Experimental hand-fishing season runs until July 15

Special to the Southeast Missourian

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's experimental hand-fishing season entered its second year June 1, with 26 people buying permits by opening morning.

They have a month and a half to catch catfish without the aid of hooks, lines, poles or other equipment.

The Missouri Department of Conservation continues to track hand-fishers' success as part of its ongoing effort to gather scientific data on catfish.

The experimental season runs from sunrise to sunset through July 15 in parts of three streams -- the Fabius River system from the mouth to the Highway 61 bridge and the South Fabius River in Marion County from the Highway 61 bridge upstream to Dunn Ford Access; the Mississippi River from the mouth of the Fabius River upstream to the mouth of the Des Moines River; and the part of the St. Francis River that forms the boundary between Arkansas and Missouri.

Hand-fishing permits are $7 and are available only from the Conservation Department's Central Office. The process of applying for and receiving a hand-fishing permit takes several days, so advance planning is necessary. The permits are available by calling (573) 522-4115, ext. 3553. Participants must buy a regular fishing permit.

Hand fishers may take up to five channel, blue or flathead catfish in the aggregate daily. A 22-inch minimum length limit applies to flathead and blue catfish. Hand-fishers may use only their feet and bare hands without the aid of hooks or other manmade devices. They are not allowed to possess fishing equipment, except stringers.

Hand fishers are required to report their catches within 10 days of the season close.

Of the 108 persons who purchased hand-fishing permits in 2005, 22 failed to submit reports. Fifty-seven of the 86 hand-fishers who did submit reports said they went hand-fishing and caught a total of 30 catfish.