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Legal bait?

23K views 19 replies 15 participants last post by  truckgrandpa 
#1 ·
Does anyone know what is legal bait? The regs arent clear. If caught legally can any fish then be used for bait? I have e mailed the wildlife department twice but i guess they are too busy to answer my questions. Thanks in advance for any help with my question.
 
#3 ·
Legally caught fish, even gamefish, can be used for bait. Now if you are casting a net for shad, and some baby crappie, sandbass, etc. get snared, then you MUST put those fish back.

It has been said that the very best Striper fishing on the lower Illinois coincides with the trout stockings. Catch some trout, cut off the heads, save the rest for supper, put the head on a 6/0 hook, and hang on.

Crappie is a killer flathead and blue bait, but I have a lot of trouble keeping them out of the skillet. If my bait tank is full of water and in the boat, then I toss the baby crappie that I catch on jigs or minnows into the tank, and feed the big boys on my jug lines with 'em
 
#5 ·
Legally caught fish, even gamefish, can be used for bait. Now if you are casting a net for shad, and some baby crappie, sandbass, etc. get snared, then you MUST put those fish back.

It has been said that the very best Striper fishing on the lower Illinois coincides with the trout stockings. Catch some trout, cut off the heads, save the rest for supper, put the head on a 6/0 hook, and hang on.

Crappie is a killer flathead and blue bait, but I have a lot of trouble keeping them out of the skillet. If my bait tank is full of water and in the boat, then I toss the baby crappie that I catch on jigs or minnows into the tank, and feed the big boys on my jug lines with 'em
Ditto what Ron said! However, most guys just use the entire trout live for bait.
 
#7 ·
read YOUR States regulations or you could end up in trouble. Just because you catch it does not mean it's legal to use as bait. In some States, using any part of a game fish on a trot line is against the law. In other States, you CAN use Trout for bait BUT you have to have a receipt (dated within 48 hours) from a bait shop showing that you purchased the trout for bait.
Some States let you use fish caught on rod and reel but not if caught in a net. Some people have said they use Bass for bait, but most States have a minimum size to keep a Bass, if it's under sized, don't get caught using it for bait. You really must know the laws of your own State.
 
#8 ·
read YOUR States regulations or you could end up in trouble. Just because you catch it does not mean it's legal to use as bait. In some States, using any part of a game fish on a trot line is against the law. In other States, you CAN use Trout for bait BUT you have to have a receipt (dated within 48 hours) from a bait shop showing that you purchased the trout for bait.
Some States let you use fish caught on rod and reel but not if caught in a net. Some people have said they use Bass for bait, but most States have a minimum size to keep a Bass, if it's under sized, don't get caught using it for bait. You really must know the laws of your own State.
Jerry,

Since this was posted in Catfish1.com » CATFISHING INFORMATION BY STATE » OKLAHOMA CATFISHING » LOCAL OKLAHOMA TALK » Legal bait?

The answers have been about Oklahoma regs. In Oklahoma, it is legal to use any legally caught fish as bait, live or cut.
 
#10 ·
I think Tony was right. Danny was referring to the laws here in Oklahoma. Laws are different in all states and I would assume that everyone would know their particular laws before they did it. Here in Oklahoma, it can get confusing on some laws. As far as using game fish for bait, as long as it's caught legally on rod and reel and within the size and number limit, it's legal. The length limit however on some fish vary by area. What's legal to keep on one lake or river may be different than the length limit on the body of water that it empties in to.
 
#14 ·
In my state you can use most things as long as you catch them on rod and reel but im not sure about bass. I'm pretty sure that you cant catch a legal size bass and put him on your hook. So therefore be careful and make sure you check the size limits and bag limits before you go out to catch bait.
 
#15 ·
In my state you can use most things as long as you catch them on rod and reel but im not sure about bass. I'm pretty sure that you cant catch a legal size bass and put him on your hook. So therefore be careful and make sure you check the size limits and bag limits before you go out to catch bait.
Might not be able to in Indiana, but I'm going to be baiting up my jugs with some 2-3lb bass this year.
Got some 20/0 circles and J hooks that would be perfect for them.

:004:
 
#16 ·
I have been trying to find out if it is legal to use goldfish for bait in Oklahoma.
I’ve heard it said that it’s not legal. But, where I but bait, they sell live goldfish. So, it is a bit confusing.
 
#18 ·
I have been trying to find out if it is legal to use goldfish for bait in Oklahoma.
I’ve heard it said that it’s not legal. But, where I but bait, they sell live goldfish. So, it is a bit confusing.
Well, well, well. (To quote my old grandpa), who’d’a thunk it.
I texted the ODWC Game Warden assigned to Oklahoma County, asking about the legality of using goldfish for bait in Oklahoma/ OkC waters.
His response:
“I would think it is legal.”

So, I will be at Overholser tomorrow, with worms and goldfish to land some whiskered fellas!!
 
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#20 ·
My plan, exactly.
On the three lakes that we fish, I have only seen GWs twice.
First time was a couple days before I got my license. Then once since then. Both times it was the same fellow, Warden King.

Second time, he asked another guy for his license, and said, “Hey, Bill. Any luck?”
Then we started talking about fishing different local lakes.
He never asked about bait or even asked for my license.
He told the other guy, “I know he has his.”
 
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