Toe and Bump Fishing
‘Toe’ and ‘Bump’ Fishing New Ones on State Solons
"Missouri senators yesterday learned new methods of fishing used in Southern Missouri streams. In the debate on the fish and game bill, Senator [Solomon] Bronson of Ozark in discussing an amendment to prohibit ‘toe fishing,’ said it also should include ‘bump fishing.’ Senator [Frisby H.] McCullough asked for a bill of particulars.
"‘Toe fishing,’ Senator Branson replied, ‘is much used in Southern Missouri streams. The fisherman wades along and feels in the crevices in rocks and in the banks, and under logs with his toes. When his toes feel a fish he reaches in with his hands and catches it.’
"‘But this bump fishing?’ asked McCullough.
"‘More fish are caught that way than any other,’ replied Bronson. ‘Several fishermen tie four or five boats together across the stream at night and erect a strong chicken wire at the back. Strong lights are placed on the wire and the fishermen pound on the bottom of the stream with a pole. The game fish, seeking to escape, leap from the water at the lights, strike the wire and fall into the boat.'
The senators laughed, but Bronson said seriously the stories were true."
Leader, March 5, 1919.
Find this article at