Larger bullhead legal as bait in Minnesota

[Rick]

Anglers can use bullheads up to 10 inches long as live bait, however thebaitfish cannot be transported north of Minnesota Highway 210, according to a rule change adopted by the Minnesota Department of Resources (DNR).

The new rule, which went into effect Aug. 9, allows catfish anglers to use larger bullheads as bait yet helps prevent non-native bullhead populations from establishing themselves in additional northern Minnesota lakes.

The previous rule allowed anglers to use bullheads up to seven inches long as bait, which could be captured from noninfested waters via dip net, angling or noncommercial seine and transported anywhere in Minnesota.

Bullheads live in some northern Minnesota lakes, but they are not a native species. The old rule allowing transport north of Minnesota Highway 210 increased the possibility that non-native bullhead populations could be established in additional lakes.

The new rule allows bullheads to be taken using dip nets, noncommerical seines and angling by a person with a valid fishing license. Any fish taken are considered part of the angler’s possession limit, and water must be exchanged before transporting live fish when exiting designated infested waters per invasive species laws.

An additional rule change allows live transportation and possession of white suckers 12 inches and longer for up to 96 hours. People possessing and transporting the fish are required to purchase such fish from a licensed commercial vendor and retain a receipt showing the date and time of purchase.

http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/index.php/2010/08/16/larger-bullhead-legal-as-bait/#more-43766

[EBass]

Awesome news!

[rushing]

Thanks for the low down, Rick

[blakeb]

they have suckers that stay alive for 96 hours?

[DARK30]

Now we need two lines and sunfish

[harvey lee]

I don't see the DNR ever allowing gamefish for bait for flats.

[mrklean]

would be nice thats for sure but i dont see i happening either

[DTro]

It would be much easier to de-classify certain species as non-game fish

[Scott K]

I would be happy if they left us use carp that was caught in the same body of water. I too dont think they will ever allow us to use sunfish as bait.

[pureinsanity]

Maybe we should have them do a species count at firemans park in chaska. Perhaps after they count the 3 million sunnies in there maybe they would think about letting us use them as bait.... Whatever happened to population control?????

[MinnesnowtaWild]

Nick isn't Firemans listed as infested water?

[Jeffreyyy]

isnt just about everything

[pureinsanity]

isnt just about everything