Strange Critter

[lonkm]

Went out yesterday and was enjoying it. Had one rod bend over and thought I was in luck. Reeled in this critter. Looked like a salamander, was about 10 to 11 inches long, the color of a flathead catfish, four legs, was very strong and slimy. Took some doing to get it off the hook. That and one big gill was it. Lots of boats running by, but it was great just to be out on the water.

[bttmline]

Yuck, Mud Puppy

[Speck]

Yes sir. It sounds like a mud puppy
http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-mudpuppy.html

[LBM]

How did it taste.:D

[lonkm]

Found out what is was. I released it right away. I found out they are considered endangered and are under study to find out why they are dying. It was said that they think brown trout are killing them. That will be one huge trout to eat that thing!!!!

[Crappie hazard]

Ya! I've caught one of them, but its been so long ago I'm not sure what lake I caught it on.

[perchplucker]

The MDC wants you to call and report any that you catch. There is a number in the small book that you get with the fishing rules in it. My husband has caught 2 on the Missouri River and there aren't brown trout in there to eat them. They are ugly and slimy.

[Beau]

I think you all may be talking about a water dog as they are known in the ozarks and they do get as large as 12'' I have seen but never cought one.

[Speck]

I think they are all the same critter, just called different names in different parts of the state.

[CRAPPIEHUNTER68]

Man these things are ugly.