bluegill for live bait

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surfk9
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bluegill for live bait

Post by surfk9 »

Does anyone know if gills are legal in the beaver slough, tower park to wimpys area for live bait? some buddies are headed that way next week and asked if i knew....thought maybe one of you delta rats might be able to save me some time trying to wade thru DFG reg's........thanks , surfk9
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Dom
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by Dom »

Shame on you!!!!! You said "LIVE BAIT" on a bass fishing fourm ! LMAO Dang Meat Hunter! LOL

BASS FISHING 101 NEVER USE LIVE BAIT ITS CHEATING!!!!! :D
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kane-o
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by kane-o »

i believe using any panfish or trout is ILLEGAL... but crawdads are not illegal ! its weird, like using shad. it must be taken from the same body of water. but why can you bring crawdads from other areas and use them ? california dfg rules confuse me.... :?
frank
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by frank »

It is legal to use live bluegill as long as you catch them on the delta and do not transport them over land. Not sure about the lakes but I have verified in the past with DFG that it is legal to use bluegills as bait in the delta.
elfish16
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by elfish16 »

well I know in lakes that are on the strict quagga rules you can't even use crawdads unless they are caught INSIDE the lake itself as well.
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cib11b
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by cib11b »

I am pretty sure it's illegal on most if not all lakes in ca. I know of other rivers and other waterways it is legal like mentioned above, you must catch the bluegill within the same water you intend to use it without traporting the fish over land. You need a specific license to transport fish.. Contact DFG about the body of water you mentioned.
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by Dan Stahlman »

I'm not sure about the Delta, but in CA. it is illegal to use a gamefish which in this case a Bluegill to catch another gamefish. Better check with F & G on your loccation.
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fish_food
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by fish_food »

Dan Stahlman wrote:I'm not sure about the Delta, but in CA. it is illegal to use a gamefish which in this case a Bluegill to catch another gamefish.
I don't believe CA fishing regulations actually distinguish which species are "gamefish" and which aren't. All fish are lumped as "finfish;" if something doesn't fall under that category then they're covered under amphibians, invertebrates, et al...
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cib11b
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by cib11b »

Correct, bluegill are lumped in as "finned" fish which finned fish are legal.. Usually fish like trout and salmon in my local rivers are illegal to use and everything else is fair game.
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Kwin
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by Kwin »

Bait Regulations for Inland Waters (CCR, T14, Chapter 2, Article 3)

4.05. Bait Fish Capture Methods.
(a) Approved bait fish may be taken only by hand, with a dip net, or with traps not over three feet in greatest dimension. Such bait fish may not be purchased, bartered, sold, transferred or traded; or transported alive from the location where taken. Any other species taken shall be returned to the water immediately. Traps need not be closely attended. Dip net use: A dip net must be hand held, and the motion of a dip net shall be caused only by the physical effort of the operator. A dip net may not be moved through the water by any mechanical force or motorized device.
(b) Within the area bounded by Highway 111 on the north and east and Highway 86 on the west and south, approved bait fish may be taken only with dip nets with diagonal mesh size one inch and greater, or by traps in water greater than four feet in depth. Traps may not exceed three feet in greatest dimension. Approved bait fish may not be taken by hand within this area.

4.20. Bait Fish Use in the Valley and South Central Districts.
Except as provided below, live or dead fin fish shall not be used or possessed for use as bait in the Valley or South Central District:

(a) Live or dead golden shiner, fathead minnow, mosquitofish, longjaw mudsucker, and staghorn sculpin, and dead threadfin shad, Mississippi silverside and lamprey may be used in all Valley and South Central District waters except those listed in subsection (f) below.
(b) Red shiner may be used only in the Valley District north of Interstate 580 and Highway 132.
(c) Yellowfin gobies may be used in the Valley District only in those areas described in subsections (d)(1)-(3) below.
[b](d) In addition, except for trout and salmon, fin fish lawfully taken in the following waters by angling or with bait fish methods approved in Section 4.05 may be used only in the waters where taken:
(1) Carquinez Strait and Suisun Bay and their tributaries and saltwater tributaries.
(2) Sacramento River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from the Highway 32 bridge near Hamilton City, Feather River downstream from the Oroville Hatchery Fish Barrier Dam, Yuba River downstream from Daguerre Point Dam, and American River downstream from Nimbus Dam.
(3) San Joaquin River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from Interstate 5 bridge.[/b](e) Live threadfin shad, Mississippi silverside and lamprey may be used only at the location where taken.
(f) Fin fish may not be used in Keller Lake (Glenn Co.), Letts Lake (Colusa Co.), Merced Lake (San Francisco Co.), Upper and Lower Plaskett Meadow Ponds (Glenn Co.), Whale Rock Reservoir (San Luis Obispo Co.).
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surfk9
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by surfk9 »

Apparently most didn't read the post correct (although i do appreciate the replies) one it was being asked for someone else and two it was meant for the delta region that was in question and three nothing was said about black bass...the inference being for STRIPED BASS.. and the WINNER is Kwin with the correct reply....thanks to everyone....guess i struck a nerve.....I always tell my fishing partner and his brother that black bass they catch on Minnows DON'T COUNT....SO i AM IN THAT BOAT WITH THE REST OF YOU DELTA RATS...THANKS AGAIN FOR THE REPLIES :lol:
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Tin Can
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by Tin Can »

It is only legal on the delta, it is NOT legal to use bluegill as bait on any lake in Ca.
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DeltaDan
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by DeltaDan »

surfk9 - you can also use Dip Nets to scoop some Shad (day/night no matter- but they are biggest in the fall) and use the live shad for any fish on the delta.

You legally can not use a hoop casting net - But I see it done alot in the fall.

Even if you are cought with one of those nets in your boat- you will be cited if boarded/inspected by DFG, Sheriff and Coast Guard as they are only legal past either the Benica, Vallejo or Richmond bridge to the ocean to the best of my recollection.
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Oldschool
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by Oldschool »

Bluegills are sunfish and considered game fish with daily limits and can not be netted or used as live or dead bait fish, unless specified in certain areas; parts of the Colorado river and the California delta have zones where bluegill can be used as bait.
Tom
Topwater Terry
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by Topwater Terry »

Unless things have changed, you can use em for bait down on the Colorado River, some of the guys use them and tilapia, and live goldfish (illegal in Cal. lakes) for flatheads. Of course, I think you can use throw nets down there too, different rules maybe cuz it's part of two states down there...
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by Tim Jordan »

Dom wrote:Shame on you!!!!! You said "LIVE BAIT" on a bass fishing fourm ! LMAO Dang Meat Hunter! LOL

BASS FISHING 101 NEVER USE LIVE BAIT ITS CHEATING!!!!! :D
Unless you're hungry.
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by mark poulson »

Oldschool wrote:Bluegills are sunfish and considered game fish with daily limits and can not be netted or used as live or dead bait fish, unless specified in certain areas; parts of the Colorado river and the California delta have zones where bluegill can be used as bait.
Tom
Tom,
Which part of the Delta allows bluegills to be used as bait?
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dvkawboy
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by dvkawboy »

Bluegill are game fish not bait fish ! If there is any questions on the question the fault goes back to the person asking the question for not being thorough and for asking a question that if they did the reasearch they could answer themselves. Ignorance is never an excuse , don’t take anyone’s word . Read the regulations!
That’s why they print them .
Stratos278
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by Stratos278 »

It's a lengthy read, but here is the verbatim copy of the DFW live bait regulation for 2018-2019:
(No mention of bluegill anywhere that I could see)

