http://www.kltv.com/story/32053445/etx-man-arrested-for-using-illegal-device-to-catch-fish

How do you use a pole and hook while noodling? If using pole and hook is a legal method by itself, why would this be illegal? I don't have much interest in catfish, so I wouldn't be one to attempt noodling in any form. Just curious.

I'm wondering if they are referring to him using a gaff?

If you are in the water ... I assume you are noodling .....
I don't fish with a rod and reel underwater ...

Rule says :

Fishing by the use of hands only. The use of any other fishing device while handfishing (including but not limited to gaff, pole hook, trap, spear or stick) is unlawful.

I heard they used to use the big hooks on the end of a long pole to reach way back into holes too deep for arm reach. This was in Oklahoma where everything is legal

Ya a gaff hook with a barb they tie a rag above the hook, or gigging them with a longer pole and a spotlight. I know a few guys that used to use scuba gear or super snorkels and spear them with those little spear gun pistols.

They use a large hook secured to a pole or a gaff. They wait until the fish bites and then hooks them. I had one guy tell me that when the fish bites, he just shoves the hook down the fish's throat.

Thanks for helping me clear that up. I almost lost sleep over it last night. (Yep. I'm that weird.)

NOT!! Legal in OK or Texas. also you cant have a Net by the opening where you are noodling either. Just stick your dam hand in and pull it out. I have pulled 2 so far, PB was 12lb When they bite your hand (With glove on) grab their Gill (Out side) with the other hand and pull to you and out.

Lol!!!!
http://youtu.be/QHdzX_Gi6j8

I guess he could've said that he was poke poling instead of handfishing and gotten away with it....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70mtYr1V46g

Back before "noodling" was legal in Texas, a couple guys on Cedar Creek lake were wading the creeks with heavy duty fishing poles. Pole was baited with some sort of bait. They would wade the banks (waist deep water) and stick the rod tip (with hook and bait) in the undercuts and tunnels. Big catfish would actually bite the hook/bait, they would set the hook and then "reel" the fish in via the fishing pole. One of the DFW news crews actually came out and filmed them doing this.

At the time, they actually came to the conclusion that this was "legal", as they were not snagging the fish. That might have changed by now though??

I have heard many noodlers carry a stick to determine if a hole on a river bank has air in it. If they swirl the stick around and hear splashing they know there is an air pocket and perhaps a toothy or venomous creature inside.

The biggest worry for noodling in some Texas lakes would be the influx of so many alligators in recent years. If I was noodling again I would sure want to stay away from holes under cut banks and beaver dams.
Stay out farther from the banks and look for boulders, old slabs and bridges or run the boat ramps.

The old way was about a 20/0 J hook with trotline cord tied on it / The hook was attached to an old broom handle at the end with rubber bands / The cord ran up handle / The cord had a end like a throw net that went around your wrist / The old timers put a piece of ribbon or old pull top beer tabs on the hook. Find a hole insert hook / move it around / strike / pull / hook comes off handle / handle floats back to the surface and your fight is on / The old rule of thumb was never go deeper than chest high cause some 50-60-70-80-+lb fish can pull really hard and drown ya..... Some of the old guys used oxygen tanks and done this also.... Its completely banned....