"Redneck" Fishing Tournament Battles Invasive Carp Species

BATH, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 03: David Mobley is struck in the face by a fish during Betty DeFord's Original Redneck Fishin' Tournament on August 03, 2024 in Bath, Illinois. The annual fishing tournament targets Asian carp (also known as copi or silver carp) which is an invasive species in the Illinois river that has been destructive to the natural ecosystem and hazardous to boaters because of the propensity of the fish to leap up to 10 feet out of the water when spooked by vibrations from boat motors. Participants in the tournament use only fish landing nets to try and catch the fish while they are airborne. Many tournament anglers wear helmets and other protective gear to help prevent injuries when they get struck by airborne fish during the contest. Proceeds from the tournament are used to help homeless veterans. The captured fish are processed into fertilizer. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)