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Three Buoys Tackle • Elkton, MD
Three Buoys Tackle
Freshwater

Common Carp

Golden Bugmouth • Heavy Barbels & Serrated Dorsal Spine

An exceptionally strong freshwater gamefish introduced in the 19th century. Features large bronze scales, two pairs of upper lip barbels, and a heavy serrated spine on dorsal and anal fins. Highly prized by specimen anglers for long reel-stripping runs.

Season Year-Round (Peak Spring Shallow Spawn)
Where Potomac River Tidal Flats, Susquehanna Flats, C&D Canal, Druid Hill Lake
Salinity band Inland Freshwater (0 - 3 ppt)
Status Invasive Exotic Species (Harvest Recommended)
Record MD Record: 44 lbs 8 oz (Potomac)

How we fish for them

Chum with sweet corn and hair-rig 3-4 corn kernels or boiled protein boilies on a #4 carp hook with a inline lead safety clip.

Rod: 7'0" medium spinning rod Reel: 3000-size reel • 20lb Braid + 15lb FC

Gear for this in the catalog →

Handle with care

Safe release: Wet hands or rubber net before handling to preserve protective slime layer.

Seasons & limits are the law's, not ours

Size, season and creel rules change; always verify with the official regulations before you fish. Maryland DNR regulations →

Profile last reviewed: August 2026

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