Noodling makes a come back

Note: “Noodling” was historically a common practice in the Kansas River. There a many tall tales and stories of unfortunate outcomes of this approach to catching prized cats. The Natural History Museum at KU has a wonderful exhibit about fishing on the Kaw. According to local Lawrence lore, Jake… was dragged to his death by a “grand-daddy” cat in 18xx. Jake and his fishing partner, Abe, have been cast in bronze in sculpture at river front restaurant (what else… but) Abe & Jakes, in downtown Lawrence. Abe & Jake’s overlooks “Rock Island”, the setting for KVHA’s River Roots book Catfish Cookies. -ALR

From The Topeka Capitol Journal July 8, 2007

>>Imagine wading through waist or even chest-deep water, feeling with your feet and hands as you go. You encounter a hole and your heart rate quickens. You take a deep breath and submerge to the entrance of the hole, sticking your hand slowly inside. All of a sudden and without warning, a huge catfish chomps on your hand and the battle is on. Sound like fun? Depending on your perspective it could be, but most people have another word for it.”Different areas of the country call it different things,” said Fostana Jenkins of the typical terminology of fishing with your hands. “Some call it noodling, tickling, hogging, grabbling, but the number one thing is probably CRAZY!”

To read this article, please visit:
http://www.cjonline.com/stories/070807/out_183059434.shtml

 The first-ever handfishing season in Kansas opened June 15 and will run through the end of August. Two locations are open to handfishing:

1) the Arkansas River from the John Mack Bridge on Broadway Street in Wichita downstream to the Kansas-Oklahoma border and,

2) the Kansas River from its origin downstream to its confluence with the Missouri River.

Flathead catfish are the only species legal to take and a special permit is required ($27.15), in addition to a regular fishing license. For more information, see www.kdwp.state.ks.us.

Marc Murrell