Noodling Legalization Approved By Texas Senate

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texans who want to catch catfish using only their bare hands would be able to do so legally under legislation approved by the state Senate.

While budget negotiations were teetering on the brink of collapse Thursday, state senators took action to legalize hand fishing, called noodling, in Texas. Right now the fine is $500 for noodling in Texas.

The bill would require "noodlers" to have a fishing license and freshwater fishing stamp.

Enduring joking questions from fellow senators, bill sponsor Sen. Bob Deuell said he's never noodled, but that the bill needed to be passed for the "noodlers of Texas."

The measure was already passed by the House and is headed for Gov. Rick Perry's desk, where his signature would make it law.

Comments

[joemac1114]

04:25 PM on 05/24/2011

And here I thought the FSM would be touching the catfish with a noodley appendage.

[Jorge Darr]

02:17 PM on 05/24/2011

Who says natural selection isn't real??

[caroline gray]

05:30 PM on 05/23/2011

why was it illegal in the first place? wikipedia here i come i suppose...

[Max Shaw]

01:53 PM on 05/23/2011

I thought 'noodling' would've involved using a different part of one's anatomy to catch fish..

[LeFlaneur]

11:42 AM on 05/23/2011

This was illegal?

[HeadlessHessian]

08:38 AM on 05/23/2011

People are losing jobs to China and India. Our currency is in lousy shape due to the financial melt down a courtesy of the Bush years. Folks are becoming homeless. Wages are stagnant. And these right wing politicians answer for jobs is to permit fishing with your fingers as bait?!?!?!?
Funny part is that I can just see some toothless fools celebrating...... sigh.....

[No stinking fans]

01:20 PM on 05/23/2011

What makes you think that some of those southern hillbillies are only using their fingers?

[Sarah Armstrong]

08:20 AM on 05/23/2011

Another difference between Bama and Texas: Noodling. In Bama, they cut up swim noodles into about 1 ft. pieces and tie a baited line to catch catfish. Works. Texans haven't figured out the baited line thing yet and go with bare hands?

[michael3ov]

06:43 AM on 05/23/2011

Why was this even illegal? What an utter waste of time. I certainly hope we never have a president from that backwards state! Oh wait a minute...

[chilifan]

05:50 AM on 05/23/2011

Could there possibly BE a more important issue in Texas than noodling? Glory be!

And yes, I am a smart ass.

[marinemomof3]

03:55 AM on 05/23/2011

Texas, Noodling? I am shocked !!!

Thought the Gov there needed revenue? Guess $500 per Noodler could of paid some of those
firefighters he NOW so desperately needs.

Perry needs to secede !

[Ken Roberts]

06:08 AM on 05/23/2011

He wants to "secede" into the White House. Just what the country needs. NOT!

[texas Big Dog]

01:45 AM on 05/23/2011

How embarrassing
I fish with dynamite. Just kidding Liberal Friends

Remember the Joke
A Game Warden steps on a guys boat and the guy lights a stick of Dynamite and hands it to the Game Warden and Ask the Game Warden you want to fish or talk

[vernbvb]

12:31 AM on 05/23/2011

There Texas goes again catering to a certain group of people. The Legislature just took money from the state coffers by allowing those noodlers to avoid paying $500.00 fines and other related fees. How many noodlers do we have in Texas? Plenty! And now they will use bait to trap those catfish by the tubs full. Big business!!! Catfish is to Texas what crawfish is to Louisiana!!

[ChasG]

12:17 AM on 05/23/2011

Is it possible the reason that "GOP are floundering" is because they've been noodling thge public?  Eww?

[mmmmikkimac]

12:14 AM on 05/23/2011

dumbest thing I ever heard of - need a law to catch fish bare handed?
and they walk among us!

[POPE INNOCENT]

06:05 PM on 05/22/2011

Why they grow so big in Witchita Falls

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ArhOSTjvsI