Ashford anglers mourn death of giant carp 'Two Tone'

16 August 2010

A mirror carp thought to be one of the UK's biggest freshwater fish has been found dead in the lake where it lived in Kent.

"Two Tone", who weighed 67lb 14oz, was found floating on the surface of Conningbrook Lake in Ashford.

The fish, which gained its name because of its skin colour, was thought to be between 40 and 45 years old.

Anglers said it was only caught once or twice a year and no more than 50 times in its lifetime.

'Extraordinary beast'

Chris Logsdon, 62, manager of Mid Kent Fisheries, which runs the lake, said: "The fish was wily and difficult to catch.

"Any carp angler worth their salt wanted to to catch him and a lot tried and failed. It's part of fishing history."

Two Tone will be buried beside the lake on Sunday morning and a plaque will mark his grave, Mr Logsdon said.

He added: "Some of these guys have spent every minute of their time at this lake trying to catch this beast.

"A lot of friendships have been made by people on the banks - it's been an extraordinary, exceptional beast."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-10992762