The Carp, We Don’t Keepit event is run by the Lake Keepit Family and The Pub Angling Clubs, who are hoping to make it an annual family day out on the fishing calendar, as well as an important starting point to the conservation conversation.

The anglers ranged from professional to amateur, with the keen fisherman and women pulling out 579 carp from the dam, weighing in at an impressive 565kg.

Coordinator Ane Michie said that one of the interesting things to come out of the second year was the difference in fish size and weight compared to the inaugural year in 2016.

“We caught a lot more fish than last year but recorded less weight overall,” Mrs Michie said.

“I don’t know if it is the rain or dam levels but the fish were smaller and we got more of them. At least they won’t grow to be big carp now.” 

Once again it was a female angler that landed the catch of the day, with Kristy Bain pulling in a 7.695kg monster, while Jamie Urqhart pulled in the longest with a 72cm fish.

Jarrod Denman had the most successful outing, with 40 fish landed over the weekend.

“It is a great community event and family fun day out,” Mrs Michie said.

“We probably don’t make a lot of difference, but it is a good way to start the conversation about ethical and responsible fishing.” 

The caught carp will be made into fertiliser.

Keepit Dam has a capacity of 425,000 megalitres, making it nearly as large as Sydney Harbour.

It is currently sitting at 62.3 per cent capacity.

The concrete wall is 533 metres long and 55 metres high.