Recreational Response to U.S. Fish Invasion
September 15, 2021
Introduction
The invasive Asian Carp is quite possibly the most hated freshwater fish in the United States, or at least it is by federal wildlife officials. Currently, one of the most effective ways of dealing with the problem of these overpopulated invasive fish is by equipping boats with electric prods that stick into the water and shock the fish to stun them up to the surface for easy collection.
However, the state and federal government agencies aren’t the only one’s consciously making an effort to address the issue.
Recreational Resistance
Many communities in areas overpopulated by the Asian Carp have adopted new traditions and local events to combat the problem while also having a good time
“The Redneck Fishing Tournament”
Probably one of the more dangerous ways to go fishing, but you can’t argue with the results! The town of Bath, Illinois, started a yearly “Redneck Fishing Tournament” where they throttle-up their motors and head full-speed down the river on, mostly, aluminum boats in an effort to scare the carp. When frightened, the carp lunge out of the water and event-participants will either try to grab them in nets or just let them flop right onto the deck. As the video below shows, it’s surprisingly effective.
“Skarping”
Less organized and “official” as the last event, these boaters created a new form of sport that combines waterskiing with a bit of lacrosse and a lot of flopping fish.
KANE ANTHONY 