The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is extending the fish gigging season by 15 days beginning this season. The upcoming season will run September 15 through February 15, 2020.
According to a news release, the move to lengthen the season was based on public feedback MDC received through an online survey conducted last year and an assessment that lengthening the season would not harm non-target species.
The Missouri Conservation Commission approved the change during its Aug. 23 meeting.
Gigging is a type of spearing fish where participants use a long forklike spear, or gig, rather than catching them with a hook and line. Giggers usually stand at the bow of a flat-bottomed boat outfitted with a bright light and a rail to lean upon. They hold their fork-tipped spears over the surface of the water, and once they spot a fish, they gig it with their spears.
The Wildlife Code of Missouri mandates that fish described as “Other Fish” are the only species that may be taken when gigging. The most common targets are the northern hogsucker and species of redhorse commonly referred to as “yellow suckers.”
The daily limit is 20 fish total. Game fish cannot be harvested by gigging. Giggers should identify fish prior to gigging so that game fish are not taken illegally.
For more information on fish gigging, visit MDC’s website at mdc.mo.gov.

Photo provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation.