Other... Here's something You've probably never seen...

[Detoff]

Last weekend we spent some time on the Missouri river in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge. We went with the purpose to fish for paddlefish. They're a very prehistoric critter. They are built like sharks in that they have a cartilage "backbone." They are also plankton feeders. This was my first trip for these. Unfortunately I can't tell you how they taste, as we were only allowed to catch and release them at this point. The FWP sets a 500 fish limit for that section of river, and they met the quota the week before, so we were only allowed to catch and release them. Since they're plankton feeders, the only way to catch them is by snagging. A surf rod & reel along with 2 8/0 treble hooks & a 5oz weight are used for tackle.

Here's landing one...


Brother-in-law's fish


Friend's fish


plankton's view...


These fish were around 50lbs, for perspective, the state record is 142lbs, so they get much bigger.

[NCBobD]

I've had the pleasure of scuba diving with them in a quarry in central Indiana many years ago.

[Detoff]

That would be a bit eerie at first I bet! I didn't know they were anywhere except the Missouri & Yellowstone river drainages (probably the Mississippi for a bit too), and China.

[jckegley]

That is a very unusual creature! They are already huge and you mention they get a lot bigger. I can't even image running into one of these guys. Great documentary shot of the open mouth, that sets the whole series apart. Love it.