What are rough fish?
In a nutshell, rough fish are what a lot of people consider "trash fish". Carp, buffalo, gar, freshwater drum, and tilapia are a few of the many species of fish considered rough fish. While some of the species considered rough fish are invasive, others, such as gar, freshwater drum, and buffalo (often mistaken as carp) are actually native species to Texas.
Why fish for them?
For some, it's the challenge. Carp, buffalo and gar are not easy to catch at all, and all require special rigs and baits that arent generally used in modern conventional fishing. For others, it's the fight. Carp, buffalo and gar are some of the strongest-fighting fish in freshwater, and also some of the largest. Carp can grow to weights well over 50lbs, and alligator gar can grow to well over 150lbs. Overseas, carp are actually the main gamefish. In the UK, Germany, Spain, France, and other countries, carp are to local anglers what largemouth bass are to most US anglers.
Spotted
Gar
Freshwater Drum
Smallmouth Buffalo
