Question
Hello Robyn,
Last autumn I rescued about 56 mirror carp of all sizes from 7 inches up to 20 + from our lake (set in 1/2 acre) which had all but dried up.  We put the fish into a smaller pond 40'x 15'and they over wintered well- had to protect from heron and lost 2 or 3.  However we subsequently had the lake re-excavated and all the silt build up removed.  This was done last october and there is now a decent amount of water in it and it is certainly ready for the fish to go back.  Problem is how do we now re-catch the fish?  It was easy the first time as they were literally flopping about in what was left of the lake water - not much more than muddy pools and sitting targets for herons and us to catch.  The pond they are in now is a natural one i.e. no liner.  It does not have a smooth flat bottom.  In fact there are plenty of plants/pond weed growing from the bottom, so trawling a large net across would not work, nor would trying to net them individually - they would just hide in the more inacessable parts and get very stressed.  I was wondering whether controlled stunning electronically would be a safe option and if so how to do it or find someone to do it.  Would it have an adverse effect on the fish?  Or is there another way.  They really cannot stay where they are for much longer as that pond is also silting up and needs to be dredged.  Would very much appreciate your views.
Many thanks for your time.

Answer
I would not shock them.  It's dangerous.  Unfortunately, it sounds like you'll have to get dirty.  If you can pump the water level down, it will be much more helpful.  While the plants and uneven bottom certainly impede netting, a kick seine net to herd the fish to a smaller section of the pond would make it easier to catch at least the bulk of them.  I'm afraid to get them all for sure, it sounds like you'd have to pump the pond mostly dry.  If that's not possible, you can try feeding them in one spot each day and netting as many as you can when they come up.  You wouldn't get all of them but most over time as long as they are eager to eat koi food.  It would help to have multiple people in the water if you want to individually catch them.  One person could herd one towards another person.  Sounds like a lot of work.  Good luck!

Robyn
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