Grass carp in NYS are the triploid variety. i.e. stocked sterile fish and require a special DEC permit. I understand they really don't get very big i.e. 10-12 Lbs max. Those monsters we hear about are usually common carp which can get up over 20.
Allegedly, carp were brought over from Europe as a food and sport fish many many years ago. (boy, they blew that one, didn't they?)
Tom B.
(LongLine)