Paddlefish

[Mohitsarmy]

This is my first season trying to find and fish these guys. I've had zero luck. I'm trying to find a place from the bank to get my first one. 

On opening day I did get 2 but they instantly broke my line in the flood waters. I upgraded to a snaggin pole and reel with 80 lb braided.

 

Any advice for bank fishing spoonbill? Doesn't have to be the James.

 

Thanks in advance

[Seth]

A good rain will make the fish push up the James hard. Opening day was good due to the flood that hit Springfield the day before. People were catching them at Blunks, Galena and up past Hootentown. Until that area gets another good rain to bring the levels and flow up, it will be hard to find any from the bank. On Lake of the Ozarks, the Roadhouse bar and grill dock allows people to snag for $8. That gets you from 6am to midngiht for that day. The owner said they caught 12, one being an 80 pounder, off of their dock last night.

[Mohitsarmy]

I appreciate the reply. I'll definitely try that place and keep looking for more local places too.

Thank you

[vonreed]

Above Shelvin Rock Access there is a nice big pool of water right below a real shallow riffle.  It's less than a mile from the access upstream and it can be an excellent spot for snagging from the bank.  Another spot to try is just below the mouth of the Finley river, it holds spoonbill also.