
Quillback
Carpiodes cyprinus
Overview
The quillback, also known as the quillback sucker or quillback carpsucker, is a type of freshwater fish of the sucker family widely distributed throughout North America. It is deeper-bodied than most suckers, leading to a fuller-bodied appearance. However, the quillback is not a carp. Quillback are catostomids, and like all catostomids, they do not have barbels around the mouth. The quillback is long-lived, with age up to 30 years found in Florida, and lifespans of 44 - 52 years in Canada, Minnesota, Colorado, and Wisconsin.
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Nightcrawlers
Thread onto a small hook, excellent all-around bait.
- Redworms
Smaller than nightcrawlers, good for smaller fish.
- Mealworms
Effective when fished on the bottom.
- Corn
Kernel corn on small hooks can be effective.
- Maggots
Use in clusters, a popular bait option.
Artificial Lures
- Mepps Aglia #3SpinnerBuy
Silver blade attracts quillback.
- Blue Fox Vibrax Foxtail SpinnerSpinnerBuy
Great for murky water, attracts fish.
- Rapala Ultra Light Minnow 04CrankbaitBuy
Mimics small baitfish.
- Berkley PowerBait Power NymphSoft PlasticBuy
Scent attracts fish, use with a jighead.
- Mr. Crappie ShadpoleSoft PlasticBuy
Small size perfect for Quillback
Techniques
Quillback often feed near the bottom, so use a bottom-fishing rig or jig to keep your bait or lure in the strike zone, and chum the area you intend to fish with maize.
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Where to Find Quillback
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Quillback?+
Popular baits for Quillback include Nightcrawlers, Redworms, Mealworms, Corn, Maggots. Tip: Quillback often feed near the bottom, so use a bottom-fishing rig or jig to keep your bait or lure in the strike zone, and chum the area you intend to fish with maize.
Where can I catch Quillback?+
Quillback can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Québec, Canada; New York, United States; Ohio, United States. WikiCatch lists 50 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Quillback get?+
Quillback (Carpiodes cyprinus) can reach up to 66.0000026 cm in length and 2.9 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is LC.
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