TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) Kansas anglers say new rules designed to protect the state’s waterways from invasive Asian carp and zebra mussels will have a big impact on how they go after catfish.
Topeka fishing guide R.R. Shumway notes that Kansas is home to the current world-record flathead, a 123-pounder.
Shumway says rules restricting movement of live-caught bait from one body of water to another starting Jan. 1 will hurt those who use the bait to catch the giant flatheads.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports members of the Kansas Wildlife, Parks and Tourism Commission realize the rules have stirred up emotions. But they say something had to be done to protect state waters.
Asian carp and zebra mussels are not native to Kansas and multiple quickly. They’re also nearly impossible to eliminate once they’re established.
