The next catfishing season will begin Jan. 10 at Nu'uanu Reservoir No. 4, and applications for entry fishing cards are being accepted starting today.

Prospective anglers may pick up the applications at the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Aquatic Resources at 1151 Punchbowl St., Room 330, and from various licensing agents in Honolulu. Blank applications will not be mailed.

The deadline for submitting applications in person is 4 p.m. Dec. 19. Mailed applications must be postmarked no later than Dec. 19.

"Fishing for channel catfish in Nu'uanu reservoir continues to be a very popular activity," Laura Thielen, DLNR chairwoman, said in a news release. "We invite anglers and families to enjoy this unique outdoor pastime."

During the last fishing season this year, which was extended to Nov. 16, a total of 2,962 anglers caught 2,243 catfish. The largest fish caught weighed 15 pounds.

State freshwater game fishing licenses may be obtained at fishing supply stores and on the Division of Aquatic Resources Web page at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/. Click on the link for Freshwater Game Fishing Licenses and follow the instructions.

Processed entry cards sent back to applicants will give the date and time that fishers may enter the reservoir. Entry is restricted to those with a card.

Anglers can only fish during their assigned times. There will be no make-up periods or refunds. Fishing will continue on consecutive weekends, Saturdays and Sundays only, until all anglers with assigned fishing times have been accommodated.

Cardholders will also be required to show a valid freshwater game fishing license while fishing. Those 8 years old or younger are not required to be licensed, but must be accompanied by a licensed, supervising adult. All cardholders 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Freshwater game fishing licenses are available at licensing agents (call 587-0100 for locations) for the following prices:

• All minors (ages 9 through 15 years): $3;

• Resident (includes military): $5;

• Nonresident: $25;

• 7-day tourist (adults): $10;

• 30-day tourist (adults): $20;

• Senior citizen (65 or older): no charge.

The catch limit is two catfish per licensed angler. Any channel catfish 16 inches long or larger must be kept by the angler and be counted toward the bag limit. Catfish caught by unlicensed anglers 8 years old or younger will be included in the bag limit for the licensed, supervising adult. However, cardholders 8 years old or younger may buy a license to obtain their own bag limit.

Each fishing day will be divided into four-hour fishing periods: a morning session from 7 to 11 a.m., and an afternoon session from noon to 4 p.m. Warm clothing and rain gear are recommended while fishing at Nu'uanu reservoir. For more information, call DLNR's Division of Aquatic Resources on O'ahu at 587-0100.