Is noodling legal?

Noodling is a much debated way of fishing as some argue that it is dangerous for the fishermen using the technique and can be distressing for the fish also.

What is Noodling?

Noodling is the fishing technique of using your arm to catch the fish. This works by a fisherman holding some bait going in to waters varying from a few feet to twenty feet in dpeth and swimming to the bottom where they will search for catfish holes, once a catfish hole has been located the fisherman will put his arm in to the hole witht he bait in his hand so the catfish will swim forward and bite the arm of the fisherman who can then pull the catfish out the hole and swim to the surface with his catch.

Dangers of Noodling?

All fisherman who carries out noodling runs the risk of drowning, this happens because they have to swim n to quite deep water and do not think about the extra weight of carrying a live catfish with them to the surface.

Nearly all fishermen who carry out noodling will suffer from superficial cuts as the catfish bite on their arms.

Legalities of Noodling

Noodling is illegal in twelve states within the United States of America  including South Carolina, Georgia and Alabama, but it is legal in Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas and Tennessee.

If you are thinking of noodling anywhere in the United States it is important to check the state laws of where you want to fish, this will make sure you do not fall foul of the law and get fined up to five hundred dollars.

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