When F1's were first made available to fisheries almost 30 years ago, it was said that they were very unlikely to exceed 4lb in weight, making them perfect for most fisheries. Since that first stocking, F1 carp have become a staple at many commercial fisheries around the UK, with lots of anglers enjoying a day on the bank catching them.
However, as we have since come to realise, the crucian/common carp hybrids are able to get a lot bigger than those first estimates, with some surpassing double figures in recent years. While there is no official record for F1's, as they are hybrids, the largest believed to have been banked was a 13lb 13oz fish, caught by Chris Davies in 2024.
Just this week we received a report from Justin Cavalier about a monster 13lb 4oz fish from a different fishery, just proving they are growing all the time. Who knows just how big they will get, will we see a 20lb F1 in the future?
"I have struggled to offer 24 hour coaching sessions previously due to family commitments, but with my wife and son away on a mini break, I decided to offer some sessions out to customers," Justin told us.
"Joe and JJ, who are based in Nottingham, have hired me in the past and booked me in and on this occasion they wanted a 24 hour carp coaching adventure so I invited them to stay at Bradshaw Hall Fisheries Ltd lake 2," he added.
"The first 12 hours went better than expected, possibly due to the relief of some rain and a drop in air pressure. We had quite a few Carp up to 21lb but just after dark a rod placed in the margins was away."
"We'd placed a big lump of Dynamite baits garlic flavoured luncheon meat over some Sonubaits Krill & Squid crush groundbait. The fish fought well but on 12lb line to a 10lb hooklength, the battle was over after a short but spirited fight. The fish was built like a football and at first I thought it was a chunky Common Carp but as we lay the fish down on the unhooking mat I realised it had no barbels and was more likely to be an enormous F1 Carp."
"Joe was over the moon to have landed such a huge example of the species and if my customers leave happy then so do I," Justin said.
