Asian Carp

There has been lots of talk on the forum about the asian carp problem. Many reports about thin fish. mrdux has put up pictures of fish with no food in their stomachs. Adam has posted extensive descriptions of data collection from years past. That data, unless I’ve mis-interpreted, does not draw a conclusion that the asian carp are a direct reason to the low fish weights we have all been seeing in our creel. It seems to point more to a cyclical trend.

I believe KDFR has and is doing everything they have $$$ to do about the problem. We all support their efforts, but I believe most of us still blame what we are seeing in our creel on the Asian carp. They may not be the only cause, but they are a contributor and their numbers are growing faster every day.

Until the federal government subsidizes the commercial fishermen like they do the farmers there will never be enough $$ to make it profitable to harvest the numbers required to reduce the poulation. Over harvest will be required and only money will cause that. The commercial fishermen dont make enough and they can take as many as they want. Harvesting asian carp just doesnt pay their bills.

If a $5 carp fee was placed on Ky licenses, most sportmen would be willing to pay and help. This would give KDFR more $$ to do what they can in the state. I propose every sportman send a letter to our US senators asking them to put forth legislation to subsidize the commercial fishermen and tax incentives for entrepreneurs to build processing plants. MONEY TALKS. They will catch LOTS more of them if it is profitable, more processing plants to deal with the numbers, and more jobs for people to work in the plants.

Alright boys. Its time to quit griping about the problem and get to solving it. Aint nothing gonna work like money. Time to Blow up Rand Paul’s phone and email. I am sending my letter to Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell today. What arebthe rest of you doing after church?


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Let's do it! Well said.

McConnell, Mitch - (R - KY)

317 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510

(202) 224-2541

Contact: www.mcconnell.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=contact

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Paul, Rand - (R - KY)

167 Russell Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510

(202) 224-4343

Contact: www.paul.senate.gov/connect/email-rand

Here you go guys. They will not do a thing unless they hear from EVERY ONE OF US. I would love to see a post from every C.C member AFTER he sends both Mr. Paul and Mr. McConnell a letter expressing their concern about the asian carp problem and asking for assistance in solving it.

Adam. We know you and KDFR are doing all that the funding you have allows you to do. Please respond and give us guidance on how we can best assist you in getting something done about this problem. You need $$$$ to do more. How can we encourage state and federal legislators to do something to get more $$$$ to spend on this problem? I believe federal help is needed to do it. Give us your thoughts on how to proceed.

Firstly, thanks for trusting that we really are doing as much as we can to fix the problem. Asian carp are a huge threat and are certainly affecting our fishery. It would be hard to describe kdfwr’s efforts so far as the “pinnacle of success”. We know we aren’t doing enough and we know we need to do more to get rid of these fish. There are no easy solutions but this is definitely a team effort and I am glad to see more and more people willing to help in any way they can.

I will have to get more guidance from frankfort about how you should proceed with organizing and how involved we can be in the process. Anytime money and politics are involved there are potential ethical guidelines that I don’t ever want to be accused of crossing. I will get you more info this week.

There is a large new group of concerned anglers on Facebook. FAAC fishermen against Asian carp. I have already reached out to their leadership and they are a very motivated group that is organizing rapidly. We’ve discussed everything from carp to cormorants and grass. They are looking for more Kentucky members and representatives to serve in leadership roles. Their primary communication tool is Facebook of course but I’m sure they will have other means of spreading information and organizing. My contact has been with Larry Ellis. Lyon county judge exec Wade White is also laying the groundwork for a grassroots organization to combat Asian carp.

Once again, we are looking for any evidence of a successful carp spawn in the lakes or tailwaters of ky or Barkley. If anyone observes small (<8”) Asian carp in these areas please collect the specimen, record the location, and take photos. Stomach contents of predatory fish will work as well. Kept on ice or frozen is best. You can private message me here, our local Facebook page (western Kentucky fisheries) or send us an email for a positive ID. With the flows we’ve seen so far there is a strong chance we may see a successful spawn this year. We will conduct our own sampling of course, but we need your help.

Thanks for offering to help. We will definitely find a way to work together on this.

And if the govt were to subsidize the commercial fishing enough to make it worth their while ....then we'd have 50-11 posts on here with folks cussing because they lost a crank or jig in a net. Seen it on this very forum before.

P

I have my letter typed, and will be sending it out via email and snail tomorrow.

