1994 FISH CREEL LIMITS REVAMPED

JEFFERSON CITY -- Anglers will no longer see the words "No Limit" in Missouri's fishing regulations after January 1, 1994.

The Conservation Commission has approved a recommendation to improve and simplify the "seasons and limit" portion of the fishing chapter of the wildlife code.

One of the noticeable changes will be replacement of the column for possession limits with a note that fish possession limits, with a few exceptions, will be double the daily limit.

Another change is that the old creel limit of 25 pounds plus one fish for non-game fish will be replaced with a numerical limit.

Jim Fry, Fisheries Division chief for the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), said the limit of 25 pounds plus one fish has been around as long as he can remember.

"A long time ago several states had similar limits. It's more of a traditional thing, rather than a biological regulation, and it sure isn't very practical for conservation agents to enforce."

The change affects carp, buffalo, shad and gar. Beginning in 1994, the limit on these fishes will be 5 per day the same as for bluegills and other sunfishes, suckers, bullheads and other species not defined as "game fish" in the wildlife code. The possession limit on these fish, referred to as "all other fish in the aggregate," will be 100.

These limits will not apply to fish taken by snagging, snaring, grabbing, gigging, longbow or crossbow. The limit with those methods is still 20 fish in the aggregate.

Simplifying the regulation is only one consideration for next year change. Improving the quality of fishing is another priority.

"As the number of anglers increases, we're required to become better stewards of our resources," said Fry.

"We've done surveys that show only a small percentage of anglers catch more than 20 bluegills per trip, so the new numerical limit will be simpler and more realistic. We are also concerned about creating a possible stigma for some fish by having a limitless creel. The new limits should benefit everyone and d a very important message: all fish are important and have value."

MDC offers literature on how to prepare bait for carp and other non-game fish. It also has "how-to, where-to" information for persons interested in catching non-game fish. This information is available by contacting Fisheries Division, Fishing Opportunities, Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Missouri 65102-0180.