Catching the big ones: Every anglers dream

Fishing for a lunker is exciting. A big fish caught or lost is the subject of many campfire conversations.

It is a source for a common bond between anglers. It also supplies a lifetime memory, as a special pride in fishing accomplishment that no angler can resist.

Catching a trophy fish is easier than one might think.

Information necessary to determine the best places and times to catch such a fish from Missouri waters is gathered by entries in the Missouri Master Angler program by the Conservation Department over the past 40 plus years.

Any fish taken by hook and line caught in Missouri that is a certain minimum weight or length is eligible. Each angler is presented a Master Angler certificate awarded by the MDC.

For an entry form or more information, write to Master Angler Program, Fisheries Division, Missouri Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

It's no surprise that a large percentage of record-size catches comes from farm ponds in the state. The state-record crappies, both black and white, were taken from farm ponds, as were several other species.

Many largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish and crappie have put Missouri anglers into the Master Angler program. Don't overlook the thousands of ponds that are located in every section of the state as possible locations to catch that lunker.

Several species of Missouri fish of which an angler might have success in taking a lunker include:

Largemouth Bass

From farm ponds to the large impoundments, to strip pits, there are opportunities to hook that "hog bass." April seems to be the best month to hook a lunker bass, but they are taken year-round, in the big impoundments.

The state-record largemouth bass was taken from Bull Shoals Lake, back in 1961.

Smallmouth Bass

The state-record smallmouth bass was caught in Stockton Lake, in 1994. It weighed more than 7 pounds.

Many south Missouri streams hold smallmouths that would easily come close to making the record book, as would several of the big impoundments, including Table Rock and Bull Shoals.

Bluegill

It doesn't come as a big surprise that the state-record bluegill came from a farm pond. This 3-pounder was caught back in 1963.

The best location in the state to catch a lunker bluegill ranges from ponds to one of the smaller impoundments. Nearly every body of water in the state holds the potential to catch a lunker bluegill.

Crappie

These popular fish are found statewide, with many lunkers taken from ponds. However, that is not an endorsement to stock ponds with these fast-producing fish.

The lunkers taken from ponds are the exception, not the rule.

Muskie

Lake Pomme de Terre is called, "the muskie capital of Missouri." Other impoundments in the state, including Fellows and the Lake of the Ozarks, also have these fighting fish that grow to more than 40 pounds.

Walleye

There are many streams and big impoundments in the state that hold lunker walleye. One of the most popular walleye lakes is Stockton, where the fish are caught year-round.

Other large impoundments that offer good fishing for big walleye include Bull Shoals, Pomme de Terre and the Lake of the Ozarks.

The record walleye was taken from Bull Shoals. The record fish weighed more than 20 pounds.

Channel Catfish

Trophy channel catfish are caught from many different types of water, from ponds to streams to the big impoundments. The best time to catch channels has been in the summer, while fishing at night.

Flathead Catfish

Almost all Missouri trophy catfish have come from the major rivers in the state, but several impoundments like Truman have produced some monster fish. The best time to catch a lunker flathead is mid-summer through August.

Fishing is one of the most popular recreation activities in Missouri. More than a third of the state's citizens, both young and old, fish.

Of course, every angler would like to bring in a lunker, but just the possibility of landing an "old fighter" lurks on each fishing trip. As most anglers would agree, "There's a lot more to fishing than just catching fish."

To find out more information on the Missouri Master Angler program, contact your local Missouri Department of Conservation office.