The Great Australian CARP Debate. (Part 1 Pond Management)

Carp are one of the most hated animals in Australia. Hated to the point that our government wanted to put a herpes virus into all of our waterways just to kill them.

[@idkhowtofish]

I love this thinking! Instead of fisherman killing carp they catch, which will do nothing in keeping the population down, adding native predatory fish to not only keep the carp population in check, but also provide a food source and help build up the native population is absolutely brilliant! Keep up the good work!

[@juanaspi9150]

I absolutely 100% agree and believe that carp should be eradicated from our waterways. Unfortunately there isn’t a viable way to do so, thus we have to create opportunities out of our poor actions. Aaron, you have a great idea that I very much enjoyed listening to. One thing that I’d like to bring up and also express my opinions on is the ignorance towards trout and their devastating effects in our ecosystems. I don’t understand why carp are hated by most yet trout are considered so prestigious, often times more so than our beloved natives. To think that we have bag/size limits on an invasive fish which is ALSO being stocked regularly amongst our waterways is absolutely crazy to me. It’s so disappointing to see the declining populations of our native fish such as the incredible Macquarie perch or freshwater blackfish due to the competition of an apex predatory fish which has a metabolism 10x faster.

[@GrowbaG2381]

Education and a native fish release program is the answer,carp musters don't work

[@bushfishncook2128]

As much as I love trout fishing I couldn't agree more about it being a problem, One creek I fished recently on the Nepean used to be full of blue mountains crays, although it's cold now I believe lots if not all will be gone, the floods pushed trout up there and every trout I caught was super heavy for it's size They are super aggressive and can eat plenty of food that is for sure

[@juanaspi9150]

@@bushfishncook2128 unfortunately mate there’s many systems which have had a similar outcome to the one you visited, due to the introduction of trout. To think that we’re now about to have the trout season end is insane to me. How could we possibly have an open/closed season for an introduced and extremely destructive fish? We don’t have open or close seasons for carp or Redfin, so why for trout? At the end of the day, its all about money with our fisheries… if trout bring trout fisherman, then stocking will continue.

[@bushfishncook2128]

@@juanaspi9150 it's crazy now we have stocked tiger trout out west to apparently help with redfin numbers... We could have just used bass, cod yellowbelly perch for that. I enjoy fishing for trout but I would have like to see them in dams they could not escape, Would have much rather have the chance to fish for species like the maquarie perch and freshwater blackfish 👍🏼 Many reasons blamed for why the numbers are low but we know it's all due to pest species such as trout and Redfin eating any small fish in sight When out west I caught a redfin he had 29 trout in his gut so it just shows any species at a small size is a target for these aggressive introduced fish We definitely do not need a closed season for trout they do very well here regardless of what some people think, they actually breed here without to much problem, they can hide out in the smallest amount of water even large fish... I would like to see our streams re stocked with natives at a size that is not able to be eaten by pest species, and for trout to stop being stocked in such large numbers Also I think Redfin would be best electro fished and served in takeaway shops, a super tasty fish and doing so would would help remove millions of Redfin per year We sell Murray cod in fish markets but I don't believe I have ever seen Redfin perch, they should be sold for food over our native species Always great to see someone else so passionate about our natives

[@juanaspi9150]

@@bushfishncook2128 likewise mate. I appreciate you expressing your thoughts and the passion you hold behind them… its bloody great to see. I agree with everything you’ve said, a lot does/can be done. Only time will tell how long we’ll continue to see healthy native systems.

[@kirk2632]

I fished these carps 5 years ago caught 2 stonker before getting kicked out. The security wanted to check my fishing license and insisted that I have to throw the carps back although I told them it is illegal to do so. Anyway these carps were protected well by these securities, not only here but also other few ponds in that area. What really sucks is that although these carps were land locked, however the juvenile they produced can expand their territories through flooding or even just sewage systems. So they are still a threat to the local eco systems.

[@neilw5198]

Well said, we need to stock these ponds with bass and natives. It's a no brainer.

