than grass carp and carp. The presence of fish collection ditches in the fish farm outside the border of the pond with clean water greatly facilitates the catch of silver carp.

Silver carp is jumping (more than grass carp). Fishing and transportation of silver carp is carried out at low temperatures of 4-5°C - in cold water its jumping ability decreases. The wintering of silver carp proceeds similarly to the wintering of grass carp.

Drawing of bighead carp

Photo of bighead carp, or southern silver carp (lat. Hypophthalmichthys nobilis)

Growing bigheaded carp in fish polyculture allows one to obtain additional products, especially in those conditions when a powerful zooplankton food base is created and carp, due to its biological properties, is not able to use it, since in the second year of life it uses benthos more. The motley silver carp fish, like the white silver carp, grows well in the southern zones; in the northern zone it can reach a marketable weight of 450-500 grams by autumn, provided that it is stocked with at least 50 grams of planting material. If there is a lack of natural food resources, it switches to actively searching for and eating food in feeding areas, so stocking density should be treated more carefully, especially since the utilization of nutrients from food prepared according to recipes for carp is used by bighead carp with less effect than by the carp itself .

Photo of silver carp caught on technoplankton

In the photo, underwater hunting for silver carp

In the northern regions, the planting density in polyculture is recommended to be no more than 200 pcs./ha. In the southern regions, in accordance with the developed cultivation technology, its planting density increases, but it is limited by the peculiarities of the biology of the breeding object. Despite this, in the southern regions, fish productivity for fish - bighead carp - up to 6 c/ha or more is becoming realistic.

Photo of fingerling silver carp

In the photo, catching silver carp with a bow

Photo of preparing silver carp for smoking

Silver carp reaches sexual maturity by the age of six. Its fertility is from 400 to 500 thousand eggs. Silver carp spawn from the end of June to the end of August at a water temperature of about 25-30°C, while it spawns in portions - three times during the summer. Eggs of silver carp females are deposited in the upper layers of water, where they develop.

Photo of silver carp caviar

IN last years are carried out scientific works on the implementation of hybridization in herbivorous fish. Hybrids of bigheaded and silver carp are interesting for breeding. These fish differ from the parent forms: they are more resistant to low temperatures, these hybrids retain the growth rate characteristic of bighead carp.

We successfully grow silver carp in our pond farm. The article corresponds to the realities of commercial silver carp breeding.

and where geographically?

This summer we caught silver carp at a paid pond where it is bred. This is an interesting activity!

Even one and a half thousand years ago, people began to breed fish of the carp family, and already from the 12th century, breeding was mastered as a conscious activity. Nowadays, information about fish farming that was obtained several centuries ago is relevant.

Silver carp is a fish that lives only in fresh water bodies, feeding mainly on plants. It belongs to the carp family. It has incredibly tasty meat, prized in restaurants and home kitchens, and is raised in artificial conditions mainly for human consumption. This fish is sold from September to December, that is, sales are seasonal. More recently, the assortment of stores has been replenished with smoked silver carp, canned carp, as well as incredibly tasty fillets from this fish.

In English, silver carp is called “silver carp,” which means “silver carp.”

Its body is like a cone, it is flattened and quite wide, its head is sharp. This fish has no whiskers, and its mouth opens vertically. The eyes are tiny and are located towards the bottom of the head. The scales are small. A mature silver carp can grow up to a meter in length and weigh up to 10 kilograms.

It lives in Chinese and Russian lakes, as well as in rivers belonging to the Amur river system. Found in southern and eastern Asia. Scientists have been successfully breeding it in the east and center of Europe for many years.

Silver carp spawn in the summer, when water bodies warm up to a temperature close to 25 degrees. Caviar, the number of which is about five hundred thousand from one female fish, floats unhindered in the water. After hatching, it lives in calm places with slight currents on river bends. The first days of life it eats zooplankton. Silver carp mature in just three to four years in the Yangtze River. But in European rivers, puberty can take up to five to six years.

As soon as the body length of a silver carp reaches 5-6 centimeters, phytoplankton begins to predominate in its diet. By this time, their digestive system grows quite quickly and becomes 6-7 times longer than the body.

Back in the USSR, ichthyologists obtained hybrid species of this type of fish from crossing spotted silver carp with white silver carp. They are found everywhere in the reservoirs of the countries of the former USSR, as well as in the reservoirs of Europe.

Silver carp meat is valued for its taste. It contains fat up to 13% in young and up to 23% in mature individuals. It is highly valued for its dietary properties and a huge number of easily digestible vitamins. It is incredibly tasty in any prepared form: smoked, canned, fried.

