Bullheads as Bait?

[mplspug]

I've posted the same question in the bass section, as I am hitting a metro lake tomorrow for bass and pike. We use bullheads a lot for flatheads as they work real well. To top it off, they are very hardy and pretty much will keep moving until a fish hits them, you take them off or they get tossed off when casting them out. I have heard rumors of people using them for pike and musky. So has anyone given them a try for pike?

[fishermusk]

You are not suppose to use game fish for bait in minnesota ,the rule is on page ten of the regs, bullheads are considered a game fish because they have a limit on them of 100 in possesion. You should realy read the regs every year just for the new changes atleast. Another reason for these rules is to stop the spread of rough fish and exotics.

[OptiMax]

Quote:

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You are not suppose to use game fish for bait in minnesota ,the rule is on page ten of the regs, bullheads are considered a game fish because they have a limit on them of 100 in possesion. You should realy read the regs every year just for the new changes atleast. Another reason for these rules is to stop the spread of rough fish and exotics.

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If you read the regs, a bullhead under 7" is considered a minnow, so it is perfectly legal.

[mplspug]

Yep, when I first tried catting and found they were using bullies, I was concerned. But The regs state that the bullies must be under 7"

pg. 4 "Minnows– members of the minnow family, goldfish; bullheads, ciscoes,lake whitefish, goldeyes, and mooneyes, not over seven inches long,leeches, tadpole madtoms and stonecats. (Note: border water regulationsmay vary)"

[fishermusk]

Sorry I didn't see that. I guess I should read the regs.

[mplspug]

Don't be sorry, it was a legit concern. I'd rather be called on it than have someone who was concerned let it slide.

[OptiMax]

Also note that they've retracted the "goldfish" part, so don't go using Fluffy the Goldfish, mplspug

[mplspug]

I was kinda of confused about that. I didn't see how they could allow a fish that isn't native! And to think I was going to buy a $400 Koi to fish for flatties with!