"Bait Regulations"
"California
Freshwater Fishing"
"Article 3. Bait Regulations for Inland Waters
4.00. Bait-General.
Legally acquired and possessed invertebrates, mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians (except salamanders), fish eggs and treated and processed foods may be used for bait, except:
(a) No species specified as endangered, threatened, candidate, fully-protected, or otherwise protected under state and federal law may be used as bait.
(b) No salamander may be used as bait. See section 5.05 for other amphibians that may be used as bait.
(c) See Section 5.35 for restrictions on crayfish;
(d) See Section 7.50(b)(74) for restriction on bait collecting in Hat Creek;
(e) No trout may be maintained or possessed in a live condition in any container on or attached to any boat;
(f) Except for restrictions listed under special regulations, dead ocean fish may be used as bait statewide. This section supersedes the provisions of sections 4.10, 4.15, 4.20, 4.25 and 4.30.
4.05. Bait Fish Capture Methods.
(a) Approved bait fish may be taken only by hand, with a dip net not exceeding 36 inches in greatest dimension, excluding handle, or with traps not over three feet in greatest dimension. Such bait fish may not be purchased, bartered, sold, transferred or traded; or transported alive from the location where taken. Any other species taken shall be returned to the water immediately. Traps need not be closely attended. Dip net use: A dip net must be hand held, and the motion of a dip net shall be caused only by the physical effort of the operator. A dip net may not be moved through the water by any mechanical force or motorized device.
(b) Within the area bounded by Highway 111 on the north and east and Highway 86 on the west and south, approved bait fish may be taken only with dip nets with diagonal mesh size one inch and greater, or by traps in water greater than four feet in depth. Traps may not exceed three feet in greatest dimension. Approved bait fish may not be taken by hand within this area.
4.10. Bait Fish Use in the Southern District.
Except as provided below, live or dead fin fish shall not be used or possessed for use as bait in the Southern District:
(a) Dead threadfin shad and live or dead longjaw mudsucker may be used in all Southern District waters.
(b) Live threadfin shad may be used only at the location where taken.
(c) Golden shiner and red shiner may be used in San Diego County.
4.15. Bait Fish Use in the Colorado River District.
Except as provided below, live or dead fin fish shall not be used or possessed for use as bait in the Colorado River District:
(a) Live or dead golden shiner, fathead minnow, red shiner, mosquitofish, longjaw mudsucker, threadfin shad, goldfish, sunfish, molly, and dead carp may be used in all Colorado River District waters.
(b) Live carp may be used only at the location where taken.
(c) Tilapia may be used in the Salton Sea, and may be taken for bait only within the area bounded by Highway 111 on the north and east and Highway 86 on the west and south (except as in subsection (d) below.
(d) Tilapia may be taken and used for bait in the Colorado River and its associated backwaters only within the area bounded by Palo Verde Diversion Dam south to the Morelos Dam.
4.20. Bait Fish Use in the Valley and South Central Districts.
Except as provided below, live or dead fin fish shall not be used or possessed for use as bait in the Valley or South Central District:
(a) Live or dead golden shiner, fathead minnow, mosquitofish, longjaw mudsucker, and staghorn sculpin, and dead threadfin shad, Mississippi silverside and lamprey may be used in all Valley and South Central District waters except those listed in subsection (f) below.
(b) Red shiner may be used only in the Valley District north of Interstate 580 and Highway 132.
(c) Yellowfin gobies may be used in the Valley District only in those areas described in subsections (d)(1)-(3) below.
(d) In addition, except for trout and salmon, fin fish lawfully taken in the following waters by angling or with bait fish methods approved in Section 4.05 may be used, only in the waters where taken:
(1) Carquinez Strait and Suisun Bay and their tributaries and saltwater tributaries.
(2) Sacramento River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from the Highway 32 bridge near Hamilton City, Feather River downstream from the Oroville Hatchery Fish Barrier Dam, and American River downstream from Nimbus Dam.
(3) San Joaquin River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from Interstate 5 bridge.
(e) Live threadfin shad, Mississippi silverside and lamprey may be used only at the location where taken.
(f) Fin fish may not be used in Keller Lake (Glenn Co.), Letts Lake (Colusa Co.), Merced Lake (San Francisco Co.), Upper and Lower Plaskett Meadow Ponds (Glenn Co.), Whale Rock Reservoir (San Luis Obispo Co.).
4.25. Bait Fish Use in the North Central District.
Except as provided below, live or dead fin fish shall not be used or possessed for use as bait in the North Central District:
(a) Golden shiner, fathead minnow, red shiner, mosquitofish, longjaw mudsucker and staghorn sculpin may be used in Napa and Sonoma counties, in Marin County except for Stafford Lake, in Lake County except for the Eel River and its tributaries, and in Lake Mendocino (Mendocino Co.).
(b) Live threadfin shad, Mississippi silverside and lamprey may be used only at the location where taken.
4.30. Bait Fish Use in the Sierra and North Coast Districts.
Except as provided below, live or dead fin fish shall not be used or possessed for use as bait in the Sierra and North Coast Districts.
(a) In Donner, Fallen Leaf and Tahoe lakes Lahontan redside, tui chub, Tahoe sucker, Lahontan speckled dace, mountain sucker and Paiute sculpin may be used only in the same lake where taken.
(b) In Shasta Lake only golden shiner, red shiner, fathead minnows, mosquitofish and threadfin shad may be used or possessed for use as bait.
(c) Crayfish shall not be used for bait in the Pit River and all tributaries between Pit 3 Dam (Lake Britton) and the Fall River-Cassel Road Bridge at Fall River Mills, California (includes Hat Creek and Fall River and their tributaries).
Jim C.
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norththird
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by norththird »

Ok Surf dog, We both catch and release our bass, but, I will happily put on a minnow once in a while just to take your three bucks :lol: :lol: And as far as striper fishing, yea, I will use a minnow,....... mainly to take your three bucks :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
mark poulson
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by mark poulson »

Stratos278 wrote:It's a lengthy read, but here is the verbatim copy of the DFW live bait regulation for 2018-2019:
(No mention of bluegill anywhere that I could see)

"Bait Regulations"
"California
Freshwater Fishing"
"Article 3. Bait Regulations for Inland Waters
4.00. Bait-General.