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I am one of folks. All they have to do is mark their nets with proper buoys. In early March, one man had cut off the whole back end of Malcolm creek. How was I supposed to get my boat back to the dock?? I want them out there but we need to be warned. Listen, I'm on the lake 200 days a year. Fish the same areas for days at a time if crappies etc. are present. When a commercial moves in after I'm there and the next day I hang six cranks in his net at one time I get pissed. Yea he marked it with a black float about the size of a hockey puck. I never cut their nets and I know it isn't my lake. I do know several who would cut their nets. If they'd mark the danged things properly and not be paranoid that someone is going to steal their catch I'd (we) would have no problems. They most likely are not breaking any rules but KDFWR should change the rules and make a decent marker rule. I don't know the commercial regs and don't care to read them but one was stretched from Moors area all the way across to the quarry...I watched him. Try pulling a crank thru there on a pirogue.

Now back to fishing.

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Originally Posted by Pirogue

And if the govt were to subsidize the commercial fishing enough to make it worth their while ....then we'd have 50-11 posts on here with folks cussing because they lost a crank or jig in a net. Seen it on this very forum before.

P

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Originally Posted by BIGBADDAD

I am one of folks. All they have to do is mark their nets with proper buoys. In early March, one man had cut off the whole back end of Malcolm creek. How was I supposed to get my boat back to the dock?? I want them out there but we need to be warned. Listen, I'm on the lake 200 days a year. Fish the same areas for days at a time if crappies etc. are present. When a commercial moves in after I'm there and the next day I hang six cranks in his net at one time I get pissed. Yea he marked it with a black float about the size of a hockey puck. I never cut their nets and I know it isn't my lake. I do know several who would cut their nets. If they'd mark the danged things properly and not be paranoid that someone is going to steal their catch I'd (we) would have no problems. They most likely are not breaking any rules but KDFWR should change the rules and make a decent marker rule. I don't know the commercial regs and don't care to read them but one was stretched from Moors area all the way across to the quarry...I watched him. Try pulling a crank thru there on a pirogue.

Now back to fishing.

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BBD,
You're not who I was talking about.....you're not on here complaining about the Asian carp daily....in fact you say you haven't noticed a difference in crappie numbers or health.
I was suggesting that the ones begging for the state/feds to do something,will be the first ones to gripe when they get hung in a commercial net. Folks wanna have their cake and eat it too.

P

Attachment 298744
Here is a 15 inch crappie from Big Sandy that only weighed 1 lb

My goodness, that fish is sick. Its color is hideous and it looks like it hasn't eaten in weeks. Wow! Here's a healthy one I caught from Barkley the other morning. I do wonder if Barkley's crappie are possibly in much better shape than Ky lake's.

14 fish today spider riggin ... Not 1 baitfish in 14 bellies ...

This is scary ...

:-(

Rickie

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

14 fish today spider riggin ... Not 1 baitfish in 14 bellies ...

This is scary ...

:-(

Rickie

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Your going to be labeled as wanting your cake and ice cream too Rickie.......

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by rnvinc

14 fish today spider riggin ... Not 1 baitfish in 14 bellies ...

This is scary ...

:-(

Rickie

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The fish have been that way since early last fall Ricky.
I've had one brief week to 10 day period that I had shad in the fish I cleaned around the end of Febuary and other than that absolutely nothing much to speak of.

Got this big black. Almost sixteen inches. Pound and a half on the scale. Fish this big should be well over two pounds.
Attachment 298802

I think Pirogue is correct. Some people will complain about losing a $6 crank bait in a commercial fisherman’s net. I’ll risk losing a crankbait or a jig to preserve the fishery. The carp have completely disrupted the food chain. The carp eat the food the baitfish eat. If they have nothing to eat, no baitfish. The crappie eat the baitfish. If no baitfish, then eventually no crappie. No crappie means no need to waste money on cranks and jigs to fish lose in a net.

Look at all the reports and pictures of thin fish. They didnt go on a diet, they dont have enough to eat. No reports of baitfish being seen on sonar. The Crappie USA tournament this past wknd reported the lowest weight ever for Ky/barkley according to the tournament director. My letter of concern is gone to Mr. McConnell and Mr. Paul. If we sit aroumd and do nothing we can only blame ourselves if that is the result we get.

The only way I see to eliminate or reduce carp numbers to the point they dont affect the food chain is to overharvest them. Profitability is the only way to cause that to happen. The federal government is the only pocket deep enough to subsidize commercial fishermen to make it profitable to overharvest. Extra funds are also needed to help KDFWR do their job. I will risk losing a crank bait or two to preserve the fishery. I wish we could unite and work together to help solve the problem before we just sit back and ignore it beyond repair. Any other suggestions out there to do it? Lets talk.


