Maine’s largest common carp ever caught and what it reveals about this adaptable fish

The common carp has a long, surprising history in North America, and Maine offers one of the most intriguing chapters of its journey. Once introduced as a valuable food fish, carp have since earned a reputation as hardy, adaptable, and often invasive survivors, capable of thriving even in the colder waters of the Northeast. While many anglers associate Maine with iconic native species like trout and salmon, scattered carp populations have quietly persisted for more than a century, growing larger than many would expect in such a cool climate. The story of the largest carp ever caught in the state not only highlights the species’ resilience but also reveals how this non-native fish continues to influence Maine’s ecosystems, fishing culture, and ongoing conservation efforts. The title fo