SB 1153, HCA 1 -- HAND FISHING

SPONSOR:  Goode (Hobbs)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Conservation and Natural Resources by a vote of 19 to 0.

This bill clarifies that a person will be allowed to hand fish
for catfish or carp during the months of June and July.

HCA 1 -- Requires the Department of Conservation to establish
regulations for hand fishing.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2005, FY 2006, and
FY 2007.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the Department of Conservation
should regulate hand fishing.  Hand fishing has a minimal effect
on catfish populations, which are stable or growing in Missouri.
There is no difference in catching a fish by jugging or hand
fishing.

Testifying for the bill were Representatives Self, Hobbs, and
Shoemyer (9); Noodlers Anonymous; and Missouri Farm Bureau.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that hand fishing has
been illegal since 1919.  Flathead catfish are not abundant in
Missouri and take several years to mature.  Hand fishing could
severely hurt their populations.

Testifying against the bill were Department of Conservation; and
Conservation Federation of Missouri.

Marc Webb, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
92nd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated September 23, 2004 at 11:16 am