[@davidshaul5265]

Bloody beautiful , another one ! Onya Aaron . Will now watch before bed , then up for work tomorrow at 4.45 , home and fish the Parra from Parra to Rydalmere . And then Wednesday Thursday Friday off . 👍😃✔🎣

[@sutchfish572]

Fantastic stuff

[@davidshaul5265]

Have shared this mate ! Great clip . ✔

[@bushfishncook2128]

You know I'm with you mate 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Absolutely loved this I'm all for the natives Would love to see stocking of yellowbelly and cod on this side of the mountains Glenmore Park loch has the odd yellowbelly but super rare catch Got a 2 silver perch in the Nepean over the last 2 days 👍🏼 so the population is growing I think Redfin should be electro fished and served in the takeaway shops, Beautiful eating and get the numbers way down If fisheries really wanted to we could fight carp but as you know Aaron they stock them, No doubt or they wouldn't get in these land locked lakes I'm one fisherman that just can't release carp into our river systems, I understand you putting these back because no point removing them when they can't go anywhere... Them koi are definitely way smarter mate found that out trying to catch them on a few occasions. That is shocking the amount of carp in that first pond, I do agree the fight is basically an impossible fight but I'm glad to do my part to help reduce carp numbers I am with you though we don't need to remove all the carp, we need to just keep the numbers in check, I find Redfin much worse of a pest they school up in huge schools and eat all our native fish, it would be good to eradicate them from our waterways, I believe they also carry diseases that can be transferred to other fish. Bad news I heard of one being caught in the Nepean, Obviously moving up the Cox into warragamba and over the wall during the floods, one day we will have the same problem as out west unfortunately... Not good for the maquarie perch living in our creeks You really are a knowledgeable man Aaron Keep up the awesome work

[@bushsends6358]

realy liked this vid! im guessing theyre not doing stuff like this already because it makes too much sense 😂

[@ironforge039]

I’m with you 100%. I do like a bit of urban carp fishing but, out of control carp is definitely not a preferred option. Or for that matter, out of control anything is not a preferred option. Weed included.

[@brockwinter8338]

Your 100% correct and would be amazing if it happened, what I have seen over the years is carp have evolved extremely quick to our Australian water ways and have adapted to Australian food sauces in the water ways very quick and these days you can throw a swimbait to a fly and will happily eat it but I have noticed they even wipe out bait fish which is a huge food sauce for bass and other natives and by releasing half grown to full size bass and cod to water ways with carp they will demolish the carp fry leaving only the breeders to die over the years which there for will leave nothing to breed cause the bass will eat the fry that if no bass would grow to breed more, same with Redfin which once all have been consumed by bass or cod will let water quality to reach full potential and all vegetation to grow back and all native bait fish/ shrimp etc to come back in full swing, I am extremely happy to see you knowing the problems and getting the solutions out there same with pollution, love your videos mate and am as always am keen to see more

[@MrWackozacko]

Yep, i have caught a carp on a Tassie devil in warragamba dam about 15 years ago. The water is so clear and deep these carp were lean and almost predatory. They had no chance catching the schools of smelt swarming around though

[@zachfalzon8360]

can u fish that state pond in the beginning

[@ireneclayton5379]

How does one make contact with you? Want to book you for fishing lessons for local lad with non fishing parents.

[@neilw5198]

Got some news about this lake, a lad caught a yellow belly or silver perch in there...didn't believe it, but showed me the photo!!...massive fish.....he said he spotted 4 more in there about 4kg each!...don't know how they got in there, but it was released back. Must have been restaurant fish??...it was 100% some kind of native perch.

[@vin18m]

Do what you like regarding carp as long as it’s within the rules/laws. Personally I’d like to see them wiped out, but it’s looking unlikely so we need to consider all options at this stage.

[@iankelly3491]

contact the council mate try and run a carp clean out fishing comp bathurst runs one every year all fish go to fertiliser

[@Finalshine_detail]

They probably won’t because it’s considered a “prestigious” area unfortunately, doesn’t look good for the business I think. It’s a shame most people won’t know but people like Aaron are spreading the good message.

