Reports have emerged about a potential new British record crucian, a fish that, if verified, would surpass the already impressive 4lb 14oz specimen landed by Adam Brookbanks just last year. While it’s difficult to make a definitive judgment from photographs alone, and the experts will have the final say, it certainly has anglers stumped with some calling hybrid, while others are convinced we are looking at the new record.
In a scenario remarkably similar to Adam’s record-breaking capture, Steven Blackhurst was actually targeting carp during a session on Lemon Pool Lake, part of the Doddington Hall syndicate, when the enormous 5lb 8oz fish took a liking to his pop-up hookbait.
While Steven is awaiting verification from the British Record Fish Committee as to whether the fish is a true crucian or not, he is fairly confident it could well be legitimate as the lake was only stocked with carp five years ago, reducing the chance of hybridisation.
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"Arriving at the lake on Friday 1st August for a weekend session targeting carp, I noticed the wind was pushing into the last swim in the south-western corner, known as "All Alone". After settling in briefly with a brew, I spotted several fish showing, which prompted me to return to the van and collect the rest of my gear," Steven told us.
"I positioned my left-hand rod at around 70 yards, targeting a submerged tree where I’ve had success in the past. After approximately 40 minutes, I had a take, but the fish dropped off instantly before I could pick up the rod. This was unusual, so I adjusted my setup by slightly increasing the lead size and shortening the hook link," he added.
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At around 10:30 pm, Steven had a strange, stuttering take and upon picking up the rod, the fight felt jittery and erratic, unlike the carp he normally catches and when the fish surfaced for netting, he initially assumed it was a small common carp. However, on closer inspection, the lack of barbules, the coloration, and the body shape led him to believe it was a crucian carp, and the largest he had ever seen.
"After unhooking and weighing the fish, the scales read 5lb 8oz. I nearly returned it, thinking the UK record was somewhere around 8lb, but decided to place it in the retainer and quickly Googled the current record," he recounted.
"Realising the significance, I contacted the estate manager, and we gathered witnesses before conducting further checks. Photos and videos were sent to various experts via fishery managers I know, and all responses have been positive.'
"I’ve now submitted the catch to the BRFC for official scrutiny. Given that the lake was only stocked with VS fish 5–6 years ago, this should help rule out any possible hybridisation concerns," he told us.
"Regardless of whether it’s officially recognised as a new UK record, it was an incredible moment and a true honour to have such a magnificent creature slip into the net."
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