When it comes to unusual, it doesn't get much stranger than the paddlefish. The paddlefish takes its common and scientific names from its distinctive snout, which is elongated and flattened into a "paddle" shape. One of Oklahoma's largest fish, the paddlefish feeds on tiny zooplankton (microscopic insects) and, like a shark, has a completely cartilaginous skeletal system. Paddlefish are one of the most unique fish in Oklahoma. They can grow over 100 pounds and live up to 50 years. Paddlefish in Oklahoma are found mainly in the Grand, Neosho and Arkansas River systems. They are caught by snagging, usually beginning in March and ending in late April, during the fish's early spring spawning run. The prehistoric fish can be caught by snagging with a stout surf rod, heavy test line, and a large, barbless treble hook. In February 2008, the Wildlife Department opened the Paddlefish Research Center at Twin Bridges State Park near Miami, Okla. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Paddlefish Research Center in the northeast part of the state has already processed at least 300 fish for anglers this spring. The center collects important biological data, processes paddlefish fillets for anglers and salvages paddlefish eggs. Since 2008 more than 20,000 fish have been brought to the paddlefish research center by anglers, where their fish are professionally cleaned and packaged. Workers at the center collect eggs from female fish to sell as caviar and collect details on the condition of the eggs. Oklahoma paddlefish caviar is dispersed throughout Europe and Asia. The center is open during prime paddlefish snagging months (approximately March 1 - April 30), and anglers can bring their catch to the center for cleaning and processing. Additionally, anglers such as those fishing at Miami's Riverview City Park also can call the center to come pick up their paddlefish for processing. Anglers who take advantage of the service will take home meat from their own fish that has been safely cleaned and packaged. Paddlefish anglers are required to obtain a free paddlefish permit before fishing for paddlefish in Oklahoma. The permit system provides clearer information about paddlefish anglers and helps better manage paddlefish populations. The permit is annual, and the permit number can be used on every paddlefish tagged during that period. Permits can be obtained online at wildlifedepartment.com.