Missouri anglers get money for tagged bass

Anglers in Missouri can make a little money off certain catches.

The state Department of Conservation has tagged 1,600 legal-sized smallmouth bass on five rivers in southern Missouri as part of a research project. The department said in a release that anglers who catch tagged bass can earn $25 or $75 by reporting their catches to MDC researchers.

MDC biologists are tagging smallmouth bass in the Black River, Castor River, Courtois (KOH'-tuh-way) Creek, Current River and the North Fork of the White River. The project is intended to show more about angler catch rates and fish movement.

Tagged bass don't have to be kept to receive a reward. Anglers can simply remove the tag and release the fish. Tags have to be returned to the MDC to get the money.