Categorized | Bass Fishing

11 Comments For This Post

1. Roger Says:
   June 20th, 2009 at 8:21 pm

   Live bait, when legal is still poor form. I would resort to it if I really needed a fish to feed hungry people.

2. James W Says:
   June 20th, 2009 at 9:15 pm

   It is legal to buy live goldfish as pet or as feeder fish but it is very illegal to use live goldfish as bait. This will apply to most if not all states. In very simple words, you can not introduce FOREIGN species into local waters.
   In my state, it is illegal to use gamefish as bait. We can use live baits but we can’t use bluegills legally. The use of goldfish will get you into more trouble than bluegills. More people will complain and report you if they saw you use live goldfish.

3. justinto Says:
   June 21st, 2009 at 12:31 am

   hey man, sure live bait is legal for bass. i like to use shiners when it comes to live bait. but the guy that was fishing with gold fish yea that is illegal but it is productive. i have done this a couple times…..dont tell anybody i told you…i wouldn’t recommend fishin with gold fish just in case the DNR is walkin around. i use live bait when i am just floatin down the river and not really care about catching anything. the shiners are productive i just dont have to work the bait just toss it around some lillys or some type of coverage and sit back and wait. good luck good fishin be safe and remember to share the experience

4. The Wormist Says:
   June 21st, 2009 at 12:32 am

   many states you CAN use goldfish. here in cali they are only legal in the colorado river district. along with tilapia and some sunfish.
   but live shad are used universally as well as crayfish.
   in the san diego area, golden shiners are popular and legal.
   waterdogs and salamanders were declared illegal a few years ago. there is a fair sized list of baitfish legal to use in california in the DFG regulations.

5. Chimp dancer Says:
   June 21st, 2009 at 1:03 am

   Gold fish are legal to use in some states and are primarily used as a catfish bait. Some people swear that the color and scent of these baits catches them more fish…I don’t know. The only thing I caught was hell from the wife when I yanked out a few gold fish and all the Koi from my fish tank, that’s a different story.
   As to your first question, ” yes” you can use live bait as long as you follow the rules / laws as outlined by you’re local fisheries department / DNR. Many states do not allow the use of Game fish as a bait or any parts there of but sunfish can be used as long as you caught them yourself and are of legal size. As to your 2nd. question, ” not a chance.” Why would anyone risk a ticket over an illegal live bait? That’s what lures were made for, and it’s cheaper!~good luck catchin’.

6. Minister Says:
   June 21st, 2009 at 1:38 am

   GOLDFISH !??! Goldfish are illegal everywhere as far as I know. They are Carp. You may fish with live bate in NC for anything. I hate using artificial, and haven’t for over 15 years. I have caught some mighty big Bass with Live Silver Shiners.
   MINISTER
   Pray4Revival
   SPIRIT
   FILLED
   EVANGELICAL
   CHRISTIANS
   UNITED
   (Fundamentalist Pentecostal)

7. masteran Says:
   June 21st, 2009 at 3:14 am

   goldfish aren’t illegal in virginia and are sold at bait stores. technically they may be a carp but a bait goldfish if allowed to live in native waters wouldn’t grow more than a couple pounds max…nothing like a carp. i don’t use them because i prefer live emerald shiners. have hooked some large pickerel and bowfin the only times i’ve used goldfish, and i’ve seen them catch many stocker trout.
   there’s a time and a place for bait (almost any time) and then there’s times where lures work better are cheaper and are more challenging/fun.

8. Brad L Says:
   June 21st, 2009 at 3:24 am

   I don’t know if goldfish are legal here (Alabama), but worms, minnows, and other similar live bait are definitely legal.

9. BOBBER Says:
   June 21st, 2009 at 5:07 am

   Worms minnows and leeches as well as frogs are legal. But thats about it in minnesota.

10. Hunter Justyn Says:
    June 21st, 2009 at 7:34 am

    idk but i will find out and if they are legal i will use them

11. Scooby Says:
    April 16th, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    Goldfish are legal in Alabama. I just called the DNR and ask about using goldfish as bait. you can call for yourself 256 435-5422. Truth is if you do use goldfish and by chance one or a few get off your hook alive, they won’t last long cause Big Bass will eat them.

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