(d) In addition, except for trout and salmon, fin fish lawfully taken in the following waters by angling or with bait fish methods approved in Section 4.05 may be used, only in the waters where taken:
(1) Carquinez Strait and Suisun Bay and their tributaries and saltwater tributaries.
(2) Sacramento River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from the Highway 32 bridge near Hamilton City, Feather River downstream from the Oroville Hatchery Fish Barrier Dam, and American River downstream from Nimbus Dam.
(3) San Joaquin River and tidewater of tributaries downstream from Interstate 5 bridge.
(e) Live threadfin shad, Mississippi silverside and lamprey may be used only at the location where taken.
(f) Fin fish may not be used in Keller Lake (Glenn Co.), Letts Lake (Colusa Co.), Merced Lake (San Francisco Co.), Upper and Lower Plaskett Meadow Ponds (Glenn Co.), Whale Rock Reservoir (San Luis Obispo Co.).
Thank you.
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WRB
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by WRB »

Mark, 7 year thread!
Bluegill come under fresh water game fish as Sunfish.
The Colorado River below Imperail dam allows the use of Sunfish as live bait.
The Delta allows live and dead fin fish caught from the areas listed under salt water regs, brackish and fresh water areas come under fresh water regs and list boundaries by highways and bridges for areas where special regulation for use of sunfish as bait. No game fish can be transported alive in California without a permit. Bass tournaments get a waiver to keep bass in the boats livewell, but you can't put the boat on a trailer and move away from the area with live gamefish. Remember we all trailed bass at Castaic to weigh at the Mini Mart back in the day.
Tom
mark poulson
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by mark poulson »

WRB wrote:Mark, 7 year thread!
Bluegill come under fresh water game fish as Sunfish.
The Colorado River below Imperail dam allows the use of Sunfish as live bait.
The Delta allows live and dead fin fish caught from the areas listed under salt water regs, brackish and fresh water areas come under fresh water regs and list boundaries by highways and bridges for areas where special regulation for use of sunfish as bait. No game fish can be transported alive in California without a permit. Bass tournaments get a waiver to keep bass in the boats livewell, but you can't put the boat on a trailer and move away from the area with live gamefish. Remember we all trailed bass at Castaic to weigh at the Mini Mart back in the day.
Tom
Thanks Tom.
Did you guys stock the Lagoon?
Attitude plus effort equal success
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WRB
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by WRB »

mark poulson wrote:
WRB wrote:Mark, 7 year thread!
Bluegill come under fresh water game fish as Sunfish.
The Colorado River below Imperail dam allows the use of Sunfish as live bait.
The Delta allows live and dead fin fish caught from the areas listed under salt water regs, brackish and fresh water areas come under fresh water regs and list boundaries by highways and bridges for areas where special regulation for use of sunfish as bait. No game fish can be transported alive in California without a permit. Bass tournaments get a waiver to keep bass in the boats livewell, but you can't put the boat on a trailer and move away from the area with live gamefish. Remember we all trailed bass at Castaic to weigh at the Mini Mart back in the day.
Tom
Thanks Tom.
Did you guys stock the Lagoon?
Closest place to release the big bass was the lagoon!
mark poulson
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Re: bluegill for live bait

Post by mark poulson »

WRB wrote:
mark poulson wrote:
WRB wrote:Mark, 7 year thread!
Bluegill come under fresh water game fish as Sunfish.
The Colorado River below Imperail dam allows the use of Sunfish as live bait.
The Delta allows live and dead fin fish caught from the areas listed under salt water regs, brackish and fresh water areas come under fresh water regs and list boundaries by highways and bridges for areas where special regulation for use of sunfish as bait. No game fish can be transported alive in California without a permit. Bass tournaments get a waiver to keep bass in the boats livewell, but you can't put the boat on a trailer and move away from the area with live gamefish. Remember we all trailed bass at Castaic to weigh at the Mini Mart back in the day.
Tom
Thanks Tom.
Did you guys stock the Lagoon?
Closest place to release the big bass was the lagoon!
Thank you for doing that!
Attitude plus effort equal success
CLEAN AND DRY
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