Larger bullhead legal as bait

[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

[Jeffreyyy]

sweet thanks!

[Scott K]

This is great news for catfishermen!

[pureinsanity]

Yay! No we just need them to approve green shiners!

[mrklean]

now just dont get caught with those 12 inch bullheads

[TruthWalleyes]

Anyone understand the reasoning behind a recipt and 96hrs?

Where i buy my bait it's cash only.

[Gordie]

Yay! No we just need them to approve green shiners!

and those silver and black spotted shinners too

[Jeffreyyy]

anyone finding bullheads around shakopee? i know the main spots and theyre empty so to speak. any advice would be appreciated.

[Scott K]

Bullheads will be harder to find, just like the flats are. If your still out fishing flats, I would get in as much as possible the next few days, as you have a wall of water coming your way from all of this rain we are getting down here, and that will make the fall holes hard to fish.

[Jeffreyyy]

im moving to walleyes and pike. time to head to the cabin lol

[CarpinMNRiver]

I have been using a different spot as long as it is legal to use bullheads from river backwaters. It is loaded with them and I have been getting 10-15 in a half hour in the 4 to 7 inch range. I will shoot you an email.

[Jeffreyyy]

thanks dude. hell lets fish. ill email back lol

[TruthWalleyes]

So when do we get to use 14" Bullheads

[mrklean]

only a matter of time thats a big ugly bully right there

[pureinsanity]

could that be a state record?

[Matt S.]

could that be a state record?

State Record Bullheads:

Black: 3-13

Brown: 7-1

Yellow: 3-10

[Larry FlatCaster]

If it was..... too late now!

[TruthWalleyes]

I'd rather catch a big flat with a state record bullhead than have my name in the books for the biggest bullhead!

Just though that thing was massive!