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Chaunc, Nice catch and thanks for posting. Now, I see some Bluegill in the catch. Let me know if these seemed healthy to you. The reason I'm asking is that I want to come down in May/June for a week of Bluegill fishing. If they are skin and bones, I'd like to know. Was there last year and they all seemed OK of what I caught.


Thanks, Jim

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Originally Posted by KFC

I think Pirogue is correct. Some people will complain about losing a $6 crank bait in a commercial fisherman’s net. I’ll risk losing a crankbait or a jig to preserve the fishery. The carp have completely disrupted the food chain. The carp eat the food the baitfish eat. If they have nothing to eat, no baitfish. The crappie eat the baitfish. If no baitfish, then eventually no crappie. No crappie means no need to waste money on cranks and jigs to fish lose in a net.

Look at all the reports and pictures of thin fish. They didnt go on a diet, they dont have enough to eat. No reports of baitfish being seen on sonar. The Crappie USA tournament this past wknd reported the lowest weight ever for Ky/barkley according to the tournament director. My letter of concern is gone to Mr. McConnell and Mr. Paul. If we sit aroumd and do nothing we can only blame ourselves if that is the result we get.

The only way I see to eliminate or reduce carp numbers to the point they dont affect the food chain is to overharvest them. Profitability is the only way to cause that to happen. The federal government is the only pocket deep enough to subsidize commercial fishermen to make it profitable to overharvest. Extra funds are also needed to help KDFWR do their job. I will risk losing a crank bait or two to preserve the fishery. I wish we could unite and work together to help solve the problem before we just sit back and ignore it beyond repair. Any other suggestions out there to do it? Lets talk.


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Most of the problem with the nets is that most of them do not follow the guidelines with the floating markers every "x" feet. They only have one on each end. This happened to me on Good Friday at Jonathan Creek.
Regardless, netting is not going to do what everyone wants it to do. These fish are out of control, period. They have destroyed the ecosystem/food chain. These fish are in so poor of condition it is sickening. There is nothing in their stomachs, none of them are showing fat stomachs, their belly and back fat is almost non existent.

Adam, with the lack of food sources, could our population of crappie begin to slow in overall growth, potentially taking longer to reach 10", and possibly living shorter lives due to lack of nutrition?

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Today wasn't a good day on Barkley. We fished pretty hard for about five hours straight and landed one catfish, three bluegill, and about a dozen yellow bass. We were fishing for crappie the majority of time outside of the last hour in which I switched to redworms from minnows. We talked to a half dozen boats and nobody was catching anything. Several boats reported not even getting one bite!!

When leaving Willow Bay today, the Asians were doing aerial acrobatics behind my motor. I'll bet there were a hundred of them in an area the size of a small house. These are big fish, 10-15 pounds or more. We also saw some that were so big they couldn't really get out of the water despite their efforts.

It's just a SCARY SITUATION. A couple of folks told me that these fish actually suck in bluegill, redear, crappie and bass eggs as they swim around in constant gorge mode. We hear of them eating plankton but don't hear of them eating all of the eggs as much??

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Originally Posted by bandchaser

Most of the problem with the nets is that most of them do not follow the guidelines with the floating markers every "x" feet. They only have one on each end. This happened to me on Good Friday at Jonathan Creek.
Regardless, netting is not going to do what everyone wants it to do. These fish are out of control, period. They have destroyed the ecosystem/food chain. These fish are in so poor of condition it is sickening. There is nothing in their stomachs, none of them are showing fat stomachs, their belly and back fat is almost non existent.

Adam, with the lack of food sources, could our population of crappie begin to slow in overall growth, potentially taking longer to reach 10", and possibly living shorter lives due to lack of nutrition?

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Other than commercial fishermen....what kind of plan do you have ??
If I was as concerned as you seem to be....I wouldn't care if there was an unmarked net every 50 yards across every bay on the lake. Gripe about the carp.....gripe about skinny fish....gripe about hanging up on nets.
Typical.

P

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Originally Posted by Pirogue

Other than commercial fishermen....what kind of plan do you have ??
If I was as concerned as you seem to be....I wouldn't care if there was an unmarked net every 50 yards across every bay on the lake. Gripe about the carp.....gripe about skinny fish....gripe about hanging up on nets.
Typical.

P

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If the law and regulations state there should be floating buoys or markers every "x" feet, and then by God follow the law.

