FIFTY carp were fished out of the Murray River at Mildura on Sunday during the annual Catch a Carp Day. 

A record 273 people dangled a line in an attempt to nab the fish universally maligned as the rat of the river.

Included was this surprised specimen, who turned in a handy impression of a stunned mullet.

The senior division was won by 20-year-old Amanda Doolan, while 14-year-old Jarrad Legg won the junior section.

A record crowd of more than 600 people attended the event on the Rowing Club lawns, up significantly on last year.

The event aims to encourage locals to learn more about the river system and what is being done to improve the health of the Murray River.

Mallee CMA chairwoman Joan Burns said the interest in this year’s Catch a Carp Day was unprecedented.

“It is very rewarding to see the community getting behind this event and actively working to improve the health of our river.