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From the Archives: Toe and Bump Fishing

  • Renee Glass
  • Aug 9, 2024
  • 2 min read

Updated: Apr 25

The people of the Ozarks have long relied on craftiness and wit in order to live off the land. Over the decades, unique methods of making goods and procuring food have emerged in Ozarkian communities. Occasionally, these practices draw the ire and disbelief of outsiders, and even our fellow Missourians, as is illustrated in this short article from the March 5, 1919 issue of the Springfield Leader, which outlines the arts of 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 Bronson 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 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.


A black and white photograph from around the year 1900 of men carrying a net as they wade through a river, likely the James River just east of Springfield.
A group of men carry a net as they wade through a river, likely the James River east of Springfield, ca. 1900. From the Turner Family Collection, Springfield-Greene County Library.

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Note

This blog article was originally published August 9, 2024 by Renee Glass. It was republished with minor edits April 7, 2026 by Brandon Broughton.


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