Ep 1. Flying Carp

In the premiere episode of Monster Fish, season 1, host Zeb Hogan travels to the Midwest in search of one of the region's most elusive and destructive species: the invasive Asian Flying Carp. These fish have become a major ecological problem, creating havoc in local ecosystems with their jumping behavior, often leaping out of the water and colliding with boats and watercraft.

Hogan starts his search at a fish hatchery, where he meets up with a team of biologists who have been studying the Flying Carp for years. According to one expert, the carp were brought to the United States in the 1960s as a way to control algae growth in fish ponds. But the carp quickly escaped into nearby rivers and streams, where they thrived and multiplied, eventually making their way into the Great Lakes.

To catch a Flying Carp, Hogan has to get creative. He tries a variety of methods, including using a bow and arrow, a slingshot, and even a net launcher. But the carp prove elusive, leaping out of the water at the last minute and narrowly avoiding capture.

As Hogan continues his search, he learns more about the impact that the carp are having on local ecosystems. Not only do they pose a threat to boats and watercraft, but they also outcompete native fish for food and habitat. Hogan sees firsthand how the carp are causing chaos in the water, as flocks of seagulls and other birds swarm around them, trying to catch the airborne fish in mid-air.

Throughout the episode, Hogan meets with a variety of experts, from biologists and ecologists to local fisherman and business owners. He also explores the history of the Flying Carp in the United States, from their initial introduction to their rampant spread throughout the country.

Despite the challenges, Hogan remains determined to catch a Flying Carp. In the end, his persistence pays off, as he uses a specially designed boat and net system to finally capture one of these elusive fish. Hogan and his team examine the carp up close, measuring its length and weight, and taking samples to better understand its biology and behavior.

The episode concludes with Hogan reflecting on the importance of protecting native ecosystems from invasive species like the Flying Carp. It's a lesson that he'll carry with him as he continues his quest to catch and study Monster Fish from around the world.