This may sound unbelievable, but in my 35 years, i've only caught 2 carp. What makes this more amazing is that i've been a live bait fisherman up until 5 years ago. AND... working the NSC as much as I have this is my first carp from there.
I agree about the way to handle the carp, or any fish for that matter, but I assure, the quick gill handle was as gentle as can be.
What I was most impressed with on this outing was the white bass. Now there are PLENTY of white perch (yes, I said white perch) in the NSC which are commonly mistaken for white bass. And from what I understand, they even breed together. The white perch are nothing more than pests that often nibble away at live bait until the fisherman gets pissed. But white bass are a nice fish to catch, especially in the NSC.