I've read they were initially developed in Asia as a food fish. I know they are very popular to catch in Asia and Europe. You would be amazed at the amount of gear dedicated carp fisherman use in those parts of the world. Especially since people fish for them with kernels of corn here.

Or at least I was amazed when I discovered the amount of fishing gear dedicated to catching carp while I was searching for crappie fishing gear on aliexpress.

But I agree with ketchn, I hate to find them when I'm fishing for crappie, in shallow water, or in my slips.