Yes, they are already commercial fishing for them ... they almost HAVE TO, since the other rough fish they used to fish for have declined in numbers. I just don't know how many commercial fishermen groups are actively engaged.
Yes, there are several processing plants in the Western Ky region. The newest one is in Hickman, Ky. But, even with the state subsidy of 5cts per pound and the processing plants 10cts per pound (total of 15cts/lb) ... the costs of commercial fishermen are not always offset at that price per pound. Consider that price per pound against the 50cts per pound of catfish, for instance.
(some statistics/info was taken from this article -
http://www.wpsdlocal6.com/story/2933...n-carp-fishing )
... pappy