Niangua River Produces Missouri’s First Record Fish of 2010

By Jim Low, Missouri Dept. of Conservation

First posted on 02-23-2010

A gigging trip on the Niangua River in Dallas County produced Missouri’s first state-record white sucker in the alternative methods category.

Fifteen-year-old Joshua Lee Vance of Bolivar gigged the 4-pound, 5-ounce fish around 8:30 p.m. Jan. 19, setting Missouri’s first state fishing record of the year. The fish was 21.25 inches long

The Missouri Department of Conservation maintains fishing records in two categories – pole and line and alternative methods. The Pole and Line category is for fish hooked in the mouth with a hand-held line. Alternative Methods records include fish taken by snagging, trotlines, limb lines, bank lines, spearing, gigging or archery.

The white sucker pole-and-line record is 4 pounds, 8 ounces.

A surprising number of state fishing records have never been filled. Open records include six for pole and line and 23 for alternative methods. Open pole-and-line records include white catfish, spotted sucker and alligator gar. Open alternative-methods records include white and yellow bass, muskellunge, shovelnose sturgeon and shorthead redhorse.

Anglers should note that some alternative methods are not legal for some fish species. For example, trout may not be taken by gigging.

A list of state fishing records and information about applying for records are available at http://www.mdc.mo.gov/69.

The Conservation Department also has a Master Angler Program to recognize notable catches that fall short of records. For qualifying lengths and weights and an entry form, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov/71.

Share | |