Promiscuous Fishing Coming in IA

Starting Monday, “promiscuous fishing” will be allowed in certain Iowa waters.

That’s right. Strap on the Speedo, Google your old flames’ phone numbers, grab your…uh, rod, and head down to your favorite fishin’ hole.

Okay. Not really. But the IA DNR really did use that term, defined as:

> Anglers with a valid fishing license will be allowed to harvest any size or number of fish species.
> Any number of fishing poles, jugs or nets will be allowed.
> Anglers must remain in sight of these lines at all times, and follow all other fishing regulations and area rules.
> Trot lines will be allowed….

Thankfully they are drawing the line at certain Philippine fishin’ techniques: “Dynamite, poison or electric shocking devices, or any stupefying substances will not be allowed.”

So to summarize, we have the words “promiscuous,” “stupefying,” “dynamite” and “poison” all used in an official state news release about fishing regulations.

Had no idea. I think my next vacation should be in Iowa.

Oh yeah: This is all about reducing numbers of fish stuck in ponds and lakes after Missouri River floodwaters receded:

> The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will allow promiscuous fishing to take place in waters bodies left behind from the 2011 Missouri River flood, beginning on Aug. 15. These waters bodies need to be completely isolated from the river, unlikely to be connected to the river during normal flows, did not exist before the flood, and are less than 5 feet in depth if on public land.

> If anglers capture a sturgeon fish species the DNR asked that they be returned to the river as quickly as possible. Pallid sturgeon is listed as an endangered species in the Missouri River and is protected under federal law.