TPWD Seeking Information from Hand-fishing Anglers

ATHENS—Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking additional

information to learn more about the practice of hand fishing for catfish in the state. Also known as noodling or grabbling, hand fishing was legalized in Texas in 2011.

“Because it is so new to our state, we are hoping to identify who hand-fishing anglers are and what their needs may be,” said Kris Bodine, a TPWD fisheries research biologist. “TPWD will be conducting a survey over the next 60 days to better understand the needs, opinions and characteristics of hand-fishing anglers in Texas.”

The survey should take five to 10 minutes to complete online at https://survey.tpwd.state.tx.us/TakeSurvey.aspx?SurveyID=8803304. Anglers may complete the survey any time between now and June 30.

 The survey is voluntary, and no one has to answer any question they do not wish to answer. Responses to the survey will remain confidential.

Purpose of the survey is to improve catfish populations across the state as well as to ensure that the needs and opinions of hand-fishing anglers are included in future management plans.

While Noodling is somewhat new in Texas, it is a time honored tradition in Oklahoma and Lousiana where the art of fishing by hand has been handed down from generation to generation.

The 2nd Red River Noodling Shootout will be held in conjunction with the Magnolia Festival in Durant Oklahoma.  3 man teams will compete for over $10,000 in cash and prizes.  Conestants can start fishing 48 hours prior to the 6 pm weigh-in on May 31st at the Choctaw Event Center.  Oklahoma fishing regulations apply,  you must have a fishing license for whatever state you are fishing in, and entry deadline is May 29th. 

The 18th Magnolia Festival will run May 28 - Jun 1 at the Choctow Event Center.  Activities include an Art Show, the Choctaw Nation Princess Pageant, and local entertainment featured throughout the day with scheduled nightly entertainment. Events held on Saturday include the children’s parade, free children’s activities, Native American Dancers, and the 2014 Red River Noodling Shoot Out and the Fetch-N-Fish Dog Show. All events will cap off Saturday evening with live entertainment.

Find more fun events in the Lake Texoma area for the Memorial Day Weekend visit TexomaConnect.com.  An online tourism guide to the areas of Southern Okalhoma and North Texas surrounding Lake Texoma, TexomaConnect.com features places of interest, vacation rentals, boat rentals, things to do, a restaurant guide, special events calendar and lake property for sale in Texas.