It might be a good way for removing numbers, but I'm sorry it's not even going to put a dent in the Asian carp population, not even close to a solution.

Yepper. Afraid they are here for good.

When it is a species like Asian Carp that can't normally be caught on conventional tackle, I don't see it as morally wrong. No problem allowing a different kind of sport if it is beneficial. Though I might could see the problem with the issue of off target species.

An example would be Oklahoma's Paddlefish program. Snagging of paddlefish in Oklahoma is legal within strict regulation. It provides a sport fishery of a different kind that many may think immoral. Being a filter feeder, the fish can be caught by no other legal way except maybe spearfishing. It brings tax dollars to Oklahoma, sells fishing licenses, and expecially through the State's caviar program, creates revenue that funds the State's Paddlefish hatchery and restocking program that is successfully restoring lost populations such as in the river system above Texoma as well as other parts of the State.

I am sure there are off target species snagged by those Paddlefish anglers including an occasional game fish. Not just carp. But I would think the small risk to the few off target fish is far offset by the benefits of the entire Paddlefish program. I imagine the same weight of benefit is what Tennessee applys to the control of an invasive filter feeder like Bighead carp with a snagging season.

Pointless debate really, Snagging nor bowfishing will amount to any significant loss in MAJOR waterways and lakes.

If Asian carp were harvested, utilized, and served another purpose aside from being thrown on the bank than I would say snag fishing would be a just method of catching them; however when snag fisherman claim they are 'benefiting' or 'helping' the water its kind of a laugh. Beyond just pure sport in snagging them it's kind of a lost cause. Bighead, and Silver carp can be caught on conventional methods (as illustrated in an earlier post), but just like the common carp many fisherman just aren't going to give it a try.

As far as population control goes this matter is going to lie with biologists, and the fisheries departments.

In the article posted, the fish were being kept and eaten by the persons catching them. "I got an auntie who makes 'mackerel' patties out of 'em," he said."She feeds the whole neighborhood."

Your statement "As far as population control goes this matter is going to lie with biologists, and the fisheries departments." makes no sense. Population control is management. Fisheries departments set fishing regulations at the recommendation of Fisheries Biologists. Their number one management tool is sport fishing. That includes you and me. Take bass fishing. When a lake is changed from a single length limit to a slot limit due to an over abundance of smaller fish, the bioligists make the recommendation on the hope that the sport fisher will take those small fish from the lake. Population control or management ends with us.

I will agree with you that the moral issue is what we do with the fish after we take them, but not the manner of take if it is deamed a beneficial or necessary management tool by the managing fisheries department.

Fortunately on the moral issue, many fisheries departments now encourage use of these fish taken and include articles and recipies for doing so. It is a culture change that as expected will take years, but it is changing. Missouri for an example.
http://mdc.mo.gov/conmag/2004/07/20.htm

Thanks for the link, Yak. I've thought about trying eating grass carp and they most likely need to be prepared the same way.