… and Brownliner’s are the only line of defense for the nation’s waterways.
A recent story on a child being knocked unconscious by a jumping Asian Carp piqued my interest, what I wasn’t prepared for is the scope of the issue and how far reaching the problem has become.
Imported by Midwest farmers to filter ponds, and escaping into the Mississippi River during flood season, the Asian Carp is on a collision course with the cold waters of the Great Lakes and Canada – and only an electric fence exists between them and the projected collapse of the entire fishery.
Asian Carp Invasion – Part 2
Their behavior is something you have to see to believe. It’s thought that the leap into the air as a reaction to predators, but millions of 10-20 lb fish going airborne at the same time is enough to deny rivers to pleasure boat traffic completely.
Asian Carp Invasion – Part 1
I’d hate to think a wading angler might get the same reaction.
We’re used to mini and micro invasive species that a liberal dose of 409 can stymie, but I don’t think you’re prepared to combat something that can take you out just as quickly.
The rough fish contingent may be able to slow them somewhat as they blow through the brown water, but this is a cold water fish and may be the future of many streams that hold trout. It’s silver and jumps so you may not miss much …
Amazing. It could be some sort of elaborate plot by PETA but I gotta say, wonder what they’d be like on the end of a fly line?
That aside;
Our Nova Scotian salmon streams are delicate at the best of times, these things would be a nightmare.
Apparently Ontario is the only Canadian province that’s banned them for import, the concern is that someone will use them for bait – as they’re bloody prevalent south of the Great Lakes.
I don’t think you’ll have to wonder what they’re like on a fly rod – survival of the fittest suggests these will surplant a lot of trout in the pristine water.
You can forget water skiing however, this fish will limit boat traffic to five mile an hour speed limits – or risk death.
It’s pretty astounding – especially the Part 2 clip, where they zapped the water to show you how many were present.
With your great insight on all things aquatic, what exactly does it mean for humankind when supposedly water-bound wildlife leaps skyward to take us out?
Add to your carp threat the mayhem caused by flying massive manta rays and presumed docile dolphins.
http://sanddollaradventures.wordpress.com/2008/05/01/when-pigs-can-flyon-second-thought-maybe-they-shouldnt-try/
With signs like this and Sarah Palin as a heartbeat away from becoming president, is this the beginning of the end times?
Perhaps, the Brownliner’s are the Knights Templar, holding the breach – while the rest look at their 401K and gash themselves..
No rod, no reel, no problem: http://www.mediaflix.net/video-People-shooting-Asian-Carp-with-bow-and-arrow.aspx