Archive for category Fishing

13 Year Cicadas Back in Missouri

During the month of May, people in Missouri will see a large number of the 13-year cicada emerge from their hibernation.  These noisy bugs are members of the same family as the cicada that arrives in late summer when the weather is at it’s hottest in Missouri.

The nymph of the 13-year cicada spends almost their whole lives living underground.  The nymphs feed off of the juices of plants and tree roots at depths of 1 foot or more.  While living underground they go through five development stages before they emerge from the ground in large swarms on the 13th year during the month of May in Missouri. Read the rest of this entry »

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Catching River Catfish: The Thrill of the Challenge

When it comes to river fishing, few things can compare to the thrill of hooking a feisty catfish. Some catfish are large enough to break records and feed an entire family, but for fishermen, the feeling of hooking a fighting monster is a thrill like nothing else. There is effort and time required for reeling in one of these strong fish, but it is well worth it because the meat has a savory flavor which can be prepared in a variety of different ways, and is quite tasty when fried in a delicious cornmeal batter, accompanied by some hush puppies and macaroni and cheese.

The things you will need to catch a catfish include a rod and reel, strong fishing line, treble hooks, nylon hose, stink bate (chicken livers work well), pail with a lid, pocket knife, short rope and a stringer. Because catfish come in a variety of different sizes, it is very important to have a sturdy rod and reel when fishing for them. There will be bending and stress on the rod, so it is important to pick the right test strength of fishing line, most fishermen choose a 100-lb. test because it is very strong and will withstand the extra pressure when you hook a big catfish.
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Cook Up Some Missouri Bluegill

The Bluegill is a freshwater fish which can also be referred to as a bream, brim or copper nose. Being a member of the Sunfish family, these fish are native to the waters of North America and can be found from Quebec to northern Mexico. Bluegill are also the most common fish caught in Illinois, Arkansas, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Louisiana and Texas. These fish have an excellent taste and are very easy to catch, and can be caught using anything from flies to hotdogs for bait.
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Quick, Easy Catfish Fillets

Catfish are a diverse group of ray-finned fish which are abundant in lakes and rivers all over the world. Catfish vary in length, size, coloring and behavior and the skin is tough, almost like armor and does not have any scales. Despite the name, not all varieties of catfish have barbels; some are defined by skull features and swim bladder (an organ which helps fish control buoyancy).
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Fly Fishing Tips & Tricks to Make It Enjoyable For Everyone

People all over Missouri truly enjoy the sport of fly fishing and it is a pastime individuals of all ages can participate in. There are several tips and tricks which a person can try which will increase skills and make it much more enjoyable experience. The following article contains bits and pieces of information which will help everyone from the expert to the novice, make the most of the fly fishing experience.
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The Dangers of Eating Raw Crawfish

One of the most common ways to beat the summer heat is by taking a float trip and it is a particularly popular pastime in the state of Missouri. However, within the past year, there have been some floaters hospitalized with an illness which is so odd and startling, it can be nearly impossible to diagnose the problem or illness accurately. One particular floater pulled a live, raw, crawfish out of Jack’s Fork River swallowed it whole. The person saw others doing it, so he followed suit and thought nothing of it.
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How to Catch Crawfish in Missouri Streams

Crawdads are also called crayfish or crawfish and these small crustaceans look like little lobsters, hence the nickname “poor man’s lobster.” Crawdads breathe through small feathery gills and are found in bodies of water which do not freeze like brooks, streams and creek beds with fresh running water. Crawdads can be found all over the world from South Africa, New Zealand and Australia and even in Missouri. These little crustaceans are eaten all over the world, but only a small portion of the body is actually consumed and enjoyed in soups, etouffees and bisques.
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Types of Trout in Missouri Waterways

Fishing in the beautiful outdoors of Missouri can be very rewarding. Fishermen from all over the country enjoy the clear waters of the creeks and streams that can be found in the Show Me State. There are a variety of species of fish that are just waiting to be caught, but none compare to trout fishing in the pristine waters of Missouri. Catching these tasty fish has become a passionate pastime for many anglers.
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Types of Fish Found in Missouri – Part Two

This is part two of our series on fish in Missouri. Read part one

Muskie are strong, big and ferocious fish and with regular stocking, Missouri lakes are now home to a large population of these fish. Muskies were first introduced to Missouri in 1966 in Pomme de Terre Lake and several other small lakes throughout the area. Five lakes are popular sites for experienced anglers looking for this particular fish: Pomme de Terre, Lake 35 (Busch Conservation Area), Henry Sever, Fellows and Hazel Creek.

Spoonbill or paddlefish have no bones and spend most of the time feeding on zooplankton. Fish of this species are some of the largest in North America, and can grow to weigh more than 100 pounds. Paddlefish are indigenous to the Mississippi, Missouri and Osage River basins in the state and populations are maintained at Table Rock, Lake of the Ozarks and Truman through annual stocking.
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Types of Fish Found in Missouri

Game fishing is a great pastime which is sure to be enjoyed by people of all ages and if you are planning a trip to Missouri this summer, you need to become educated about the many different types of fish to be found in the lakes and rivers. Whether you are a fly fisherman looking for a trout or prefer a more traditional fish, Missouri rivers and reservoirs are sure to have something you would love to catch.
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