You'll Want to See the New Video of the Wild 'Peoria Carp Hunters' Featuring Our Very Own Blaze Editor

Over two years ago, TheBlaze introduced you to the Peoria Carp Hunters (of Peoria, Illinois) -- a trident-wielding, water-skiing, high-pitched-yelling, wild duo that turned a weird phenomenon where Asian Carp leap feet into the air when a boat goes by into not only a business but several viral videos. They became a hit on TheBlaze. And it was then we vowed to pay them a visit. Nearly three years later we did -- and the footage we got is both wonderful and hilarious.

Capt. Nate Wallick trying to slash some carp in the original Peoria Carp Hunters video. (Source: YouTube screen shot)

The carp hunters aren't your normal businessmen. They consist of Nate Wallick (a fireman) and Zac Hoffman (a corporate office supply guy) -- lifelong friends who have a knack for the crazy and wonderful. Nate runs the actual business part (an areal bowfishing adventure that costs about $140/hour) while Zac helps come up with some of the crazy ideas for the viral videos that help promote it.

It's worked.

Their original video has over 700,000 hits. They've been featured on Animal Planet, in the Chicago Tribune, and companies are now starting to send them free merchandise just to have them promote it.

Hoffman (L) with that author (middle) and Wallick. (Credit: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

But don't think it's gone to their heads. They're still just your normal, Midwestern guys who talk about faith, family, freedom and of course fish.

That brings us to this past August. Scheduling conflicts kept me from visiting in the past, but we finally settled on a date this summer. I went hoping to capture footage of what’s turned them into a sensation. I wasn't dissapointed. In fact, the duo was even able to get me up on skis -- and I even managed to slay a few carp.

I'm not exaggerating when I say it was some of the most fun I've had in my lifetime. Not only because of the action, but because the guys (and their families) are great.

Don't believe me? Check out some of the highlights (which of course involve a high-powered rifle and footage of plenty of failures and a few successes):

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

Carp Hunter Zac Hoffman finds success with the trident. (Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

Carp hunter Capt. Nate Wallick patrols for carp on water skis. (Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

(Source: Jonathon M. Seidl/TheBlaze)

But that's only a small taste. For the full effect, watch the video of the entire three day adventure. You won't regret it:

Want to know more about the carp hunters? We featured a full write-up of their faith and values in the latest edition of the TheBlaze magazine. Subscribe to learn more about them.  To book your own Asian carp adventure, email peoriacarphunters@gmail.com or visit peoriacarphunters.com. You won't regret it.