With small eyes that peer over a two-foot long spoonbill snout at one end and a shark’s tail at the other end, it’s unlikely many would describe the paddlefish as attractive. But for hundreds of Missouri anglers there is nothing more beautiful than the sight of a seven-foot long, 100 pound paddlefish at the end of a snagline.
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The paddlefish is a sort of living fossil. More closely related to sharks than to Missouri’s other fish, it has a skeleton of cartilage. Its food consists of tiny aquatic plants and animals. Paddlefish collect these by swimming around with their mouths open and filtering water though their gills. They make the most of this diet, reaching weights of more than 100 pounds.
The paddlefish snagging season runs from March 15 through April 30. The daily limit is two. Paddlefish must be released immediately if they measure less than 24 inches from eye to fork of tail.
Full details of paddlefish regulations are listed in the 2011 Summary of Fishing Regulations, which is available free wherever fishing permits are sold.
The challenge of hauling in a large fish is just part of the thrill of paddlefish snagging. Paddlefish aren’t interested in any kind of lure or bait that can be put on a hook. Consequently, anglers must snag the big fish by randomly jerking lines with treble hooks in the water. Snagging is only effective when paddlefish are concentrated in a few areas. This occurs in the spring, when the fish move upstream in response to their spawning urge.
Even though paddlefish still obey their urge to spawn, dams, pollution and habitat destruction now prevent successful spawning. Missouri’s paddlefish population depends on stocking by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
If you are looking to get outside and shake off the winter blues, why not head south and see if you can snag a prehistoric monster. If you’re lucky, you might come home with some of the best tasting meat you can find on the end of a rod and reel.