It can be domesticated if it is grown in home ponds. It is very resistant to temperature changes, adapts to life and hot water in summer, and also in cold winter. Fish of different ages may be nearby due to the fact that this species is not a predator.

This fish is completely unpretentious to food and consumes both natural and artificial food. In winter, the need to eat tends to be minimal due to slower breathing.

Silver carp survives well the lack of oxygen and large temperature amplitudes. Withstands long journeys and changes in water bodies.

Artificial rearing of silver carp can be formed in about 2-3 years. It depends on what choice of system is made. It is necessary to take into account the size of the reservoir, its depth, oxygen saturation, as well as the order in which fish are caught.

In order to prevent disease and improve the overall conditions for a comfortable life for fish, you should always separate them by age groups.

Most often, reservoirs with an area of ​​one hundred fifty to three hundred square meters are used for breeding in ponds. It is necessary to be able to quickly release water and quickly refill the pond with water.

Spawning ponds in the bottom part are filled with a variety of herbs to make the eggs stick together more easily. These ponds are used in late spring - early summer for only about 2 weeks.

The first time the fish are transplanted is when they have lived there for 4-6 weeks. It depends on how quickly production goes. It is allowed to keep up to eight hundred individuals of silver carp per hectare of pond when on average it grows from a kilogram per year, and up to 300 individuals of bighead carp when it grows by 2 kilograms per year.

Newly introduced fish first eat exclusively natural food. It should be rye flour in the right quantity.

In the fall, older fish are selected to produce offspring in the next season. They are transferred to another body of water. They spend the winter in it and live until spawning.

Silver carp loves the sun, warm water (from 25 degrees) and a significant amount of plant food. He prefers to live in ponds with muddy bottoms. During the day, silver carp lives in the middle of the reservoir at a depth of two to three meters, and in the morning or evening it stays close to the shore.

Silver carp eat phytoplankton. Bighead carp feeds a little more varied. It eats detritus and zooplankton. Due to this, it grows much faster than its white counterpart. As a rule, bighead carp grows twice as fast as white carp. Its growth is from two kilograms per year versus one kilogram per year for the white one. Also, bighead carp is very fond of artificial food, especially if it is in crumbly form.

Silver carp, the desired trophy of any fisherman, this fish comes from the rivers of the Amur basin, is not found on the territory of Ukraine, it is bred artificially, therefore the breeding of this fish is a very profitable and profitable business, not only in terms of sales, but also as a bait for fishermen to your paid reservoirs. Breeding silver carp in a pond It's not a tricky thing, but it's labor-intensive.

Silver carp is characterized by rapid growth and weight gain; large individuals reach 20-30 kg in weight and a length of up to 1 meter. Such fish have no enemies in reservoirs, so they reproduce quickly.

It belongs to the type of carp and most often silver carp are bred together with carp and grass carp. This type of fish dominates in the field of industrial fish farming and farming. And not in vain, because its presence can double the fish productivity of any fishery.

There are three main types of silver carp: white (or common) silver carp; bighead carp; hybrid silver carp.

Silver carp- lives in a flock, is of medium size, the head makes up about twenty percent of the total mass.

Motley silver carp- larger, but the head makes up half of its total mass, the color is darker than the usual silver carp, the main advantages of this species are a more extensive diet and the fastest weight gain.

Hybrid silver carp– It has absorbed the best of the two species, retaining the relatively small size of the head from the first and receiving a rapid weight gain (slightly lower than that of the motley) from the second, and it has also become more cold-resistant.

Silver carp feeds on algae and phytoplankton; the motley species eats zooplankton, so it gains weight faster; the hybrid species feeds on both phytoplankton and zooplankton.

In terms of diet, silver carp gets along very well with grass carp, they complement each other perfectly, but bighead carp competes with carp, keep this fact in mind. Silver carp also consume artificial food.

Temperature conditions and habitats:

These fish are very thermophilic; they love warm water, heated up to 25 degrees. In such conditions, maximum weight gain occurs. Reservoirs with a muddy bottom and a depth of up to 4 meters are best suited for their life. In the morning and evening, silver carp approach the shore and during the day they move further away from it.

It reaches the ability to reproduce at the age of three to five years. Spawning occurs in early summer, when the water temperature warms up to 20°C. Silver carp acquires marketable appearance after two years. The caviar is floating. Spawns on the current in places with whirlpools.

Silver carp has a high meat value, it is very tender and has excellent taste; it is consumed both fresh and frozen.

Breeding silver carp can become a profitable business if everything is calculated correctly and correctly, we hope our article helped you. With this we say goodbye to you, we wish you good luck in breeding silver carp, until we meet again!