HCS HB 1279 -- HAND FISHING

SPONSOR:  Townley

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Conservation and Natural Resources by a vote of 13 to 5.

This substitute allows a person to hand fish for catfish or carp
during the months of June and July.  Hand fishing will not
include nesting boxes, hand hooks, seines, or nets.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the Department of Conservation
will set limits, by rule, on how many fish can be caught.  Hand
fishing has a minimal effect on the catfish population and is
already legal in Missouri for frogs, turtles, and live bait.
Catfish populations are stable or growing in Missouri.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Shoemyer (9);
Noodlers Anonymous; Missouri Farm Bureau; and Missouri Farmers
Union.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that hand fishing is
not ethical, and you should not be allowed to take fish off the
nest.  The Department of Conservation has the knowledge and
expertise in this area, and it should be left in their hands.

Testifying against the bill were Ozark Fly Fishers; and
Department of Conservation.

Marc Webb, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:15 am