I haven't seen a respectable plan of yours on this subject, so why don't you share your infinite wisdom with the rest of us. It appears that your much wiser than all of us, and your activity on the board is just absolutely amazing. I mean, your so involved with so many of us, and all the other forums.

With your intense experience of these invasive species, in your expert opinion what should we do? What have you done to stop them in Illinois? What letters, research and involvement have you done in your home state?

Step up to the box "P", let's hear what you have got to say. Please, share with lesser minded, typical people.....


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TWRA has scheduled a meeting in Paris, TN, on May 24, 6PM, Henry County Fairgrounds.
Asian Carp is purpose of the meeting.
Im posting on both Kentucky and Tennessee pages, as some on Kentucky Lake, but in Kentucky may want to attend.

I’d be willing to pay an extra $5.00 on my license. But I’d want to see a plan as to what they will be using the money for or a bill that says the money can’t be spent on anything else. Seems like if money is sent to Frankfort for one thing they tend to do what they want with it.


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[QUOTE=Pirogue;3619725]Other than commercial fishermen....what kind of plan do you have ??
If I was as concerned as you seem to be....I wouldn't care if there was an unmarked net every 50 yards across every bay on the lake. Gripe about the carp.....gripe about skinny fish....gripe about hanging up on nets.
Typical.


So far your comments have been to gripe about the posts of other members who are concerned about what is happening to the fishery in their state. Typical huh? Here is your last post.

And if the govt were to subsidize the commercial fishing enough to make it worth their while ....then we'd have 50-11 posts on here with folks cussing because they lost a crank or jig in a net. Seen it on this very forum before.

Maybe what is typical is how you support other members with a problem we are all worried about. Your optimism and camaraderie is overwhelming. If you don't like my idea of dealing with the problem, why don't you offer something productive like a solution. We would welcome your comments and assistance.

Bandchaser doesn't think netting is the only solution either by his earlier post. He is probably right. It probably won't solve the problem singularly. At least he is willing to work together and doesn't criticize other members for trying to do something. He sent a letter to his state reps in Washington and is willing to take action. I appreciate his comments and am willing to listen and work with him and others who want to preserve our fishery. He and I might not agree on every detail, but we both agree SOMETHING HAS TO BE DONE NOW. That makes us a team. We are on the same side from different perspectives. I am sure there a many other members who have valuable suggestions to offer. So Pirogue, what else do you have to offer? We have all heard the old saying, "Lead, Follow, get out of the Way. Which one are you gonna be P?

I will be going if possible. I want to hear what they have to say. Anyone else want to meet in Murray and head down to Paris for the meeting? Maybe grab a bite beforehand.

Meant to place this under Lane47's post. Evidently I'm not smart enough to do that.

These species have the ability to produce over 1 million eggs per large adult each year, and where conditions are suitable for reproduction, their numbers cannot be controlled by agency efforts alone.

Commercial harvest is the only means of which we have to realistically reduce Asian carp numbers in those two important reservoirs, and KDFWR will do everything we can to promote additional harvest.

Both of the above were copied directly from the KDFWR website on what they have said about Ky/Barkley lakes. That is why I suggested federal subsidy for commercial fishermen to make harvesting them profitable and thus an incentive to do so in sufficient numbers to reduce the population to the point it brings the exosystem back into balance. This will allow the baitfish to rebound and the fish that depend on the baitfish.


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Originally Posted by KFC

These species have the ability to produce over 1 million eggs per large adult each year, and where conditions are suitable for reproduction, their numbers cannot be controlled by agency efforts alone.

Commercial harvest is the only means of which we have to realistically reduce Asian carp numbers in those two important reservoirs, and KDFWR will do everything we can to promote additional harvest.

Both of the above were copied directly from the KDFWR website on what they have said about Ky/Barkley lakes. That is why I suggested federal subsidy for commercial fishermen to make harvesting them profitable and thus an incentive to do so in sufficient numbers to reduce the population to the point it brings the exosystem back into balance. This will allow the baitfish to rebound and the fish that depend on the baitfish.


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KFC,
That's exactly my point. Right now commercial fishing is about the only option there is.
Someone (Feds?) will have to subsidize it enough to make it worth the commercial fishermens time.
At today's prices it's just not worth it to them,especially when they have nets hacked up by "sportsmen" who get a bait hung in them.

P

Does anyone know what the current price is for Asian carp? I think the state should be encouraging people to take up nets and pursue these fish.

