Lack of Rain Makes Fishing Easier for Noodlers
By: KWCH, Wichita, for CBS News
Updated: August 1, 2012
WICHITA, Kan. -- The drought is awful for farmers, but for a certain kind of fisherman, it's a blessing.
Handfishers ... Also known as 'noodlers' -- are snatching catfish out of low-flowing rivers with a little more ease.
Now the fish have fewer places to hide.
It's the battle of man versus fish ... Hand to fin combat you might say.
"It's just a rush."
And only a few hardcore outdoorsmen like Ryan Berkstressor and Mike Carpenter are up to the challenge.
"I've had several broken fingers."
Noodling, as it's often called, is only legal in Kansas and a handful of other states. No hooks, scuba gear or any other equipment is allowed, only hands.
In Kansas, handfishing is only allowed on the Arkansas River. These guys say they've had a lot of great luck this year in Wichita, thanks in part to the low river level.
"The fish, they have to have somewhere to go so they find the deepest holes."
It is not for pansies. "I was scared when I first started doing it. It is kind of facing your fears."
Noodling can be dangerous and messy.
But that's part of the thrill, and makes catching a fish like this a real accomplishment.
"Your finger tips are going to be shredded up real good and your fingers will be sore, but, in the end of the day, it's worth it."
Noodlers call it addictive, even if it's a little less challenging this summer because of the low water levels.
(Jim Grawe, KWCH for CBS News)
Handfishers ... Also known as 'noodlers' -- are snatching catfish out of low-flowing rivers with a little more ease.
Now the fish have fewer places to hide.
It's the battle of man versus fish ... Hand to fin combat you might say.
"It's just a rush."
And only a few hardcore outdoorsmen like Ryan Berkstressor and Mike Carpenter are up to the challenge.
"I've had several broken fingers."
Noodling, as it's often called, is only legal in Kansas and a handful of other states. No hooks, scuba gear or any other equipment is allowed, only hands.
In Kansas, handfishing is only allowed on the Arkansas River. These guys say they've had a lot of great luck this year in Wichita, thanks in part to the low river level.
"The fish, they have to have somewhere to go so they find the deepest holes."
It is not for pansies. "I was scared when I first started doing it. It is kind of facing your fears."
Noodling can be dangerous and messy.
But that's part of the thrill, and makes catching a fish like this a real accomplishment.
"Your finger tips are going to be shredded up real good and your fingers will be sore, but, in the end of the day, it's worth it."
Noodlers call it addictive, even if it's a little less challenging this summer because of the low water levels.
(Jim Grawe, KWCH for CBS News)
