Asian carps and common carps are the most known species among all carps. Apart from them, hybrid carp have high popularity since they are comparatively rare. F1 carps are one of them. Above 600 UK commercial fisheries cultivate these fishes to keep pace with increasing demand. A few places yield them naturally, as well. However, the new anglers often face some confusion about these carps and their fishing techniques. Today, we will be answering some questions to help them out. Let’s start:
What is F1 carp?
They are the result of crossing between a crucian carp and a common carp. Besides, it is hard to separate crucians and brown goldfish by their appearance. So, many also think that they are brown goldfish and common carp hybrids. They are immune to KHV disease, grow quickly, and take bites throughout the year. That’s why people call them the perfect commercial fish.
F1 Carp Fishing
How to recognize an F1 carp?
As you can assume, an F1 carp inherits many characteristics from its parent carps. They have a similar shape to common carps and golden color like the crucians. They are average-sized fishes weighing up to 2 lbs. The weight of a massive one may lie within 6 to 9lbs. A few fishermen can not differentiate between a traditional common carp. If you are one of them, just check the barbules. A common carp has four, which are bigger than the F1’s two barbules. Also, anyone can distinguish between an F1 and a crucian based on the number of lateral line scales. When it comes to F1, it is 35 to 36 rather than 32 to 34 like the crucian.
When should I participate in the fishing event?
These carps become bigger in summer compared to in other seasons. They become so hungry that the biting rate is way too high. Lots of places host fishing competitions. The participants try to get 100, 200, or more fish to be the winner. Whoever brings out the highest value within the shortest time will be the champion. Most of them study the map with various weather conditions. They practice for a long time using the most successful winning techniques. We also recommend being attentive, confident, and mentally prepared before heading to the venue.
What is the most beneficial spring setup?
Just like the summer fishing sessions, spring provides incredible opportunities. These fishes wake up more than ever. You can use a method feeder and maggots. The 4mm/6mm pellets also work fine. Bring a light feeder rod that extends a long way. Of course, you can use a short one to cover small distances. When it comes to covering long distances, the rod should be at least 9 ft long. Attach a match feeder reel and 6lb dragline.
How to hunt F1s in winter?
The expert carp catchers avoid winter days because it is not a suitable season for F1 carp fishing. But, the chances of getting bites is not zero as these carps take bite anytime. First of all, pick an ideal location because F1 carp’s winter activities are less than your expectation in most places. Secondly, do some research about depth-wise F1s availability in your target lake. Thirdly, choose the right time wisely. The water gets warmer during the afternoon or mid-day. Finally, you have to build only light rigs. Double white maggots can be an excellent choice for the bait.
Which types of hooks should we use?
Some people think that big hooks are only for monster fish. They buy a small hook for the F1 carps because they are not as big as the common carps. Don’t make such a mistake. Due to their small mouth, we may lose them while shipping the rod back. We can pair size-18 hooks with pellets and maggot lures but use larger models for other baits. Make sure that the hook has a sharp eye and wide enough to support the pellet baits.
What are the best baits for F1s?
We can not use random carp baits for F1s, but the sweet corn never fails to catch any carp varieties. Double maggot is not only a cost-efficient F1 carp bait but also an effective one. It always attracts big fishes, especially during the cold hours. The majority of professionals add one white with a red maggot to make the color combination more appealing. The carps like consuming caster and worm baits very much. The only drawback is, they often lead to missed or smashed bites. More good options are the expander pellets and hard pellets. Be sure of buying only 4mm and 6mm sizes; otherwise, the carp’s small mouth fails to take them. Although the bait preferences change depending on the water and weather, these baits will definitely give a good performance.
Why should I keep shifting places?
F1 carps tend to migrate to a different fishing zone after tricking multiple fishes from an area. Spending more time there is nothing but a waste of them. This problem is severe in cold periods. So we should keep moving one or more meters to any side. Don’t hurry and cause water vibration. While fishing on a hot summer day, you may get tons of carps without changing your spots.
How to ensure correct feeding?
Feeding is challenging for these breeds. Stuffing too much generally results in foul-hooked carp. On the other hand, if you use too little, your hook will be visible. So, use neither more nor less than the required amount. Typically, the fishes roam in the shallow water in the early morning, night, and late evening. It is the best day-time for anglers who prefer catching fish in 2.5ft of water or less. Try to use a dotted float to get an accurate bite indication. The fish will be right under your float. It will also enable you to cast baits in several water layers. Don’t waste time when you get a bite. Drag the F1 carp out of the water and retrieve it.
