Sep 13, 2006 6:46 am US/Eastern
Gotta See Video: 'Redneck' Fishing Tourney
BATH, Ill. (CBS News) ―
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Fish were flying all over the place during the tournament.
CBS
At what they call the "Redneck Fishing Tournament" in Bath, Ill., there are two main rules: No fishing poles allowed; and fish at your own risk.
"You catch em' in the air, they fly," one fisherman explains.
"They'll nail you!" another fisherman said.
One guy just got a black eye and a broken nose from one of the flying fish.
The fish are Asian carp, and whenever they hear a boat motor they absolutely freak out. The noise scares the "carp" out of them, so to speak.
Of course, with so much flack in the air, someone is bound to take a hit. "America's Funniest Videos" would kill for this footage of one boater getting nailed right where it hurts.
It might go without saying, but this particular species of fish has grown a little out of control. It's not even native to the region. It was introduced by accident about a decade ago and is threatening rivers and lakes from Louisiana to Minnesota.
Researchers say the problem is that the fish are such big eaters and fast breeders that they force out all the indigenous species. The federal government has even built underwater electric barriers to try and stop the invasion.
Of course that won't help here, which is why Betty Deford started the fishing tournament in the first place.
"I do have something against these fish -- they tried to hurt me," Betty said with a laugh.
In three hours, 70 boats caught 1,800 carp. But, unfortunately, that's a drop in the bucket. They really need a better answer. They need it so badly it hurts.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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