Lee Jernigan
An age old tradition here in the Ozarks is "sucker grabbin". People in these parts flock to the streams and rivers in March to try and snag sucker fish.
The sucker is a bottom feeding fish (similar to the carp) that migrate upstream in small rivers and/or creeks to spawn. Traveling in schools, these fish can number in the hundreds and offer the fisherman a very good chance to limit out (20).
The procedure seems simple. Locate your fish, cast a line consisting of a 1-1 1/2 oz sinker with two #4 treble hooks in the vicinity of the school. When a fish passes between the sinker and the hooks, jerk the rod tip up swiftly to snag the fish.
This method was created due in part because this type of fish will seldom bite at bait from a hook. It does take some practice and not as easy as it seems. Once you get the hang of it, it usually doesnt take long to limit out and it is some kind of fun.
Using a higher vantage will help in locating fish below in the clear water. Most will try and find a small bluff or bring a step ladder to set in the stream. Having good balance is crucial.
After you've filled your stringer its then time to clean the fish (usually at the stream) and another household item is used...an ironing board. The old metal ones are preferred and make ideal filet platforms. Scale all the fish first then filet leaving the skin on. Cut out the rib cage and fins, score the meat, dip in meal, and throw them in the grease. A better fish you'll not eat! I'll air a sucker grabbin show this summer and though it may appear hillbilly, its without doubt one of the most entertaining ways of catching fish. Check it out.
