With Makkes on the run – Grand Champion B BKS24
True stars swam at the Belgian Koi exhibition of the ZNA in Afflichem. Among them was a special Yamabuki Ogon owned by Patrick Makkes, which stole the show with its shiny golden color and impressive size of 1 meter and 1 centimeter and won the Grand Champion B title for the second time in a row.
Patrick Makkes looks on with a smile as wide as his fish is long
Patrick, a man who knows his fish like a barista knows his coffee beans, shares his secrets with infectious enthusiasm. He is clearly delighted with his achievement and talks about his fish, which has now reached the impressive length of 1.01 meters. “Last year it was 96.5 cm, and this year it has passed the magic one-meter mark. It’s really incredible how she continues to develop.”
The improvement of the fish is not only evident in its length, but also in the quality of its skin and the enlargement of its head, which indicates healthy and continuous growth. Patrick explains that this is partly due to the special care he takes with the food and water. “I use vitamins in both the water and the feed and ensure frequent water changes. That, together with good heating and rest, is important.”
Patrick also talks about his ambition to breed his fish to 1 meter and 5 centimetres. “I am 98% sure that it has not yet reached its peak. The fish is still alive and its skin is still developing beautifully.”
It’s all about the details and the little things that make the difference
Patrick proudly talks about his pond at home, a sophisticated 30 cubic meter pond that has room for 14 koi, including five jumbos. The spacious layout and careful maintenance seem to be the key to success.
At the end of the talk, Patrick reflects on the competitive nature of koi exhibitions and the challenges involved. “It’s all about the details and the little things that make the difference. That’s the sport of koi keeping and exhibiting. With my. Kohaku I definitely expected a bit more, but losing here is no big deal. The competition is cutthroat.
Patrick Makkes remains an inspirational figure in the koi community, someone who uses his passion and expertise to push the boundaries of what is possible with these beautiful fish. His approach and results make him a role model and a source of knowledge for hobbyists around the world.
