OUTDOOR CORNER: NIGHT GIG BEGINS FOR FALL FISHERMEN

Attention anglers. The nighttime gigging season on streams in now open.

Some people may say, "What is gigging?" Basically, gigging is catching a fish with a long-handled spear. You have never lived until you have sat around a fire on a gravel bar with friends telling lies and eating freshling gigged fish.

Anglers can gig only nongame fish, which includes suckers, carp, buffalo, drum and gar. Gigging for nongame fish is legal on streams and impounded waters between sunrise and midnight from Sept. 15-Jan. 15. The daily limit is 20 fish. In the Current River from Cedar Grove downstream top the Arkansas line, the daily limit may include no more than five northern hogsuckers (a.k.a. hog mollies).

The basic equipment needed for a gigging trip includes a gig, lights and a boat. Gigs come in many shapes and sizes. I use a three-prong gig but I have seen four- and even five-prong gigs. A good gig is made out of heavy tempered steel. These prongs won't bend when you hit rocks. Those little frog gigs that are sold at discount stores will quickly bend and become useless. A 10- to 15-foot handle is necessary because a lot off the gigging action takes place in deep pools.

Lights also come in many shapes and styles. I own an 8-mantle light which runs off a small propane tank. A lot of people use a generator and several halogen spotlights. I prefer the gas light because it is quiet and keeps the gigger warm on those cold nights.

A wide bottomed, 14- to 16-foot jon boat with a 25 hp jet outboard is perfect for gigging. I prefer a wide bottomed boat for added stability. I prefer a 14-foot boat because it is easier to pull over riffles on the smaller streams. A waste high rail on the front deck of the boat is also a must. Lastly, don't forget to wear a life jacket at all times.

The best part of the gigging trip is the fish fry afterwards. After you scale and fillet the fish, you need to score each fillet. Scoring will allow any small bones left in the fillet to be dissolved by the hot cooking oil. To score, simply place the fillet skin side down and cut through the fillet almost to the skin, but not completely through. Repeat this process approximately every 1/4 inch. Cook the fish in 400 degree peanut oil until the fillets are golden brown. In addition, don't forget to bring some sliced potatoes, french fries or hush puppy batter.

While the Current River is one of the more popular gigging rivers, anglers should not forget some of the other streams in southeast Missouri. The Whitewater, Castor, St. Francis and Black rivers all support excellent populations of nongame fish. Information on streams in Missouri can be found in the 1996 Fishing Prospects at Selected Missouri Lakes and Streams, which is available at the Missouri Department of Conservation office at 2302 County Park Drive, Cape Girardeau, Mo 63701 (290-5730).

Paul Ciesewicz is a fisheries management biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation.