Conservation Agent Eric Abbott nabbed four men handfishing and possessing this fish in the Tarkio River in Atchison County in August 2012. Abbott released the large flathead, topping 40 pounds, back into the river.

MDC Staff

Q: What is noodling?

A: Noodling is a common term for hand-fishing.

This is the method of reaching underwater into natural cavities formed in riverbanks or by tree roots, logs, or rocks and capturing a catfish by hand. When the catfish bites onto the hand, the noodler pulls the fish off the nest and out of the water. This method is primarily used to catch flathead catfish and blue catfish in Missouri when these fish are spawning or nesting in small rivers or streams.

Q: How popular is noodling or hand-fishing?

A: The common estimate is about 2,000 people in Missouri hand-fish. That number could top almost 13,000 if the practice was legalized.

A Missouri Department of Conservation survey of Missouri anglers shows that about 4.6 percent of those surveyed would be “very likely” to participate in hand-fishing if it was legalized. Based on fishing permit sales, that number could amount to almost 13,000 noodlers statewide.

Q: If other states allow hand-fishing, why does the Conservation Commission of Missouri oppose it? Read more

WOODLAND, Washington — Action, sensitivity, and purposeful construction are the driving forces behind G. Loomis’ new line of IMX-PRO Ice rods, a 12-model lineup that will be available at tackle shops in early October. The IMX-PRO Ice series includes 5 rods with solid graphite blank construction for panfish and lighter applications as well as 7 tubular graphite blank rods for targeting walleye, northern pike, lake trout, and other larger species.

The G. Loomis crew began the development of the IMX-PRO Ice rods in January of 2019 during a trip to Lake of the Woods, perfectly coinciding with the week of the infamous ‘Polar Vortex’ weather event As the crew ventured out onto the ice in morning temperatures hovering at 50 below zero — and never going above 30 below zero for nearly four days —they experienced ice fishing in its utmost extreme. “Knowing that our goal was to design the best ice rods for any and all conditions, we quickly learned our full cork grip design and the use of REC recoil guides was a must,” said David Brinkerhoff with G. Loomis’ design team. “Our continued research in much better weather conditions during later trips that season as well as last winter led us to utilizing split-cork grips on our lighter power rods to enhance strike detection and hook-setting performance.” Read more

RACINE, Wis.,– Since the initial release, anglers at all levels have enjoyed the fish-finding advantages of the Humminbird® HELIX® series of fish finders. Now, Humminbird is introducing the fourth generation (G4N) HELIX models, delivering more technology than ever, with a wide range of features and screen sizes suitable for any fishing application. The new HELIX G4N Series gives anglers the latest in innovative imaging technology, with MEGA Imaging+™, and a variety of screen sizes from 8-inch to the new 15.4-inch display, ensuring there is a HELIX G4N to fit any angler’s needs. The new HELIX 15 model boasts a giant 15.4”, ultra-bright and crystal-clear display to see all of the details provided by exclusive Humminbird sonar, navigation and networking technologies.

“Humminbird has always been dedicated to putting the most innovative technologies in the hands of anglers, and the new HELIX G4N Series does just that,” said Matt Cook, Humminbird Brand Manager. “With the introduction of HELIX G4N models, anglers have the ability to focus on productive water and catch more fish.” Read more

On August 20 during their annual coldwater survey, DEC’s Lake Erie Fisheries Research Unit staff captured a 36 inch, 21 pound lake trout. What was incredible wasn’t the size of the fish, but the age – the coded wire tag revealed the fish to be 35 years old! This is the oldest recorded lake trout in the history of the 39-year survey, being stocked from shore off Barcelona Harbor, NY in the spring of 1986. To see a fish reach this size is exciting, but finding out that this lake trout has been swimming around Lake Erie for over 30 years, avoiding anglers and surviving numerous attacks by sea lampreys is truly remarkable!

Tracker Marine has announced availability of their popular 175 TXW all-welded aluminum bass boat in an electric-powered model.

The company says the two-battery version will go about 20 miles at up to 24 mph with a full charge. The outboard itself, from Pure Watercraft, looks sort of like the lower unit of a standard outboard, without the powerhead. The batteries put out 350 volts each, and are rated to survive about 1500 cycles of recharging.

Reportedly the high-capacity batteries can go from half to full charge in 90 minutes with the included onboard charger.

While the rig would not be suitable for large bass lakes where long runs are typical, for smaller lakes and rivers it might well gain traction. The company promises low maintenance, very little noise and of course you never have to visit the gas station, while at the same time doing good things for air quality.

Base price is $24,000 with the single battery model, which has a lower range than the dual battery version. The package includes single-axle trailer, 12-volt Minn Kota troller with separate battery and Lowrance HOOK2 depthfinder. No word on how soon these boats will actually be sitting in your driveway, but a $500 refundable deposit gets you in line to own one.

See details here: https://www.purewatercraft.com/product/tracker-pro-team-175-txw-bass-boat.

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