An Unofficial 'The MeatEater Podcast' Reading List
Ep. 793: The Mysteries of Gar Fish
November 17, 2025
Description
Books Referenced
Author: Unknown
Context:
Steve Rinella mentions reading this book while discussing the history of commercial fishing in the Great Lakes and the deliberate introduction of carp. He describes it as 'a really good book' that covers how native fisheries collapsed from over-harvest and habitat destruction, while fishery managers were simultaneously introducing carp thinking people would appreciate them as food fish.
Author: Matt Miller
Context:
Solomon David references this book by Matt Miller (director of Science Communications for the Nature Conservancy) when discussing conservation efforts and the concept of 'gar wars.' He describes it as being about fishing and conservation, and notes that Miller brought up the 'gar wars' idea in the book, using it broadly to discuss not just gars but other non-game native fish.