Used to go down to the river after school, a long time ago, to target big carp.  We would catch garbage bags full and then drop them at the dump on the way home – invasive pest species, and we were doing our bit to clean up the waterway.

Dead easy to catch.  A corn kernel, from a can, or bread on a small hook under a float was irresistible to them.  We landed some absolute beasts, but the best fishing was the nearby mountain trout streams and lakes, and the southern coast of NSW near Ulladulla.

Well done on the Murray Cod, there were none when we fished there and it is good to see.  I wrote a population biology essay at Uni, also a long time ago, about the potential reasons for the demise of Maccullochella peelii in Australian local waterways – those carp had to go, and modern lures were very effective so hunting restrictions were required to protect local populations and create a sustainable fishery.  Good to see that the native fish have returned to the area.  

 Hello Mick C,

Thanks for sharing.

I was surprised to know that the situation was worse previously. Anyway, the government has been releasing thousands of Murray Cod fingerlings in ACT waterways over past few years. So, the situation is much better now.