Yia Vang Catches the Fish Taking Over America’s Rivers — Then Cooks It Over Fire

Yia Vang heads onto the Illinois River to learn firsthand about copi, the invasive fish once better known as Asian carp. After setting nets and pulling in a boatload of fish, Yia discovers how commercial fishing is helping protect native species — and why changing the way people think about this overlooked fish could be part of the solution. Back on shore, Yia puts the catch to work, cooking a whole fish over the fire with aromatics and a savory glaze while his hosts fry up ribs, boneless strips and even experiment with the swim bladder. What starts as an environmental problem ends as a seriously good outdoor feast. Along the way, Yia learns why fishermen are removing millions of pounds of copi from the Illinois River each year — and why getting more people to eat this mild-flavored fish could help protect the river’s ecosystem. #YiaVang #FERAL #InvasiveSpecies