The Unusual World of Ghost Carp: An In-Depth Look at This Artificial Breed

This artificial breed of common carp is known for its striking white or pale grey coloration, which gives it a ghostly appearance in the water. Ghost Carp were first developed in the 1980s by breeders in Europe who were looking to create a new and unique strain of carp.

Unlike many other breeds of carp, Ghost Carp are not the result of natural genetic variation. Instead, they are created through selective breeding and genetic manipulation, which allows breeders to produce fish with specific characteristics. In the case of Ghost Carp, this means fish with an extremely pale or white coloration that stands out in the water.

Ghost Carp are highly prized by anglers and fish hobbyists for their unique appearance and are often kept in ponds and lakes as ornamental fish. They are also becoming increasingly popular as a gamefish, with some anglers targeting Ghost Carp specifically for their striking appearance and strong fighting ability when hooked. Ghost Carp can grow to be quite large, with some individuals reaching sizes of up to 50 pounds or more. They are opportunistic feeders and will consume a wide range of plant and animal matter, making them receptive to a variety of baits. Popular choices for Ghost Carp include boilies, pellets, and sweetcorn, although many anglers also have success using more natural baits like worms and insects.

When targeting Ghost Carp, it is important to use strong, durable tackle that can handle the size and strength of these fish. A sturdy rod with a fast action and a strong backbone is essential, as is a reliable reel with a smooth drag system. Braided line or fluorocarbon leader material can also be helpful for presenting baits effectively and for combating the abrasive mouth of Ghost Carp.

Despite their popularity, Ghost Carp are not without controversy. Some critics argue that the artificial creation of Ghost Carp is unethical, as it involves manipulating the genetics of living creatures for human purposes. Others argue that Ghost Carp pose a potential risk to natural populations of carp, as they could potentially interbreed with wild fish and introduce their modified genes into the gene pool.

Overall, Ghost Carp are an interesting and unique breed of common carp that have gained popularity due to their striking appearance and strong fighting ability. Whether you are an angler looking to add a new challenge to your fishing, or a fish enthusiast interested in the diversity of carp breeds, Ghost Carp are certainly worth considering.

Preferred baits

These beautiful fish mostly feed on insect larvae, mollusks, and aquatic vegetation. Other suggested baits are:

• Boilies: These are small balls of ground fishmeal that are typically flavoured with various ingredients and scents. Boilies are a popular choice for Ghost Carp as they can be effective when fished on the bottom or used as a floating bait.
• Pellets: These are small, compressed balls of ground fishmeal that are often used as a feed for fish. Pellets can be effective for Ghost Carp, particularly when used as a feeder bait.
• Sweetcorn: Sweetcorn is a popular bait for Ghost Carp, as it is cheap, readily available, and easy to use. Sweetcorn can be effective when fished on the bottom or used as a floating bait.
• Worms: Worms are a natural bait that can be effective for Ghost Carp, particularly when used in conjunction with other baits like sweetcorn or boilies.
• Insects: Ghost Carp are opportunistic feeders and will often feed on insects found in their environment. Using live or artificial insects as bait can be effective for Ghost Carp, particularly when fished on the bottom or used as a floating bait.
• Artificial baits: Artificial baits like lures and flies can be effective for Ghost Carp, particularly when used in conjunction with other baits like sweetcorn or worms.
• Natural baits: Ghost Carp are opportunistic feeders and will often feed on a wide range of natural baits, including fish, crustaceans, and molluscs. Using natural baits like minnows or prawns can be effective for Ghost Carp, particularly when fished on the bottom or used as a floating bait.

Recommended Tackle:

The recommended hook size for Ghost Carp will depend on the size of the fish you are targeting and the type of bait you are using. In general, larger hooks will be needed for larger Ghost Carp and for baits like boilies, pellets, and sweetcorn, which are larger and more difficult to hook. Smaller hooks may be sufficient for smaller Ghost Carp and for baits like worms and insects, which are easier to hook and do not require as much support.

Here are some general guidelines for hook size when targeting Ghost Carp:

• For small Ghost Carp (up to 10 pounds) and small baits like worms and insects, a hook size of 8 to 12 may be sufficient.
• For medium-sized Ghost Carp (10 to 20 pounds) and medium-sized baits like sweetcorn and pellets, a hook size of 6 to 10 may be appropriate.
• For large Ghost Carp (20 to 30 pounds) and large baits like boilies, a hook size of 4 to 8 may be needed.
• For very large Ghost Carp (30 pounds and up) and very large baits, a hook size of 2 to 6 may be required.

Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines and the actual hook size you use may vary depending on the specific conditions you are fishing in and the preferences of the fish you are targeting. It is always a good idea to experiment with different hook sizes and types to see what works best for you.