The Missouri Conservation Commission gave initial approval to several proposed regulation changes to the Wildlife Code of Missouri by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) for paddlefish, related fishing methods and commercial fishing. during its meeting on Friday, August 27.

The items discussed at the open meeting are as followed:

• A regulation change establishes a definition of snagging, which is currently undefined in the Wildlife Code of Missouri;
• A proposed amendment establishes a statewide minimum length limit of 32 inches for sport/recreational taking of paddlefish, up from the current minimum length of 24 inches for most areas of the state;
• Another proposed regulation amendment adds 15 days to the fall/winter snagging, snaring, or grabbing season for taking fish — except paddlefish — by extending the season end from January 31 to February 15 and also prohibits snagging for all species of fish on Table Rock Lake after taking the daily limit of two paddlefish;
• And a proposed amendment establishing a commercial paddlefish fishing season of November 1 through April 15 on the Mississippi River (minimum length limit of 32 inches) to limit the commercial harvest of paddlefish only during cooler water temperature.

According to a press release, snagging is a popular method for taking fish, such as paddlefish, that do not go after baited hooksSnagging uses a heavy-duty fishing pole with a large, three-pronged hook on a line to snag a fish along its body as it swims.

The MDC definition of snagging is: “Hooking or attempting to hook a fish in a part of the body other than the mouth or jaw by means of a pole, line, and hook. Snagging is characterized by a repeated drawing or jerking motion of the pole, line, and hook or by trolling with an unbaited hook rather than enticement by bait or lure.”

The existing minimum length limit of 34 inches will remain in effect for Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Truman Lake, and their tributaries. All paddlefish under the legal minimum length must be returned to the water unharmed immediately after being caught.

Officials say paddlefish can grow to a length of about seven feet and weigh 100 pounds or more. The increased length limit will allow female paddlefish to reach sexual maturity before they can be harvested.

The paddlefish snagging season for the state’s major paddlefish snagging waters — Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, and Table Rock Lake — and most other waters in the state remains March 15 through April 30.

The paddlefish season for the Mississippi River remains March 15 through May 15 with a fall season of September 15 through December 15.

MDC asked for public comments on the proposed regulation changes this spring. Of the 260 people who provided comments, there was strong support for all proposed paddlefish regulations.