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 13^th year during the month of May in Missouri.

13-year cicadas emerge from the ground in swarms leaving small holes behind.  The reason for this behavior is for survival.  Since the nymphs can emerge from the ground in almost 1.5 million in an acre, there is safety in numbers.  These mass numbers of insects overwhelm predators and insure the survival of this noisy insect species.

The noise that these insects can make is sweet music to some Missourians, but can be annoying to others in the evening hours.  Even though these bugs are no larger then the end of a pinky finger, they can drown out the sound of everything around them with their mating song.  The males of this species make this sound to attract females.  The male uses elastic like membranes that are located behind the last pair of legs on their body to make this loud clicking noise.  The females respond with timed wing flicks in this noisy symphonic mating ritual.

The female cicada once mating with the male, lays their eggs in tree twigs.  They make a V-shaped slit in the twig in which to lay their eggs in.  The twigs frequently die and fall off of the tree branch.  This usually does not hurt mature trees, but small trees need to be protected with mosquito netting or cheesecloth to keep the cicadas from killing them.

Since there are such large swarms of these insects, it creates a huge feeding frenzy for fish and birds.  Even though many Missourians find the noises these insects make aggravating, for those that like to fish, it is music to their ears.  During the few weeks that the cicadas are emerging, it causes the fish to go on eating binges on this insect buffet.  So, anglers that use anything that remotely resembles a cicada are sure to get a bite and land that elusive big fish from one of the many Missouri waterways.

Cicadas are not a threat to animals or humans.  Even though some dogs like to eat these bugs as a crunchy snack, they are not poisonous and might give them a stomachache.  They do not bite or sting generally, so there is no need to avoid the beautiful late spring weather in the backyard with loved ones and pets.  But, you might want to bring some earplugs if love songs are not your first choice in music.

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.

When you get to your favorite fishing hole; spray your hands down with fish attracting spray before you handle any of the bait. Catfish have a strong sense of smell and anything reeking of alcohol, cigarette smoke or humans will be a strong deterrent to them. Applying a good coating of scent cover before stringing up the bait will increase your chances of attracting the big one, so remember to pack some!

Forget about using fishing lures, because catfish are almost blind and will rely on smells, so the stinkier your bait is, the better it will lure them in. If you want to land a giant catfish, use some raw chicken livers or purchase some specialty stink bait from a bait shop. Keeping bait on the hook is going to be hard, if not impossible, so wrap it tightly and shove it into a woman’s nylon stocking and then tie it off, this way you can put it on the hook without it falling off so easily.

Catfish tend to stay close to the banks and this is because the water is shaded and cooler, which is what they like. The ideal scenario in which to catch a BIG catfish would be to use a boat and to cast into the shoreline, but if you are not able to use a boat, stand on the bank and cast your line just a bit downstream. Try to pick a shady location about 3-5 feet from the edge of the water, and you will probably have some good luck!

When you have finished with fishing for the day, it is very important to have a stringer and a pail with lid. You don’t want to take the chance of losing your precious catch! So, by following a few tips mentioned in this article you can grab a pole, some stink bait and venture out knowing it’s only a matter of time before you land a monster catfish, and be prepared for a fight, because these rascals do not give up easily!

Because of the size and method of cooking, sometimes bluegills are referred to as “panfish,” and they are notorious sneaky fish which typically steal bait off the fisherman’s hook. A bluegill hits hard on the hook, so you will know if you have caught one, and these fish are prevalent in the many waters of Missouri. Below is a tasty recipe for bluegill which is sure to be a crowd pleaser:

Cajun Bluegill Recipe

• 1 lb. bluegill fillet
• 1/3 c. yellow corn meal
• 1 ½ c. all purpose flour
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ½ tsp. onion powder
• ½ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ tsp. paprika
• 1 tsp. dried parsley flakes
• ½ tsp. dried oregano
• ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 egg
• ½ c. milk
• Corn oil for frying pan

Directions

1. Combine cornmeal, 1 cup flour and all spices into a small bowl and combine well. Beat egg and milk together in a separate bowl. Remove the skin for the bluegill fillets and wash with ice cold water. Dry filets with a paper towel.
2. Put ½ c. of flour into a plastic baggie and add bluegill fillets and shake to evenly coat the fish with mixture. Dip the fish one by one into the egg mixture and then into the bowl of cornmeal, flour and spice mixture.
3. In a large cast iron frying pan, add corn oil until ½ inch deep and heat to approximately 375˚. Place fillets into oil and fry until golden brown on both sides, approximately 45-90 seconds each side depending on thickness. Place on paper towels to drain off excess oil and enjoy. Recipe serves two people.

Bluegill can be served with collard greens, macaroni and cheese, cornbread and hush puppies or any other type of side dish preferred. Enjoy!

