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Show WORLD OUTDOORS AN article on early fishing brought the comment that people are still catching Ash by hand In these modern times. They are. and In most instances they are also violating the law. Quite common In some areas of the South, this "sport" is known by many names, among them Coonlng" ond "Noodllng." and the catfish Is the principal victim. A big catfish will make his home In a hole under a rock or tree roots. If you -are foolish enough to go round sticking your hand Into such holes, which might also be Inhabited by snakes and snapping turtles, you can find these catfish, run your fingers along their fins and tickle them on the chin. They don't mind being tickled. The catfish gets "mean" only when he realizes that the intentions of the Invader of his domain are hostile. Unless he is a big fish, It's too late then for him to get away from the strong fingers or iron hook that has reached in behind his gUl plate and taken hold. With a big catfish, some devotees of this type of hand fishing will ram their hand into the fish's mouth as far as possible, grab a firm hold and try to yank him out Into open water. The bigger the fish, the more even the battle. A big fish could drown a man or inflict in-flict serious damage with catlike teeth or fins. This type of fishing, as done by experts, is more productive than the hook, line and sinker method. Once a fish has been taken from beneath a rock or from a cave under the bank, it's a certainty that another fish will move into the same spot. And it's just as certain that sooner or later the "Noodler" will be back again. Personally, we'll stick to fly fish-Inc. fish-Inc. It's legal, safe and more fun. too. |