Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Lake Possum Kingdom was built and impounded on the Brazos River in 1941. It was a hotspot for fishermen in West Texas immediately. I had several older cousins who lived near Lubbock.

Their father, Joe Samples had a farm at Idalou Texas. As part of the irrigation of his farm, he had a large concrete reservoir to hold irrigation water. As a kid, I would try to swim in this large, above-ground swimming pool. But I found the water to be too cold to be much fun.

In this reservoir, which was quite large, he had many goldfish. His sons captured a bunch and used them for bait to go fishing for catfish at the new Possum Kingdom Lake. They set out trotlines baited with large goldfish. It is doubtful that the large catfish in Possum Kingdom Lake had ever seen a goldfish before. They made a killing and caught a pickup load of large catfish.

Since they had far more than they could ever eat, they went around and gave fish away to all their farmer neighbors, but still had a lot left. So, they drive into Lubbock and in several poorer sections of the town, sold all the remaining catfish for $.50 a fish!

I am sure they would have repeated this feat, except for World War II, and they were all drafted to serve and that ended their fishing business. Just Sayin…RJS

EZ Fishing Loc: College Ward, Utah

Great story Robert. Hopefully they didn't put any live gold fish in that new reservoir. Thanks for another great one RJS.

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

Nice read Mr Samples thanks for the story 🇺🇸🙂👍

Rayz Loc: North West N.J. and South Hero Vt.

You are right. Goldfish are actually a form of Carp. They are illegal to use in some states.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Well, since this was 1941 or 42, i don't think there were many, if any restrictions at the time for using goldfish as bait, even though there probably should have been some restrictions. Just Sayin...RJS

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

I am sure in those days, they did not even give that a thought. Most people had never even heard the term "Invasive species" back then. It was common practice to dump any live fish not used into the closest' body of water. Almost everyone put goldfish that were to big for the tank into the closest body of water. That was often the park pond. Even when I was a kid in the 50's it was common practice in many areas. No one was deliberately being bad. Many thought they were improving the fishing by providing food or improving the variety in the local pond. Many people dumped their goldfish into local water because the kids did not want to kill their pets that had grown to big.
We are luck that most waters are to cold for tropical fish, and snakes for that matter, or the entire country would be dealing with Florida's invasive problems.

Jim Kay Loc: Franklin, Virginia

Goldfish make a good bait for anything that neats minnows.

HenryG Loc: Falmouth Cape Cod Massachusetts

And down the toilets 🇺🇸😑🎣

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

We used to call this. Swimming in circles😏

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

At my house they were swirlies. My big brothers specialized in them….giving not getting!!

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

Gmchief Loc: New Hampshire coast

😊

Farmer Dan Loc: TX

Like you just saying so. Watched three wood ducks this morning. Two handsome drakes and one pretty hen a waiting. Left them as I found them.