HIGH-BRID
We all know there are a number of different hybrid fish out there, mostly the result of natural pairings of similar species, roach/rudd, roach/bream, etc. But now, an almost Jurassic Park type of breakthrough in genetic engineering has given scientists the ability to splice together the genes of just about any species you care to mention, to create the designer fish of your dreams.
Just think of the exciting pairings that could be brought together, combining the best qualities of two or more different fish.
Carbel – Carp x Barbel
Given the obvious interest in both these species, and the apparent crossover of tackle, bait and tactics, (not liked by the tackle industry due to this duplication of equipment) would seem to be a natural choice, particularly as it would almost certainly favour stillwaters. However, a much more sporting challenge was seen to be offered with a slightly more exotic pairing, see below:
Catbel – Catfish x Barbel
Bigger and heavier than a ‘standard’ barbel, prettier than a catfish, fights twice as hard as a barbel, doesn’t mind whether the water is moving or still, and will eat just about anything you can put in front of it. Research into this pairing is being heavily sponsored by the tackle industry that can’t wait to launch an entire range of products of never before seen equipment for this new species.
An added bonus, of course, these new fish will not be averse to nocturnal feeding, opening up the exciting prospect of river fishing at night, and an entire plethora of equipment in the new night-time camouflage colour – jet black! Although, this will of course be fine-tuned later with patterns such as Starry Nite, Full Moon, Half Moon, Clouds Passing Over the Moon, Distant Streetlight, Occasional Car Headlights Passing By, Lighting Up Fag, etc, etc.
Indeed, this particular species splicing couldn’t come at a better time as conservationists were beginning to question the alarming rise in the numbers of halibut being converted into pellets to meet the insatiable needs of the rapidly increasing numbers of barbel anglers. Catbel are nothing like so fussy, so that a new line of 45mm boilies in flavours like Spam, Octopus, Baby Duck and many others made with more down to earth ingredients are being prepared in readiness.
In addition, there is talk of loose feed be made available with Signal Cray and Cormorant flavourings. These are being introduced in the hope that Catbels will develop a liking for the taste and move on to devouring the real thing, rather than artificial offerings….
Trike – Trout x Pike
Far better alternative to the Zander (commonly called pike/perch, but is actually no such thing) and comes in two colours, spotty rainbow or brown stripe. Will leap out of water when caught, can be fished for with standard fly tackle, or will take pellets off the top. One slight drawback to its aristocratic background is that Trike are apparently not too keen on mackerel deadbaits, they would prefer something slightly more upmarket to tempt them, such as a lightly poached sea-bass in a white wine sauce. This can prove difficult to fish on a treble, and is best presented (lightly seasoned with a dab of garlic butter and a sprinkling of parsley garnish) in a PVA bag.
Crud – Carp x Rudd
Handsome, if slightly dumpy, hard fighting fish with vivid vermilion fins. Another species that is specifically bred to only take floating baits, particularly flies. Is therefore set to become the species of choice on catch and release fisheries. No point in stocking expensive trout if no one is going to take them home to eat them, and no one will be wanting to eat something called Crud, that’s for sure!
Lerch – Lamprey x PerchM
Stripey, spiny parasite that would appear to have no attraction at all, unless you were after the ultimate pike deadbait, of course……
Salut – Salmon x Trout
Bred with just one thought in mind, that of being a lure fisherman’s’ dream – a very, very game fish, will go after just about anything. Err…. on second thoughts, perhaps not. Can just picture the scene when you tell your wife/loved one that you are off for the weekend hoping to pick up a Salut or two!
Brench – Bream x Tench
Fist indications were that this was a match made in heaven. Imagine a chunky, big-shouldered bream, half silver, half green, with fins like paddles, fights like the devil all the way to the bank, and when you finally manage to land it, it will be staring at you with glowing red eyes – only lacking horns to complete the picture! Trouble is, it also has twice the slime of any bream or tench, so no one has been able to pick one up yet.
Chace – Chub x Dace
Chace by name and chase by nature, designed to launch the brand new, and until now, top secret venture of commercial fisheries sited on rivers, here is a species that combines the best of both gene donors, a voracious appetite but with a small mouth. This means there will be shoals of these fish that are forever rushing round looking for morsels of food, a matchman’s dream.
All of this research is still at an early stage yet; please feel free to suggest any other fishy combinations that you feel may be of use to the angling community……