Lots of business opportunities exist for people who are willing to work hard. Business opportunities exist for people with money to invest, too. Interesting to think about.

"Friendly" reminder, let please keep this conversation "family friendly".

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Originally Posted by redearhoosier

Does anyone know what the current price is for Asian carp? I think the state should be encouraging people to take up nets and pursue these fish.

Lots of business opportunities exist for people who are willing to work hard. Business opportunities exist for people with money to invest, too. Interesting to think about.

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Less than 15 cents a lb

P

Thank You Slab. We should all remember we are brothers in kind. Pirogue, it seems we do agree the asian carp are a problem and it appears from what the KDFWR has posted, they agree with us. Commercial fishing will be the most effective method to get them in check. Common ground is a wonderful thing.

If we can all unite and get our represntatives in Washington to put forth legislation that will appropriate funds to subsdize the commercial fishermen and make it profitable for them to harvest the carp we can have a multi factoral win.
The carp population drastically reduced or maybe eradicated.
Commercial fishermen make money while removing a nuisance.
Processing plants built, jobs for locals, and product export.
Government recoupment of subsidy in taxes from the business on all above.
Rebound in baitfish numbers and best of ALL.
Preservation of our fishery.

That is why, as a step forward, I posted a week ago asking Every member to send a letter to their state representatives asking for their assistance in obtaining funds to get the ball rolling. The voices of many voters ring louder than a few.

Here is the problem with the current methods, they are not working well enough.
Adam and the Asian carp team are working hard at this problem, but government is not going to back anything unless they get something in return.
Our jobs as citizens is to put the people in place to make the necessary hard decisions that our state and country face, and to hold them accountable.

Now, last year I did a research paper for a marketing class and I had to market something to any country where it was to help the citizens of that country. He Central African Republic is the poorest country in the world, and guess how much dollars in aid, food, water, ect the U.S. sent over there in less than 6 months..........
try $24 Million dollars!!

What could this country done with that money? Could have supplemented these commercial fisherman with the right pay to entice additional resources to join the fight.
Also, built additional processing plants to handle the increased workloads.
Could have purchased this meat, and shipped it to the Central African Republic for food. Fish is in their top 3 meats of a typical diet in Africa.

Wait, we got another problem, nobody wants to work in these processing plants because it's a nasty, low paying job, and you gotta work. Local agencies pull their hair out trying to find people to fill the need, but folks are walking out on the jobs, not reporting to work, refusing to work.

But we must truly think outside of the box with this situation. One that I have discussed with several before. Australia has been experimenting for 7 years to inject their growing and already out of control Asian carp problem with the Herpes virus. It attacks the gill system of the Asian carp suffocating them to death. Their government is investing over $15 Million into the injection process, and the clean up afterwards.

Our problem is not going to go away without thinking outside the box and trap nets.

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I've sat back for several days, watching sniping going on by a most renowned expert in his own mind, criticizing what we who have been on the lakes most every day are seeing with our own eyes. If I say the crappie are starving, it's because I'm seeing it with my own eyes, not what somebody on a website says. I recently cleaned 9 nice crappie, one 15" and 2 more over 14" with the rest 11" and above that when filleted all fit into ONE quart ziplock bag with room to spare. Last year that same catch would have almost filled 2 quart bags. There is obviously a reason for that.

There has been nobody here who has advocated more for commercial netting as a stop-gap for the carp invasion. I have zero illusion that netting alone will even slow down what has already gotten out of hand. I've attended meetings with F&W and the Tourism Board where talking heads all patted each other on the backs, walked out of the building, then did absolutely zero that I can see of what they proposed in front of the commercial fishermen and guides present.

The commercial netters are required to mark their nets very well with buoys PLUS stay within sight of the nets the entire time they are in the water. Does anybody really feel that netter is going to sit back and watch somebody cut up a piece of gear worth several thousands of $$ to get a crankbait or jig out? I'm almost 62 years old and have spent over 50 of those years on these lakes and so far have never found a reason to cut up a trotline or net unless it was an old one that had been left unattended for an obvious long time. That commercial fisherman has exactly the same right to be on the lakes when pursuing his legal trade as the guy who fishes the lake 1 day a decade or 5 days a week. Netters are going to be a daily occurrence once the price for Asian carp in the rough gets up closer to 20 cents/pound. I will welcome their sight and try my best to work with them and around them to prevent any interference and expect others to do the same. It's going to take educating the public, not harping on some web site.

Info...Asian Carp Response in the Midwest | AsianCarp.us

I will be there.

