Handfishing will become legal in Kansas for the first time Friday.

A handfishing season for flathead catfish was approved by Wildlife and Parks last November.

However, the state agency does not expect many participants because of the sport’s challenging aspects

Only flathead catfish may be taken during the season which will end on Aug. 31. Also, there are only two locations approved for handfishing, also known as noodling.

One is the Arkansas River from the John Mack Bridge on Broadway Street in Wichita downstream to the Kansas-Oklahoma border.

The other is the Kansas River from its origin downstream to its confluence with the Missouri River. That includes such river cities as Lawrence, Eudora and Lecompton.

Hours are sunrise to sunset. A special $27.15 permit is required in addition to a regular fishing license. Hooks are not allowed.

Neither are snorkeling or scuba gear, or any other man-made device or gear except a stringer.

Stringers may not be used until the fish are caught by hand and are at or above the surface of the water.

In addition, no man-made object that attracts fish – such as a barrel, box, bathtub or any other object – may be used.

Anyone who purchases a handfishing permit will be given a questionnaire they must complete and submit no later than 30 days after the close of the open handfishing season.

Permits may be purchased on the Web or at select locations across the state.

To find vendors or purchase permits online, go to www.kdwp.state.ks.us.