Scales in the Eyes

“A project is simply the first draft of the future.”

For over thirty years, carp fishing has given us far more than just memories.

It has brought sleepless nights filled with emotion, built lifelong friendships, and taken us to places forever etched in our minds.

And sometimes… it has given us fish we will never forget.

Through Brakass Adventure, we’ve shared these moments through films, photos and stories.

But at some point, telling stories isn’t enough anymore.

You feel the need to give something back.

Today, that’s exactly what we’re trying to do.

While content creation remains at the heart of what we do, we wanted to take things further — to build something more tangible, something that actually contributes to the waters and the fish we care so much about.

“Scales in the Eyes” was born from that mindset:small actions today, to shape a better fishing experience tomorrow.

Unlike our previous projects — clean-ups or educational work — this one is much more focused, aimed directly at the carp fishing community.

The Concept

The idea is simple:

• select carp with truly unique scale patterns,

• grow them in the right conditions,

• release them into public waters once they reach a size that gives them a real chance to survive.

In private fisheries, this kind of approach is common practice.In public waters, however, it’s still very rare.

Over time, and without intervention, carp genetics tend to drift back toward the common strain. Mirror and unusual fish become less frequent.

Some associations already stock mirror carp — but we wanted to push things a little further…and focus on truly standout fish.

It’s only a small contribution.

But it’s our way of giving something back to a world that has given us so much.

How It Started

The project first took shape in March 2025.

It all began when i helped drain a breeding pond.

Hundreds of fish passed through the nets — fully scaled, linears, ghosts, koi… the kind of fish every carp angler dreams of.

A handful of young fish were kept aside and entrusted to his friend Yohan Cornibe, who was already working on growing selected carp.

That’s when the idea clicked.

Very quickly, it became a central topic within the Brakass team.

Of course, questions came up:

• What’s the goal?

• How much will it cost?

• What are the risks?

Truth is, there’s probably more to lose than to gain.

But some projects aren’t about profit.

They just make sense.

The Plan

The project is built around several key steps:

• selecting standout fish,

• finding suitable waters for growing them on,

• spreading the fish across different environments,

• feeding them to reach around 5–6 kg,

• recovering them during pond drainings,

• working with professionals to ensure fish health,

• and finally, making them available to local angling clubs for stocking.

The goal is simple:to introduce exceptional fish across different regions, and help maintain both genetic and visual diversity in public waters.

Keeping Locations Quiet

The waters used to grow these fish won’t be publicly shared.

This is essential to:

• avoid excessive fishing pressure,

• protect fragile environments,

• and prevent the downsides of overexposure.

The focus will always be on the fish — not the locations.

Carp Fishing in France

France offers one of the largest freshwater networks in Europe, with thousands of lakes, rivers and canals.

Every year, around 1.4 million fishing licences are sold — and the real number of anglers is even higher.

Carp fishing has become a major part of that scene.

With its big waters and famous fish, France is now one of the top destinations in Europe. Anglers from the UK, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands travel here every year chasing their next dream fish.

In some areas, that international pressure is significant.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

Fishing licence money supports environmental management, habitat restoration, scientific studies — and sometimes fish stocking.

Back in the 70s and 80s, stocking was a major focus.

Today, the priority has shifted toward natural balance and habitat restoration.

A positive change — but one that also means fewer fish are being introduced.

And over time… that shows.

This project isn’t about replacing that approach.

It’s about supporting it — by bringing in small numbers of carefully selected fish where it makes sense.

Two Ways Forward

Option 1: Buying fish

Sourcing fish directly from fish farms.

At current prices, stocking around twenty 5 kg fish would cost between €1,500 and €2,000 (excluding transport).

Option 2: Growing young fish

Selecting small carp and growing them on before stocking.

This approach takes much more time and effort:

feeding, protection from predators, logistics, health checks…

Financially lighter, but far more demanding.

A Combined Approach

Ideally, both methods can be combined.

Quick impact through stocked fish,long-term vision through growing selected individuals.

We’re lucky to work with a highly skilled breeder — and a close friend — which allows us to be extremely selective.

A Controlled Project

This isn’t about dumping fish into waters.

It’s about:

• supporting struggling populations,

• refreshing genetics where needed.

Every potential water must be carefully studied before any action is taken.

And nothing happens without working closely with local organisations and federations.

Thinking Long Term

This project isn’t about quick results.

It’s about acting slowly, carefully, and responsibly — introducing exceptional fish over time to preserve what makes carp fishing so special.

So that one day, someone else can stand on the bank…and meet one of these fish.

Final Thoughts

This project is, above all, symbolic.

A project driven by passion, for future generations.

A way of preserving a freshwater heritage admired across Europe.

Yes, there’s a small part of selfishness in it —the kind only carp anglers truly understand.

But if this idea works, we hope it can spread beyond France.

Because at the end of the day, we’re not just anglers from one country.

We’re part of a wider community.

And what benefits one water… can benefit many others.

Because in the end: "projects are simply dreams waiting to be built".

Soël