Nebraskaland

14 Nebraskaland • October 2021 IN THE FIELD PADDLEFISH SNAGGING By Kirk Steffensen Every October, anglers get the opportunity to catch one of Nebraska's largest fish species — the paddlefish. Paddlefish snagging can occur in the unchannelized part of the Missouri River that stretches from Gavins Point Dam to the confluence of the Big Sioux River, with most anglers snagging directly below the dam. During this time of year, paddlefish aggregate in this area, providing bank and boat anglers relatively high success. The current snagging state record for paddlefish is 113 pounds, 4 ounces. Applications for snagging permits are open the first two weeks of July, and approximately 50 percent of applicants are successful in obtaining one of the 1,600 permits issued annually. In addition to this big game permit, anglers also need to keep their fishing permit current. Because paddlefish are filter feeders, they don't take bait and catching them by traditional fishing methods is not feasible. Paddlefish don't feed on macroinvertebrates or other fishes. Instead, they actively feed on plankton by "filtering" out microscopic organisms. The most effective way to catch paddlefish is by snagging. Snagging requires casting a hook into the river and aggressively pulling it through the water, with the hope that your hook will attach into the paddlefish's body. Snagging requires specialized gear: a rigid pole — generally 8 to 10 feet long; a baitcaster reel; and heavy 6- to 10-ounce weights tied to braided line, 1 to 2 feet below a treble hook. There are a lot of snags below Gavins Point Dam, so bring extra hooks and weights. Anglers generally cast as far out as possible perpendicular to the bank, which helps avoid crossing others' lines. After casting, continuous big, sweeping motions and reeling are needed to snag into a paddlefish. When you do, which could happen on your first cast or after your hundredth, the fight can be variable based on the size of the fish and where in the body the fish is hooked. Snagging is physically demanding, so be prepared to work and take breaks as needed. Constantly casting and jerking your line through the water is strenuous on your arms and back, and fish are rarely caught quickly. Snagged paddlefish have a protected slot of 35 to 45 inches; fish in this size range are the most productive breeders, which are critical to maintaining this unique fishery, and need to be released. Only one hook per line may be used, and the snagging hook can only have a 1/2-inch gap between the hook tip and shank. Although paddlefishing requires a fair amount of work, your time and effort could result in landing one of Nebraska's most unique fish. Kirk Steffensen is the Missouri River program manager at the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Sallie Doty of Pierre, South Dakota, snagged this 34.5-inch paddlefish near Gavins Point Dam. JENNY NGUYEN-WHEATLEY, NEBRASKALAND

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