New strain of hard-fighting ‘super carp’

Britain’s anglers are filling their nets with a new strain of ‘super carp’. 

These F1 ghosts are being described as ‘the commercial fish of the future’ following the first introductions of the hardy hybrids over recent months. 

The strain has been developed to feed willingly even in the coldest conditions and is immune to Koi Herpes Virus (KHV). It’s the ghost carp element that makes it distinctive – and it fights harder than the original F1.

Commercials that have already shared more than 10 tonnes of F1 ghosts include Gold Valley Lakes in Hampshire, Tunnel Barn Farm in Warwickshire, Staffordshire’s Heronbrook Fishery and Bradshaw Hall in Lancashire.

“When we stocked the fish there was more than 700lb caught in a match the very next day,” said Bradshaw’s Luke Worthington.

“Anglers love them because they look more individual than original F1s and fight really hard. We have more on order for next year.”

This is just the first phase of stockings across the UK that will continue until March 2017.

Babylon Fish Farm owner Jason Dorkings, who was involved in the creation of the original F1 carp, has been working on this latest project for over four years at his Kent facility. 

He says there is such demand for the F1 ghosts that there’s now a waiting list for venues that want to stock them.

“These fish have surpassed all my expectations and the feedback has been tremendous. I can’t produce them fast enough to meet demand,” he said.

“We’ve stocked fish from 6ins up to 2lb and they are stunning to look at. I really can’t wait to see how big they can grow.”

Tunnel Barn Farm in the Midlands is another venue where anglers have been singing the praises ofthe new strain, and boss Tony McGuire said: “Anglers have been over the moon with this fish, which has already featured in our winter league matches.

“Their willingness to feed in the colder conditions seems to have encouraged other species to have a proper go as well.

“Pleasure anglers love the look of the F1 ghost as well. But remember to fine down your rigs to catch them through the winter.”