Prehistoric piscatorials

[Slow Roll]

I was asked to post some pics of some of the most unique fish we have in Montana. Some of you will recognize this beasts, some won't believe it. I think they have been around as long as the sturgeon if not longer. They are called paddlefish. These are just babies, around 50 pounds or so. They can get up to 100 lbs, not bad for a plankton eater.

I've always wanted to fly fish for one, but can't really figure out how to tie a plankton fly. :whazzup:


and another


They are called paddle fish cause of their long flat snout. Really can't tell from the pics to well. But it is fairly broad, I guess it has a lot of sensory organs on it for feeding.

Here's another beauty, called a Bugle Mouth Bass. Or a real dang big goldfish. My brother and I used to chase these in the spring when they are spawning and bow fish for them. Talk about a kick when you stick a 50+ pounder.

Its a beauty Larry!!! :grin:



P.S. I don't really know who these folks are, these were sent to me by my friend.

[ 11-01-2001: Message edited by: Pilar ]

[ 11-01-2001: Message edited by: Slow Roll ]</p>

[Slow Roll]

Aww crap, why didn't that work?

[Pilar]

Hi, Slow Roll. Sorry about the edit! Just helping you out. Bracket your link with [IMG]... [/IMG].

Then it will show. What a weird looking fish!! Just in time for Halloween.

[fishhead5]

Its a snag fishery for the paddle fish. Boy are they gooooood eating!!! If I remember right you are allowed one a year in the area where we went.

Fishhead5

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

One day when I make it over to Montana, I will go paddlefishing :grin:

I've seen a couple shows on it and the fish are crazy looking, and the fight, well let's just say that was very interesting....muh ha ha ha ha

Cool pics slow roll. What rivers do you fish for them over there and what kind of "snag" presentation does one do?..lol

If I recall correctly, they were lining the fish on the shows. Of course they could have foul-hooked a bunch too and did editing to only show the mouth hooked fish.

[Slow Roll]

Yea, its a real complicated process. Big rod and reel, heavy of line as you can put on it and a big *** treble hook with a lead weight on it.

I snagged mine in the snout the one time I went. But there were a lot that were snagged elsewhere. Ya know, it is a lot like the technique the snaggers around here use. Just heavier tackle. It can be a real workout though.

As for where they are, the main concentration of paddle fish are in the Missouri River below the Fort Peck Dam. I don't remember exactly when the season is, it has been awhile since I have done it.

Here is an interesting note on paddles, their eggs are considered to be the closest thing you can get to sturgeon caviar without actually having sturgeon caviar.

They even have collection stations near the major snagging areas, the funds recieved from the sale of the eggs goes to supporting the local environment cleanup efforts.

[willierower]

HEY_YALL wants to go paddling, Ping Pong Paddle that is. :grin: :shocked:

[THE REEL HEY_YALL]

Hey Paul, I'll be "paddlefishing" Saturday night, indeed.

Thanks for the info slow roll. The shows I watched were fishing the Missouri. I didn't think they could be retained, but I'm not familiar with the Game and Fish laws over there. I heard about their eggs is why I say that, but that is a cool idea to give back to the environment.