Using bluegill as bait
Jul 30, 2020 09:23:09 #
So I was using bluegill as bait today and had a tremendous amount of success, however I find them extremely uncomfortable to cast as they are much larger than the lures I use. Should I learn to cast them or throw them out by hand with more accuracy?
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by timu97
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by timu97
Jul 30, 2020 09:23:13 #
I think it's illegal in some states to use sport fish as baitfish. Be sure to check local laws. But I'd think tossing them would be a better idea haha. I've never tried it. I usually toss the BG back unless I'm catching a lot of them/getting hit constantly while going for bass.
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by hime-again
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by hime-again
Jul 30, 2020 09:23:17 #
It’s my friends pond that he has in his backyard. Also would that still make it illegal if where we are fishing is private property? We also stocked it with some pike and gar
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by timu97
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by timu97
Jul 30, 2020 09:23:22 #
Blue Gill are rough fish not sport fish. legal here in Wisconsin,but check local regs always before using any live bait.
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by kvin402
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by kvin402
Jul 30, 2020 09:23:29 #
Probably not illegal then in your case. I just know I never thought of it. Was out fishing one day and heard that it is/used to be illegal (can't remember what they said exactly) to use bluegill as bait. But I'm starting to realize a lot of talk I hear out on the river is just that, talk lol. Usually wrong. It's probably fine for situation you described. I was out on public rivers when I heard it. The thought didn't even occur to me. Though I have considered using chad/shad as bait fish. Because often times in my kayak I'll be going right over a swarm of them haha
I don't know what line you are using but they fight decent for me and weigh my main rods down. I'd definitely toss them by hand. Sounds like fun either way!
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by hime-again
I don't know what line you are using but they fight decent for me and weigh my main rods down. I'd definitely toss them by hand. Sounds like fun either way!
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by hime-again
Jul 30, 2020 09:23:33 #
Using 50lb braid on a medium heavy rod. I find casting them is really awkward so I thought throwing would be better
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by timu97
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by timu97
Jul 30, 2020 09:23:37 #
Jul 30, 2020 13:32:28 #
Illegal to use any sport fish as bait in California and bluegill are considered a sport fish. Having said that, big catfish will eat them like popcorn. Just make sure it's legal where you're at. Each state is different. If you're on private property you're still supposed to follow the law, but who's gonna enforce it? Like Jimmy said, always let your conscience be your guide.
Jul 30, 2020 15:25:03 #
I use small ones for bait for catfish and big bass. Don't have any problems casting them out. It looks a bit awkward but they land where I want them to be. Haven't heard of it being illegal to use them, depends on state rules
Jul 30, 2020 18:54:35 #
I use them for catfish on the muskingum river but yeah check your state regs
Jul 31, 2020 07:50:50 #
Jul 31, 2020 09:35:53 #
Jul 31, 2020 12:13:50 #
tommybe1
Loc: Bay Area, California
Have used them in the delta, near tracy for stripers, was told it was legal. Do you know for a fact its not? Always want to be at least semi-legal :-)
Jul 31, 2020 13:15:12 #
tommybe1 wrote:
Have used them in the delta, near tracy for stripers, was told it was legal. Do you know for a fact its not? Always want to be at least semi-legal :-)
Hey Tommy. In the Sac river Delta it's legal to use fin fish, other than trout or salmon, that was caught in a legal manner for bait. Also in the Feather river.
Jul 31, 2020 13:27:37 #
tommybe1 wrote:
Have used them in the delta, near tracy for stripers, was told it was legal. Do you know for a fact its not? Always want to be at least semi-legal :-)
Here's a link to the DFW Regulations. The answer is, it depends. My usual way to deal with this kind of crap is, if in doubt, don't. I was told by a game warden once, who I had questioned over the legality of something, "if you don't know the regs you shouldn't be fishing". What a guy.
https://californiaoutdoors.wordpress.com/2018/03/01/making-sense-of-bait-regulations/
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