#fishingtrip

EAT THE CARP poster, 1911. Records of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, NARA ID 5710027. Featured in the National Archives exhibit “What’s Cooking Uncle Sam.”

Two students hold a bighead carp. Illinois Waterway; Mississippi River; Great Lakes. undated. Records of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, NARA ID 166698952.

EAT THE CARP! Good for gefilte fish... and more! By Miriam Kleiman, Public Affairs

The US Fish and Wildlife Service's creative and innovative outreach dates back more than a century, as shown in this 1911 "EAT THE CARP!" poster imploring Americans to embrace, fish, and eat the heavily proliferating carp. The poster is a brilliant appeal to turn of the century foodies! (NARA holds millions of records from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Record Group 22, dating back to 1868!)

"Catch the carp; buy the carp, cook the carp properly and eat it. Eat the roe; can the roe. Make carp jelly. Can the fish. Smoke it too."

Need more encouragement? Carp: something for everyone!

For keto fans: "This meat is wholesome and nutritious. It contains as much protein as sirloin steak."

Got GI issues? "It is easily digestible."

For followers - join the pack! "Somebody ate the 43,000,000 pounds of carp. Therefore the carp must be good to eat."

EAT ME! Original caption: "This fish is in trouble. A Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge (MO) employee holds an Asian carp, (Invasive species), for the camera." Records of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, NARA ID 166692514.

More CARP records!

"It's summertime and the living is easy. Fish are jumping..." (George Gershwin, Porgy and Bess )

These Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge (MO) employees electrofish for the Asian carp, undated, Records of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, NARA ID 166692518. "Tree Catches Fish" "This Asian carp, (Invasive species), jumps up to the trees to escape the long arm of the biologists."

Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge (MO), undated. Records of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, NARA ID 166692522.

Boy and Carp, Department of the Interior. Bureau of Indian Affairs. Pine Ridge Agency, undated. NARA ID 12459787.

Don't forget the gefilte fish!

Dancing gefilte fish gif online here.

More online!

“A Carpapalooza: An American Anthem”, Pieces of History

Learn about the dangers of illegal muskrat trapping!

Fur Warden Sketches Map of Fortymile River Basin in Alaska, The Text Message.

Out on the water this holiday weekend?

Part of the excitement of recreational fishing is not knowing what you will encounter. Keep these best practices in mind so you can be well-prepared for any situation.

📸 Legal fish and photographs are the only two things you’re allowed to take with you! Remember to practice Leave No Trace principles.

🪝 Non-offset, non-stainless steel, barbless circle hooks are easier to remove, quicker to self-shed, and minimize injury to you, your catch, and other protected species.

♻️ Secure everything onboard until you can recycle or dispose of your trash properly.

🐟 Slow down and maneuver your vessel behind or around wildlife and spawning beds.

🐬 DO NOT feed wildlife or release your catch when fish or wildlife are nearby.

🚤 Comply with regulations, posted speed limits, and pole through seagrass beds. Stay 200 feet from other boaters and keep your wake size in check.

🎣 Lead by example! Millions of people visit national marine sanctuaries each year. Your actions help to set a tone for visitors in years to come!