Something to Learn From Carp?

I have recently discovered a very large (and growing) population of North American carp anglers. I was investigating some new piece of gadgetry, and I stumbled across some very interesting web sites and online user communities revolving entirely around carp fishing. I was a bit surprised, and then intrigued.

See, I've caught my share of carp. Both accidentally and intentionally. As a teenager, we would chase monster carp on the St. Croix river in Wisconsin using doughballs made of 2 to 3 slices of Wonder bread. We specifically underpowered ourselves with light action rods and 6 lbs test. If a fish broke off...well...it was just a carp. Let me tell you, those sessions taught me a great deal about handling big, powerful fish. I've often fondly remembered those days of hot drag washers as I'm releasing a big cat...might not have landed it without all that practice.

So back to the websites...as I was browsing through all of the products and gadgets they have available, I was astounded. Here I am, a veritable cornucopia of angling lore and knowledge, and I have no idea what these carp guys are talking about. What is a rod pod? A bait boat? Hair rigs? Feeders? Boilies? Spods and catapults? What are these guys talking about? I guess a few years ago I could have passed it off as stuff "those Eurpoeans are doing". But now, it is hitting mainstream North American angling. See www.carp.com and www.carp.net or Google "carp fishing". You'll see what I mean.

The concept of spodding particularly got my attention as I thought "there must be a way to use this catfishing". I guess that is how I justify purchasing items that I have no real need for. All in the name of innovation, I suppose. So I'll be looking more deeply into the wares of the carp fishermen, and trying to find new ways to adapt some of their techniques and rigs to the world of catfishing. Did you know some carp baits have hemp seeds? Is that legal?