In Central Europe, the fish is a delicacy and is enjoyed on holidays, while in the Southern United States it is an extremely popular dish. The most common species eaten in the US are blue catfish and the channel catfish, of which can be caught wild and are farmed as well. The fish is served in many different ways, depending upon the location and in America; it is commonly crumbled with cornmeal and deep fried.

One of the most common fish caught in the Missouri Rivers is catfish and nothing could be better than sinking your teeth into a tender, juicy fillet. Below is a quick, easy recipe for catfish fillets, which is sure to be a crowd pleaser or good for a family that wants to enjoy the spoils of the catch after a day on the river.

Traditional Cornmeal Encrusted Catfish

Ingredients:

• 2 egg, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup and 2 tablespoons yellow cornmeal
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 6 (6 ounce) fillets catfish
• 1/4 cup and 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Directions:

1. In a shallow bowl, combine the egg and lemon juice. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder and salt. Dip catfish into egg mixture, then coat with cornmeal mixture.
2. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry fillets, two at a time, for 5-6 minutes on each side or until fish flakes easily with a fork.

The recipe serves 6 adults and can be enjoyed with a side of hush puppies, cornbread, macaroni and cheese or any other traditional southern type side dishes. Catfish is one of the most versatile of all fish and is a favorite of people all over the world.

When fly fishing another important tip is to leave anything noisy behind and to be as quiet as possible when fishing. Being noisy, scares away potential catches and disturbs others that enjoy the peace and quiet fly fishing provides. Nobody wants to hear a barking dog, noisy kids or a blaring radio when trying to fly fish, so make sure to respect everyone’s space and keep it down out there!

Another tip to observe when fly fishing is to be ready to lend a helping hand to fellow fishermen; it is the courteous thing to do. When you observe a fellow fisherman struggling with a tangled up line or trying to haul in a particularly big fish, be ready to help because you never know when you may need the favor to be returned. Everyone is there to enjoy the day and when something unforeseen happens, having the help of another person can make the experience enjoyable for all.

When wading, there are a few basic rules to be taken into consideration and observed, for personal safety, as well as for the safety of others. You should never go on a trip alone, take a companion when you are fishing in a remote location to ensure personal safety. It is always important to wear high quality wading boots and use a good staff which is both strong and flexible. Know the areas you will be wading and always be mindful of any potential danger spots when out in a stream, lake or river.

A tackle box is an important and necessary part of fly fishing and it should be well stocked and organized. Keep worms and other bait in a small container located away from lures which could create a chemical reaction and make other baits unusable. Purchase one tackle box per each different type of lures, for example one for worms and another for flies, in order to avoid mixing things up and so you know how much you have and what you might need.

Other important aspects of fly fishing include keeping your vest organized, so that you are not fumbling around looking for something when you need to have it. When fishing in rough water, carry a staff for support and wear good shoes to avoid slipping or falling down. Take sun block along for the trip too and remember to use polarized glasses and wear insect discouraging clothing in shades of blue, yellow, black, red or navy blue.

With time and practice, fly fishing is a sport which many people enjoy and the waterways of Missouri provide a great opportunity to take part of this hobby. Fishing is a sport which provides relaxation, challenge and tranquility, so grab a pole and find solace from the hustle and bustle of daily life and have a great time.

Paragonimiasis is a food-borne parasite caused by the lung fluke Paragonimus westermani. The infection in humans is caused by the consumption of raw or undercooked freshwater crawfish or crabs and affects an estimated 22 million people worldwide each year. The disease attacks the person’s lungs and it is so rare in North America, there have only been seven recorded cases throughout the country. However, in the state of Missouri, over the past three years there have been seven more cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control.

Most of the recent victims come from the St. Louis area and the state health advisory of Missouri has issued a warning to physicians and posted warnings at float trip and canoe sites all over the state. Once the man was properly diagnosed, treatment requires a two-day course of anti-parasitic medications to kill the worm and most people can expect to make a full and complete recovery.

Now because of the recent resurgence of the illness, researchers at Washington University are going through several years of medical records to determine if any people were misdiagnosed. Because the parasite can live in a human for as long as ten years, it can mean many individuals were not assessed and diagnosed properly and as a result, it may require anti-parasitic medications to eradicate the organism from the body. It is important to never consume undercooked or raw freshwater crab or crawfish, and if any of the symptoms above are present, it is advised to seek medical attention and to be sure to mention it to a physician in order to receive the right treatment.

The first thing you need to do is find a creek, pond or stream where the bottom can be seen and it is neither too cold nor too deep. It is important the stream or body of water be fed with fresh water and crawdads prefer plenty of cover, so search for decomposing grass or big piles of leaves. Another important thing to remember is that if the body of water is deeper, check for rocks with rich algae growth which helps break the current and gives the crawdad an easy hunting ground.