[@GrowbaG2381]

Carp musters are not the answer

[@motleycat5030]

You should see the amount of carp in the Canberra lake. Literally hundreds around a single jetty. 🤦‍♂️

[@thepersonofrandom906]

For anyone wondering where this is it is norwest marketown lake or pond

[@blowninjectedfalcon]

Not Waratahs mate, Gymea Lilies. Interesting concept with the Bass, but I'm guessing the relocation would be a challenge.

[@robhudson6133]

You need a bigger soap box mate You surely have a better ethic than current epa or landcare and You so clearly care about the environment it’s great to see It’s a shame that more people don’t spend the time to prepare Properly for consumption when done so they’re beautiful fish to eat And stuff the fools with their comments pack of time wasters

[@DXNTHXMXN_KZK]

Hey you might not remember me but when you still had your shop openin 2019 me an my dad came in to but live worms bait cause we were going to fish at poohs lagoon in richmond

[@joshuacosier5671]

Council Budget Hills vs Blacktown is an issue with all this as well

[@chikodoheny3912]

Hey mate where I. Bella vista is this I’d like to take my kid down there?

[@Aykosss]

I like your idea mate. Might have to just try and raise funds for the fingerlings yourself. I’ll chuck in some bucks.

[@shaneblackwood9052]

$20 from me too.

[@neilw5198]

We need to petition to get the fisheries to do it. It is very illegal to move or add any fish to a waterway. I would gladly put in $50 to the cause...

[@juanaspi9150]

Id follow up with some cash also

[@neilw5198]

Check out the ones at Glenwood, there's about 4.

[@neilw5198]

The big lake would be amazing for bass....

[@shaneblackwood9052]

For what is worth the Hills Shire Council offices are three minutes walk away from that pond.

[@GrowbaG2381]

native fish are the key to keep this fishroach in check, catfish are bottom feeders and love carp eggs, would be a good start

[@badlordboris6238]

you ok? no videos for a while getting worried

[@pb839]

Have to point out to everyone that this is designed clearly as an ornamental pond and all fish have been placed there, even the carpy looking carp are I believe an exotic strain, not overpopulated because it is ornamental, the carp are just waiting for ducks to be fed, there is even a large aireator/fountain as shown in your video to keep them going in hot weather. I had to go over there for a scan last week at one of the medical facilities right by the lake there. I did take a rod with me after seeing Aarons video thinking I might have a go, but it is so clearly an ornamental pond I didn't even try. So no wonder the security guards won't let you take fish. BTW Kirk you are wrong it is not illegal to return carp to the water you have caught them from. I'd like to see proof that they damage eco systems and if they do, will they do the same investigations for non-native trout?

[@Pennnnn27272]

There koi carp

[@hynot9175]

I keep koi carp, loved having em for 30 od years, but hate the euro carp in our systems, leave them on bank if I catch. The problem with surburban ponds\lakes, is people dump their aquarium\pond fish & baby koi in there, cause they are too soft to bury them in the garden. Then there are some braindeads that live there & say they are their pets & would throttle you for catching them!

[@mikebellamy4760]

I know this pond well. Lake Belvedere at Sydney Olympic Pond is just as bad, maybe worse.

[@bushmancam]

hey mate how about we all get together and donate some cash to buy the bass fingerlings and introduce em, this is a great idea, if everyone on here donated $2 imagibe how many bass that will buy, developers and councils wont help domit youreself

[@shaneblackwood9052]

Phone the council. They will be into this. You might be surprised

[@thomastommygun8487]

The local council should do a competition day who ever catches the biggest or most carp in a hour wins prizes my local council did it at eagle vale pond to eradicate the carp and yes I won the comp biggest carp 68 cm 4.8 kg and most fish catch 4 won 2 savage rods a $100 bcf voucher and 2 trophies.

[@GrowbaG2381]

Carp musters are not the answer

[@DRSWISHMAN]

why not stock cod? they would surely smash the population

[@ynots0625]

i was half expecting the carp to eat the ducks

[@blakeclarke3289]

Where's this pond

[@scottgraham3370]

Bella Vista NSW nth west suburbs Sydney

[@blakeclarke3289]

Wouldn't mind hooking a few mud marlin might take a rod next time

[@waynebond4524]

Good luck with the security guards there