A scaleless carp weighing less than 1 kg can sell for 200 yuan.
Tanchos said he has met guests who wish to try the specialty. Driven by profits, some disregard the ban and fish for the carp for profit.
Song Shengtang, 56, a retired police officer in Xining, had similar experiences. He began receiving visitors on driving tours in 2006, charging 600 yuan a day. He saw very small carps were being fished, with authorities often turning a blind eye.
Stricter enforcement of the fishing ban should be adopted, Song said.
Challenges remain for smoking ban