How to beat the heat and fish in August

Also: hunters can begin making plans for 2008-09 duck season

The dog days of August don't bother fishermen like Bob Harper, Independence, Mo. Harp-er welcomes August because that is when he catches the largest fish of the year.

For more than 20 years, Harper has taken big catfish from Missouri lakes and this year is no exception.

Last week Harper set out some jug lines on the Lake of the Ozarks and hooked seven big cats including a 47-pound flathead.

"I look forward to August when most anglers are not fishing, but they are missing a lot of good results" Harper says. "For the past 20 years August has been the best month for catching big cats. It really doesn't matter what lake you are fishing, they all produce big catfish. I have used jugs in the Lake of the Ozarks, Truman, Stockton and Table Rock with success every year."

Sam Dawson, also from Independence, says, "I catch more fish in August than in any other month. I usually fish at night using a Coleman light and get a lot of crappie or set out lines to catch catfish. They all work, from Jacomo to the Lake of the Ozarks."

Recently, Dawson was using a Coleman light while fishing near Gravois Mills on the Lake of the Ozarks and in less than 15 minutes, he had his limit of 15 crappie plus several white bass. He then set out to try to get some catfish and ended the night with four channels that weighed more than 30 pounds.

"It was the best fishing trip of the year," he said.

At this time of year, many anglers resort to night fishing to find success. Terry Rogers, Lamar, Mo., said he doesn't bother going out during the day in the heat of August, but waits until the sun goes down to launch his boat.

"You can always catch fish at night," Rogers said. "I have tied up to a bridge and caught crappie and bluegill and have set lines for catfish on several of the big impoundments. I never have come home empty and its a lot cooler to fish this way in the hot days of summer.

"Fishing is always good in Missouri. Sometimes the catching has a lot to be desired. But, if you really work at it, you can always catch fish -- from bluegill to walleye -- in the heat of August."

Meanwhile, waterfowl hunters can set their plans for the upcoming season now that the Missouri Conservation Commission has approved the 2008 regulations.

The regular duck season will start in the North Zone on Oct. 25 and run through Dec. 23 while the Middle Zone will be open Nov. 1 through Dec. 30 and the South Zone will be open Nov. 27 through Jan. 25.

The daily limits are six ducks with no more than four mallards and no more than two hens. The limit on wood ducks has been increased to three from two last season.

There will be a Youth Duck Hunt in the North Zone Oct. 18-19, the Middle Zone Oct. 25-26 and in the South Zone on the weekend of Nov. 22-23.

Waterfowl hunters should have a good season this fall as the number of breeding ducks had good success and the flight south looks promising.