There are two ways of hunting crawdads and one can either use an old fashioned cane pole and a hot dog for bait, which is particularly fun for kids or there are traps which can be set up in the area. When searching the water, look under weeds, under rocks or logs or any place which could provide a crawdad with privacy and plenty of cover. Once you have found the hiding place, you are then ready to set your trap and tempt them out of hiding.

Tie a piece of string around a chunk of meat; you can use a hot dog like mentioned above or a piece of chicken or lunchmeat. The use of meat is to get the crawdads out of their hiding place by putting it close to the hiding spots to see if any can be tempted to come out and bite. It is important to slowly pull the meat along the creek or brook bottom and once hooked, catch the crawdad from the back and secure with your net and put into a bucket.

Crawdads are natural scavengers and will not likely be able to resist a free meal, so you should not have much difficulty luring and catching them. Catching crawdads is usually as simple as throwing out and dragging some bait and because these little monsters are so gluttonous you can pull them right out of the water and pop them into your bucket.

The Brown trout also loves the waters of Missouri and can be found swimming in many of the rivers and creeks located throughout the state. The Brown trout can be identified by the brown color of the body and it usually has distinct orange and red spots that are located all over the body of this fish. The tail of these fishes is slightly forked helping it to cruise through the Missouri waterways. Some Brown trout have spots located on this forked tail while others are void of this marking. This particular species of trout is also similar in size and shape as its rainbow colored cousin the Rainbow trout.

The Brown trout has not been able to spawn thus far in the Missouri Rivers and creeks and is released into the waterways. The Brown trout has to be brought in from a fish hatchery as well as some Rainbow trout. But, the Rainbow trout has been spawning naturally and surviving in the wilds of the waters in Missouri and can be found in the North Fork White River, Blue Springs Creek, Barren Fork Creek, Eleven Point River, Little Piney Creek, Spring Creek, Crane Creek and Mill Creek.

Many anglers have enjoyed catching trout in the waters of Missouri for years. Knowing and understanding these trout species can help to increase the chances of catching one of these beautiful fish.

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.

The rivers of Missouri are home to three distinctive species of Sturgeon, the lake sturgeon, river sturgeon and pallid sturgeon. Lake and pallid sturgeon are protected species and must be returned to the water not harmed if captured. The Missouri Department of Conservation is currently working on studying the fish and trying to develop a way to prevent them from becoming endangered.

Missouri rivers provide wonderful opportunities for people that love to fish for trout. Trout is a different type of fishing experience rather than the traditional bobber and worm that people use to fish for more common species. For those that wish to fish exclusively for trout, the Department of Conservation requires a payment of certain taxes in order to keep the rivers and reservoirs stocked because trout are not native to Missouri and it costs money to restock these species.

Perhaps the last, but certainly not the least, Walleye which are one of the most sought after fish in Missouri, if not North America. Walleye are native to Missouri’s large rivers and streams and are the fist fish to spawn each spring. In Bull Shoals, a record breaking Walleye weighing 21 pounds 1 ounce was captured in 1988. Walleye is the largest member of the perch family and is a favorite dinner staple for those fishing the many lakes and rivers of Missouri.

With the many different species of fish found throughout the lakes, rivers and reservoirs of Missouri, there is sure to be something for everyone. Whether you are a novice fisherman or a seasoned expert, Missouri has a vast diversity of fish just waiting to be caught, so make the most of your summer and drop a line and see what jumps on your hook.

Perhaps, the most favorite fish for children and youngsters to fish for is Bluegill. These fish are plentiful and will strike on almost any types of bait available whether it is worms, insects or plastic lures. The bluegill is an ideal species for a novice fisherman and because they are plentiful, you are sure to catch a mess big enough for a meal. Other names for bluegills include; sunfish, perch, sunperch, coppernose, copperbelly, pond perch, bream, plumb granny, baldface and yellowbelly.

Nothing is better than hooking into a catfish and fried catfish is a dinner enjoyed by many people fishing in the Missouri rivers. If a person is new to catfishing, it is a good idea to review the regulations, find prosperous waters and use safe, reliable methods in order to catch a big one. Missouri rivers are an excellent place to catch record sized catfish and it is not uncommon to pull out a 50 lb. specimen or larger.

Besides bass, crappies are the next most popular fish to be found in the rivers of Missouri. Crappies are easy to fish for and will bite on the most simple of lures such as minnows, worms or jigs. The fish are found abundantly throughout Missouri and white crappie is the most common, though there are black crappies, these tend to be found more commonly in clear streams and lower reaches of larger reservoirs of water.

Rock bass, or google eye fish, are one of the most coveted game fish in the Ozarks streams and is second only in popularity to the smallmouth bass. Google eyes are also known by the names rock perch and redeye and belong to the same family as spotted bass, white crappie, warmouth, orange spotted sunfish, dollar sunfish, black crappie and pumpkinseed. The Missouri record for a google eye is 2 lbs. 12 oz., and was caught in 1968 at the Big Piney River.

Read Part Two (coming July 15)