MDC virtual program on March 2 to focus on snagging

If you have always been curious about how to snag fish in Missouri, circle March 2 on your calendar.

People wanting to learn more about this interesting form of fishing can get information at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) virtual program “Fishing Skills: Fish Snagging.” This online program, which will be March 2 from 2:30-3 p.m., is being put on by the staff of MDC’s Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin. At this program, MDC Administrative Specialist Tim Smith will provide information about this unique way of fishing for suckers and other nongame fish species. People can register for this program at: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/182644.

Snagging involves hooking a fish in an area other than its mouth. Missouri’s paddlefish season from March 15-April 30 is the type of fish snagging that gets much media attention each year, but that type of fish snagging will not be the focus of the March 2 program. Missouri also has two snagging seasons for nongame fish; March 15-May 15 and Sept. 15-Jan. 31. Only species that are classified by Missouri’s Wildlife Code as “nongame fish” are legal to be taken during these seasons. Suckers are the main focus of these snagging seasons, but people also snag for carp, buffalo and other species of nongame fish.

At the March 2 online program, Smith will discuss the rods, reels, hooks and other gear needed for snagging season. He’ll also discuss the regulations, techniques, and strategies of fish snagging.

Though this program is free, registration is required to participate using the link above. Registrants must provide an e-mail, so a program link can be sent to them. This program will include a chat-based question-and-answer period where participants can interact with the presenters.

Program registrants should note that they now have the option to link their children’s accounts to their own, which will streamline the program registration process. Once a group account is set up, parents will be able to register their children for an event without having to log-off or log-in for each person. This allows parents to register an entire family or select family members for an event at the same time.

Staff at MDC facilities across the state are holding virtual programs. A listing of these programs can be found at mdc.mo.gov/events.