Crappie baits

[NIMROD]

I no longer use live bait but might go back if I start guiding using a spider rig one day. I pefer to use jigs on a jig pole around brushpiles. Question is anyone out there using Goldfish instead of Shiners? They sure are tougher and easier to handle. Been told Crappie bite them just fine.

[specktacklure]

Don't think it's legal here, provided by myfwc.com
Use of Fish for Bait

• Black bass, peacock bass or any part thereof may not be used as bait.
  
• Live non-native fishes (including goldfish and carp) may not be used as bait, except for variable platys and fathead minnows.
  
• Whole pickerel or panfish (e.g., bluegill, redear sunfish, redbreast sunfish, spotted sunfish, flier, warmouth) or parts thereof may be used as bait for sportfishing by the angler who caught them. Whole pickerel or bream or parts thereof may not be used as bait for trotlines or bush hooks or any method other than by rod and reel or pole and line.
  
• Panfish less than 4 inches in total length raised by a licensed aquaculture facility may be purchased and used for bait.

[inkminers]

I thought that goldfish as baitfish were illegal in every state by now. The damage species like carp and goldfish have done to ponds and lakes over the past decades made them a prime target for bait restriction laws. Best to check your state regs on that one.

[NIMROD]

I thought that goldfish as baitfish were illegal in every state by now. The damage species like carp and goldfish have done to ponds and lakes over the past decades made them a prime target for bait restriction laws. Best to check your state regs on that one.

Legal here.

[inkminers]

Interesting. Are they already found in warm waters throughout the state? Are they commonly sold as bait there?

[NIMROD]

Goldfish used alot for Catfish , not so common for Crappie.

[lrrygrg]

Here in NC we have a place that sells ruby red minnows. Same color as goldfish but minnows. A lot hardier than your normal minnow. Same price $3.00 for 3 dozen.

[NIMROD]

Here in NC we have a place that sells ruby red minnows. Same color as goldfish but minnows. A lot hardier than your normal minnow. Same price $3.00 for 3 dozen.

They call em pink minnows here..

http://wdfw.wa.gov/ais/pimephales_promelas/

[BULLFROG-1]

I like to use goldfish on limb lines set for catfish.Goldfish live alot longer than shinners on a hook.Saline Lake Outpost sells them for $10 lb,located near Winnfield Louisiana.Rosy Reds are actually fathead minnows, but due to a genetic mutation they are a light "rosy" color,and are better suited for crappie,IMO.

[Locator79]

They are more expensive than they are worth. Not that they wont' catch fish, but no more than a shiner, or rosey red at half the price.