Do you fish? Do you purchase your bait?
Everyone fishing desires the best method to lure a fish onto his/her line.
(Photo by Chris Cheng)
If using live bait, where does it come from and what happens to your live, unused bait at the end of an enjoyable day fishing?
In Minnesota, bait sold at bait shops must come from within Minnesota. 60% is harvested from shallow lakes with the remaining 40% from aqua cultures, (as per U of M research).
These University of Minnesota researchers mailed surveys in 2019 to resident and non-resident licensed anglers. 70% of the returned surveys reported using live bait, and of those, 20% illegally released their unused bait into the lake water at the end of their day.
Why is this against the law in Minnesota? This is another way aquatic invasive species are unknowingly transported from lake to lake. This increases the risk of fish pathogens spreading to wild fish.
The MN DNR recommends using the receptacle available at some public landings for leftover bait, put it in the trash, or compost pile. If you self-harvest, releasing back into the same lake is acceptable. Watch for stickers provided to bait shops and reminders at boat launches about bait disposal. Remember, this is another route to keep Lone Lake and all MN lakes clean. We all thank you.
Here are some links for more information: