CARP are highly regarded in Europe as a sportfish and when a virus started killing them a few years ago, anglers there were concerned.

There is a huge gulf between Australian attitudes to carp, and those of European anglers. As an example, the UK Anglers Mail magazine is unashamedly pro carp and has columnists such as Colin Davidson who the magazine promotes as carp fishing experts.

His preceded reads: "A role model for all carp enthusiasts, his Carp World pages provide an addictive weekly dose for carpers. Colin is acknowledged as the thinking angler's carp expert opening your eyes to opportunities."

On the other hand, the public image of carp in Australia is of a noxious pest, a creature that damages our waterways and makes life difficult for more revered fish, including imports like trout and redfin.

The carp may be bad for the environment but perhaps we need to accept and understand that they are here to stay.

Anglers should also remember that there are people in government organisations who detest salmonids and redfin as much as carp.

The negative aspects of carp are well documented, but the benefits are understated and rarely promoted.

This fish is underrated as a sportfish here and, because it is prolific, it is a species worth using to teach young anglers how to hook, fight and land a fish.

For the unknowing, a big carp is a credible opponent on light tackle and there are many closet carp anglers among the older generation.

Another important benefit is its role as "cod lolly", or a ready food.

Consider the benefits this had had for the more (recreationally) popular species like golden perch and silver perch. A big cod has a big engine and and it takes a lot to feed, and judging by the partially digested fish bones that cod sometimes regurgitate when caught, carp are high on their menu.

Another virtue results from government policies that limit the stocking of trout in many waters. Denied access to trout, carp offer an alternative to what would otherwise be a fishing void.

Many carp have been found up to 25 years of age. Carp are a fact of fishing life so let's make use of them.

The first thing to do when you go carp fishing is to hit the kitchen and take a can of sweet corn. This is top bait for carp, and a few kernels spread about the water where you fish will act as a berley. As for tackle, a 3kg spin outfit is about right.

You will also need a pea-size ball sinker, swivel and a long shank No. 6 hook. Use a running sinker rig, with a leader of about one metre from the swivel to the hook.

Next, preset your reel drag to avoid a bust off. Big carp give a good account and can break light lines, so be careful and play them right out.

Thread on four or five pieces of corn and cast out close to the shore.

Corn baits can be improved by adding scent and dyeing the kernels with red food dye.

Toss a few pieces of corn around the area you are fishing for berley, sit back and wait. It is important to keep a tight line; carp are somehow able to suck corn kernels off a hook without you knowing. When a good carp takes your bait, expect it to be a vigorous strike so be alert and ready to grab your rod when the action begins.

Steve Cooper can be heard on the Casting Off program on Radio Sport927 between 4.30am and 6.30am on Saturdays.