Darian
04-02-2012, 09:55 AM
Found an article from a Missouri newspaper on Blantons BB. Check it out:
AP:St Louis Post Dispatch: There may be
a thorn in the heel of the boot heel state, at least for fisherman,
as Missouri is posed to be the first state to enforce stricter laws
on wading boots. For a number of years, most states with
fishable streams have debated an issue over felt soled wading
boots versus rubber soled boots, and many states have outlawed
felt soled boots completely. The argument is that felt soled
boots pick up harmful hitchhikers (micro-organisms, parasites,
etc.) which are then transferred to other streams when anglers
travel to other locations to fish. Rubber soled boots do not have
this problem. However, research has shown that rubber soled boots
gradually break down over time, and this is causing a hazard for
the streams as well. A growing number of incidents are being re-
ported in Missouri streams of large numbers of fish deaths, and it
appears that rubber soled boots are the culprit. The chemicals
present in most rubber soled boots, and the ones that most readily
break down, are being found in large quanities in the dead fish that
have been tested. Research is still under way, but the boots are
believed to be the cause.
Missouri Department of Conservation head RB Trout grew up in
rural Missouri and spent most of his youth fishing Ozark streams
in southern Missouri. Trout claims that he has never worn boots
of any kind while wading Missouri streams, but has always fished
barefoot, even in the winter. Since most Missouri streams are spring
fed, Trout says that the water never gets too cold to be uncomfortable.
In a surprise move at the Missouri Legislature this past week, the
law was passed attached to another bill, stating that only barefoot
wading will be allowed in Missouri streams. With Trout as the
director at MDC, he plans on strictly enforcing the law. "I've fished
barefoot all my life, and I still have all my toes!" said Trout in an
interview earlier this week. When asked about anglers who are
accustomed to wearing waders, Trout declared they will have to
be cut-off at the ankles to be permitted. He says Missouri anglers
should expect to see rangers stationed on most streams for the
remainder of the year, and the fines for non-compliance will be
substantial. So get your feet conditioned, Missouri fisherman,
it's cold in there.
SM Bass Post Dispatch Outdoor Reporter
I'm gonna get a brew. Let the commentary begin.... :D
AP:St Louis Post Dispatch: There may be
a thorn in the heel of the boot heel state, at least for fisherman,
as Missouri is posed to be the first state to enforce stricter laws
on wading boots. For a number of years, most states with
fishable streams have debated an issue over felt soled wading
boots versus rubber soled boots, and many states have outlawed
felt soled boots completely. The argument is that felt soled
boots pick up harmful hitchhikers (micro-organisms, parasites,
etc.) which are then transferred to other streams when anglers
travel to other locations to fish. Rubber soled boots do not have
this problem. However, research has shown that rubber soled boots
gradually break down over time, and this is causing a hazard for
the streams as well. A growing number of incidents are being re-
ported in Missouri streams of large numbers of fish deaths, and it
appears that rubber soled boots are the culprit. The chemicals
present in most rubber soled boots, and the ones that most readily
break down, are being found in large quanities in the dead fish that
have been tested. Research is still under way, but the boots are
believed to be the cause.
Missouri Department of Conservation head RB Trout grew up in
rural Missouri and spent most of his youth fishing Ozark streams
in southern Missouri. Trout claims that he has never worn boots
of any kind while wading Missouri streams, but has always fished
barefoot, even in the winter. Since most Missouri streams are spring
fed, Trout says that the water never gets too cold to be uncomfortable.
In a surprise move at the Missouri Legislature this past week, the
law was passed attached to another bill, stating that only barefoot
wading will be allowed in Missouri streams. With Trout as the
director at MDC, he plans on strictly enforcing the law. "I've fished
barefoot all my life, and I still have all my toes!" said Trout in an
interview earlier this week. When asked about anglers who are
accustomed to wearing waders, Trout declared they will have to
be cut-off at the ankles to be permitted. He says Missouri anglers
should expect to see rangers stationed on most streams for the
remainder of the year, and the fines for non-compliance will be
substantial. So get your feet conditioned, Missouri fisherman,
it's cold in there.
SM Bass Post Dispatch Outdoor Reporter
I'm gonna get a brew. Let the commentary begin.... :D