WILDLIFE

Fisherman catches 67-pound goldfish

Nov 24, 2022, 12:00 PM

Angler Andy Hackett lands one of the world's biggest goldfish ever caught. The gigantic orange spec...

Angler Andy Hackett lands one of the world's biggest goldfish ever caught. The gigantic orange specimen, aptly nicknamed The Carrot, weighed a whopping 67 pounds, 4 ounces. Photo credit: JasonCowler/BNPS

  (CNN) — Here’s a fisherman’s story that’s no tall tale.

After a 25-minute battle, UK angler Andy Hackett caught a colossal carp, nicknamed “The Carrot,” that weighed in at a staggering 67 pounds, 4 ounces (30 kilograms). The giant fish is believed to be the second largest of her type ever to be caught, according to BlueWater Lakes, the fishery in France’s Champagne region where the giant lives.

With its striking orange color, the massive goldfish-like creature easily stands out as it swims below the water’s surface. The Carrot, however, has proven to be a challenge to catch. Hackett landed the prized fish, a hybrid of a leather carp and a koi carp, on November 3 while visiting the lake site.

“With normal fish, you struggle to see them if they’re just under the surface, but The Carrot is obviously bright orange so you can’t miss it,” Hackett told BBC. “It’s a much sought-after fish, not many people have caught it, it’s quite elusive.”

BlueWater Lakes provides anglers with a private spot to try a hand at pulling in one of its many fish weighing over 50 pounds (22.7 kilograms) — and some even over 90 pounds (40 kilograms).

“We put The Carrot in about 20 years ago as something different for the customers to fish for. Since then it has grown and grown but it doesn’t often come out,” fishery manager Jason Cowler told the Daily Mail. “It’s not the biggest resident in the lake, but by far the most outstanding.”

After Hackett pulled in Carrot and had her weighed, she was released back into the lake. The fishery has a “no retention” rule put in place, so anglers never carry the fish onto land. The BlueWater team also noted on its Facebook page that the fish are treated for any injuries before their prompt release back into the water.

The fishery has monitored Carrot’s growth fairly often, as she was pulled in nine times by fishermen last season. After breaking the 60-pound (27-kilogram) mark for the first time in February, the carp swam free for nine months until Hackett reeled her in.

Ever-growing goldfish

The average domestic goldfish weighs less than a pound, but the species can reach much bigger proportions in varying circumstances. If given lots of space, with the proper diet and water conditions, carp species, including goldfish and koi, have the potential for a large amount of growth, which explains Carrot’s impressive size.

Often the largest found goldfish are unwanted pets that have been released into the wild by their owners. Discarded animals can negatively impact the delicate balance of a natural habitat. Invasive, football-size goldfish were found in a lake in Burnsville, Minnesota, in July 2021, resulting in city officials pleading with residents to not release their aquatic pets into the lake, as they could harm the local environment.

“A 70-pound carp is a really big, impressive fish,” said Dr. Zeb Hogan, research biologist at the University of Nevada, Reno, and former host of the “Monster Fish” show on the National Geographic Channel. “There are actually different kinds of carp that are relatives of goldfish, that get really big, that are found in Europe and Asia — some of which can get up to about 500 pounds.”

The growth seen in these hefty fish is referred to as indeterminate growth, a condition in which animals grow rapidly when young and continue to increase in size after reaching adulthood, according to Hogan.

“They just keep growing, the longer that they live,” Hogan said. “It’ll just keep growing and getting bigger, and maybe in a few years someone else will catch it and it’ll be even bigger.”

The fishery team said on Facebook that Carrot is “in excellent health and condition,” and could even live for another 15 years or more. “Long may her stardom continue,” the team added.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Wildlife

Dairy cows across the country, specifically in Texas, Kansas and New Mexico are getting sick with a...

Alexandrea Bonilla

Cows across the country are getting sick with a “flu-like” illness

Utah is altering the requirements for livestock brought into the state after multiple cows across the country have gotten sick with a flu-like illness.  

1 day ago

Aerial view of harvester and speeder boats deploying containment booms in preparation for harvestin...

Adam Small

The Great Salt Lake’s brine shrimp population looking plentiful

The Great Salt Lake's brine shrimp population is in good shape for the beginning of spring. The number of eggs is up 50% from last year.

6 days ago

A Murray business is worried about the geese that have taken up residence on a small window ledge o...

Don Brinkerhoff

The staff at a Murray business office are worried about a pair of geese

The pair of Canadian geese have been coming around this Murray office for a couple of years now. But now, the female is laying eggs.

7 days ago

A moose stands in front of a fence....

Alexandrea Bonilla

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources investigating illegal killings of several wild animals

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources is investigating several recent incidents where wild animals were killed and left to waste.

8 days ago

a great white shark named leebeth...

PATRICK WHITTLE Associated Press

How a wandering white shark’s epic journey could provide clues for protecting them

Great white sharks roam the ocean searching for their favorite food, marine mammals, and were once hunted without discrimination.

16 days ago

dog looking out at wildlife, dwr says to be cautious with pets around wildlife...

Mariah Maynes

DWR reminds owners to control pets around wildlife

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources reminded people to be careful with their pets around wildlife to ensure everyone's safety.

16 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Mother and cute toddler child in a little fancy wooden cottage, reading a book, drinking tea and en...

Visit Bear Lake

How to find the best winter lodging in Bear Lake, Utah

Winter lodging in Bear Lake can be more limited than in the summer, but with some careful planning you can easily book your next winter trip.

Happy family in winter clothing at the ski resort, winter time, watching at mountains in front of t...

Visit Bear Lake

Ski more for less: Affordable ski resorts near Bear Lake, Utah

Plan your perfect ski getaway in Bear Lake this winter, with pristine slopes, affordable tickets, and breathtaking scenery.

front of the Butch Cassidy museum with a man in a cowboy hat standing in the doorway...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking Back: The History of Bear Lake

The history of Bear Lake is full of fascinating stories. At over 250,000 years old, the lake has seen generations of people visit its shores.

silhouette of a family looking over a lake with a bird in the top corner flying...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

8 Fun Activities To Do in Bear Lake Without Getting in the Water

Bear Lake offers plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy without having to get in the water. Catch 8 of our favorite activities.

Wellsville Mountains in the spring with a pond in the foreground...

Wasatch Property Management

Advantages of Renting Over Owning a Home

Renting allows you to enjoy luxury amenities and low maintenance without the long-term commitment and responsibilities of owning a home.

Clouds over a red rock vista in Hurricane, Utah...

Wasatch Property Management

Why Southern Utah is a Retirement Paradise

Retirement in southern Utah offers plenty of cultural and recreational opportunities. Find out all that this region has to offer.

Fisherman catches 67-pound goldfish