Imagine yourself on the lake, ready to cast your line in the water, and start a relaxing day of fishing. In the blink of an eye, a 40-pound fish leaps into your boat, knocking your bait can into the water.

Does that story sound far-fetched? According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), a certain species of carp is known for doing just that, and more.

The Asian Carp, also known as the Silver Carp, has been introduced into local streams and rivers by upstream entities using them to reduce algae in their waterways, and by anglers illegally using them as live bait. Once a few of them break free or are turned loose, they begin to quickly multiply in number.

While this may not sound like a huge problem, the plankton-eating carp can upset the delicate balance of the local ecosystem by starving out the native species that feed on the same organisms.

The MDC says that the carp can grow to around 50 pounds, and are good to eat, with a taste similar to catfish. The good news is that there are no catch restrictions on Silver Carp. You may catch and keep as many as you like, as long as you don’t use them as bait.

For more information, check out mdc.mo.gov to learn more about the Silver Carp and how to filet and prepare this little-known fish.

Always feel free to contact me throughout the year with any comments, questions, or issues by calling my office at (573) 751-5713 or by visiting my website at www.senate.mo.gov/brown.

Thank you for reading this and for your participation in state government.