Hand fishing is an extremely popular activity in the Southern States. The meaning of such fishing is very simple, it is necessary to track down fish among the silt, in particular, catfish, which is common in these areas, stick your hand in the water and pull the fish out of its habitat. This form of fishing is called noodling.

However, there is a slight difficulty, since this type of fishing is not allowed in all states, and in places where noodling is prohibited, you will not have time to put your hand in the water, as you will be detained by the nature protection service.

In this article, we will talk about why noodling is not the safest activity, in which states hand fishing is allowed and when the fishing season opens.

Safety

Noodling is dangerous for both humans and fish. For a person, the degree of danger increases from the moment when the fisherman dives into the water and begins chasing the catfish. In such situations, there is a very high chance of drowning, because it is very easy to catch on underwater obstacles. Negative consequences are also associated with the law if a fisherman catches fish that is protected.  

For fish, noodling is also a threat, because human intervention in the life of a catfish leads to stress, as a result of which the fish loses its eggs. The results are a reduction in the catfish population and their disappearance.  

The Legality of Hand Fishing in The States

Out of 52 states, noodling is allowed only in seventeen. Fishermen can legally engage in manual fishing in all southern states except Delaware and Florida, as well as in the Midwest in Illinois and Wisconsin. However, each of the states has a separate list of requirements and rules that regulate hand fishing.  

Noodling Requirements  

There are several general rules that every fisherman should follow:

• The hand fishing season opens on June 1 and ends on August 31.
• You can fish only in the daytime, from dawn to dusk.
• The minimum length of a catfish that can be caught is between 20 and 30 inches in different states.  
• It is forbidden to use additional methods of bait, trap, dynamite, and any other tools, as noodling is allowed only in the classic format.
• The maximum allowable number of fish that can be caught is four fish per day.
• It is forbidden to go underwater and use masks and scuba gear.
• In some states, a license or certificate may be required.

We have listed only the main provisions of noodling. To clarify the full list of requirements and nuances, it is better to seek advice from the natural resources department in your county or state. All in all, hand fishing is a fascinating hobby, however, so that it does not turn into a fine or a ban, study all legislative provisions.