I will be there.

Thanks to all for voicing your concerns and support regarding the Asian carp issue. There are a few new public groups starting up right now to help with the many facets of this issue. Kdfwr is still laying the groundwork for how we can interact and work together on this issue. The TWRA meeting should also shed some light on the ways Tennessee is fighting these fish. Hopefully I will see some of you there.

Kdfwr has had very few conflicts reported between commercial fishermen and recreational anglers on the big lakes. This is not the case in some other areas of the country and I’m always proud to hear that people on our lakes are getting along for the most part. If a conflict does arise, give us a call and let us know. There are specific regulations designed to limit these conflicts, but we all know conflicts still happen. There is little doubt in anyone’s mind that we need much more harvest and removal of Asian carp. Current goals are to at least double the current harvest to five million pounds a year. Price must go up or operating costs must go down to make this happen. (We are approaching that from both sides).
New harvest methods are also being tested as well as the new sound barrier technology.
My main concern this year is the increased chance of a successful spawn due to high flows in the lakes and tailwaters. Another successful spawn would be extremely detrimental to our efforts. It really needs to stop raining.

I was very fortunate to come down last week and spend a couple of days fishing on Kentucky and Barkley, although the crappie were not as cooperative as i would have liked them to be, i did manage a handful of keepers each day and had fun being out on the water. I am always amazed with how friendly the people of West Kentucky are, and the hospitality they show towards the out of towner's. Thank You for always making my trips enjoyable regardless if i leave with a cooler full of fish! With that being said, i left with the impression the carp situation is beyond the point of being controlled, I don't think the entire crab fleet from the Deadliest Catch TV Show could catch all them carp. Sig Hanson is good but couldn't put a dent in there population. These are a couple of screen shots i took of one bay of Kentucky Lake, and Barkley is no different.
Attachment 299578Attachment 299579

It's scary the thought of an another successful spawn in the lakes.

I’ve fished Ky lake for the past 15 years and always been pretty successful at catching crappie. Not so much this spring so far as most others. I fished Blood River last Friday April 20th for about 5 hours. Had 1 keeper and 8 throwbacks. We packed up and headed south to Big Sandy. We fished another 5 hours and had 4 keepers and 18 throwbacks. Before I trailered the boat I released all 5 as they weren’t worth filleting. Saturday we went to Johnathon creek. Fished around 7 hours. We caught 32 with 8 keepers. They were all released as well being very poor.
To sum up our trip we caught 58 total with 13 keepers. The biggest fish was 11 1/2”, the other 12 were between 10-10 1/2” so no slabs.
The water temp at blood river, when we started was 54, it warmed up to 57 around 11:30. Big sandy was 58 when we started around 2:00 and warmed up to around 61 by late evening. Johnathon creek was 57 early Saturday morning and way 62 when we left around 1:30.
I seen several “shad” balls on the graph that very well may have been Asian carp.
All the crappie we caught were paper thin. I milked a couple and their eggs were very immature looking. Reminded me of fall looking eggs.
I’m afraid the economy is gonna go south very quickly unless something is done about these carp. I have no answers at all. I’m not sure anyone does at this point.
We were long line trolling with 9 lines in the water from 14’ down to 5’. Gonna head back this Friday and Saturday for round 2.
The main thing we had fun and an uneventful trip. Hope this helps.
Safe fishing!!!

MR and all, I've read the most recent posts and you guys are right on it. I see that Western KY at KY and Barkley lakes now have a great opportunity to provide the people of the US and other countries with a very good food source for everyone. We have too many fish in our two lakes We want to harvest them at a fair price and also process them at a fair price to provide the US(send to food banks, etc) and other countries that need this food source. I know we've had government programs in the past for these cases. Does anyone remember the 'Cheese' program, or the government 'pool' program for tobacco growers?. I think we could get a program that is centered in the KY and Barkley lakes that pays a minimum rate per pound (they could get more if the demand goes up) for commercial fishermen who harvest the carp and also sets a minimum per pound rate for the processing plants that would get the fish prepared for use in the US or 3rd world countries to provide food to their people I just can't believe that we can have this resource currently in the lakes and cannot figure out what to do with it. Don't think there will ever be problem in the future of reducing the amount of carp in both lakes. It will be there from now on. We need to figure out how to use the piles of filets that could come from the lakes to help feed somebody rather than try to kill them. I think it is now too late for our KY Fish and Wildlife to figure out what to do. They knew they were coming and did nothing. So far, they look like they are clueless on a solution.