Hand Fishing for Cats

**Danny W** · 02-21-2013, 01:47 AM

Originally Posted by old fuzzy

When i was a youngster u could sit around the feed store and tell who the noodlers were by just looking at their forarms and wrist,, (all skinned up)

The Glaize Creek up past PB-1 to the Swinging Bridge and then to Rt.A ,was a popular place

Back when my dad and I had the jet prop we used to love to run up there and mushroom hunt.

**LOZ Targa** · 02-21-2013, 07:28 PM

Mushrooms......YUMMMMMM............Some fresh morels and crappie fillets would sure be good right now.

**siscokid** · 02-26-2013, 11:43 PM

I dont quite understand why we can or can't use this method of fishing because someone decided it's classified a sport fish. What difference does it make how a fish is classified? As far as the impact on the fish, do we have a shortage of catfish? I would like to see what impact it's made in other states that allow it. I'm guessing none. Just my opinion. I would think pollution and dropping water tables and mother nature would have more of an impact on things.

**beagle man** · 02-27-2013, 03:39 PM

the hand fishing would only impact a certain area or areas, like small streams, slow flowing rivers, and human nature being what it is, it would be over fished and these areas would no longer be able to support a population of fish to catch. big lakes, it would be hard to over fish the deep water areas, feeder creeks would get hurt the worst. on the big rivers, I do not think there would be a problem on fish populations, but alas I am not a fisheries biologist and my two cents is worth only a lick and a promise.

**old jack** · 02-28-2013, 11:57 PM

me and my brother and dad noodle little sac and over on pomme river and i still have scars on my forearms.. i am 60 now and iwas just a little punk back then .same way about frogging had lots of fun at that too .

**MDCAgent663_Clay** · 03-04-2013, 05:25 PM

There are several considerations here that are reflected in the Code that prohibits “hand fishing”. First off, what is good for one state may not be good for another regardless of their shared borders. Many studies have shown the negative impacts of hand fishing for cats and the reality that Missouri has more anglers and anglers interested in hand fishing than neighboring states could lead to a depletion of the population. For a more detailed explanation I will refer you to the expert opinions on our website and a MOAFS article that describes the potential impacts of hand fishing cats in Missouri (SEE BELOW).

As for trotlines: 3CSR 10-6.410 (4) FISHING METHODS states that “live bait traps, hooks, trotlines, throwlines, limblines, banklines, or anchored jug lines (rendered immobile from the location where set) may not be left unattended for more than twenty-four (24) hours or must be completely removed…."

I can understand your frustration with unchecked gear. If you see a violation or know of a violation of this or any of the regulations of the Wildlife Code of Missouri I strongly urge you to contact your local Agent to report the issue.

http://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations/why-no-noodling

http://www.moafs.org/newsletter/June%202011/2011%20MOAFS%20%20Hand%20Fishing%20White%20Paper.p df

Posted: 04 March 2013
-Dan Schepis
Conservation Agent
Clay Co., MO

**MOfishmgr** · 03-05-2013, 02:21 PM

Let me clarify what I meant when I referred to catfish being classified as a sport fish. Sport fish = desireable fish, everything else is bait or a rough fish. Sport fish can have many regulations on them. In states where catfish are not considered a sport fish, there are few regulations regarding methods or limits. In Missouri, catfish are one of our most prized sport fish. As such, we manage them to distrubute the harvest to as many anglers as possible and to protect the populations from over harvest. That's all I meant by "sport fish"

Thread: Hand Fishing for Cats

Thread Tools

Display

Posting Permissions