Paddlefish

Paddlefish, also known as spoonbill, have a long, paddle-shaped rostrum that is about 1/3 of their body length. The function of the rostrum is not fully understood. Paddlefish are catilaginous, which means that they have no bones. They spend most of their life in the open water filter feeding on microscopic animals called zooplankton. This primitive, small-eyed, scaleless fish is one of the largest freshwater fish in North America -- obtaining weights greater than 100 lbs.

Paddlefish are native to the Mississippi, Missouri and Osage River basins in Missouri. Paddlefish fisheries in Table Rock, Truman and Lake of the Ozarks are maintained by annually stocking hatchery produced fingerlings that are 10 - 12 inches long, total length. To accomplish this paddlefish broodstock are collected in the spring at Table Rock Lake, paddlefish are spawned and the young are raised at Blind Pony Hatchery in Sweet Springs until they are large enough to release in September. Paddlefish stocking and management is directed by a statewide paddlefish management plan developed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. The goal of the plan is to manage paddlefish statewide as a trophy sport fishery.

Paddlefish are caught by snagging, with the snagging season usually beginning sometime in March and ending in late April. Typical snagging gear includes a stiff 6 - 7 foot rod equipped with a saltwater reel, preferably level wind. A large teardrop sinker is attached to the bottom end of the line. Large treble hooks are attached to the line, usually in tandem with one hook about 18-24 inches above the weight and the other hook another 2 feet or so up the line.

Leather gloves also come in handy. Gloves allow you to get a good grip on the line and protect your hands when you get hung-up. Landing gaffs [a sort of grappling hook] also come in handy, especially with large fish.

Paddlefish were once very abundant, but have declined in numbers. Threats to paddlefish include: