Minnow ban in the works

[Roberta]

Saw an article in the paper over the w/e about a new ban on interstate trade of minnows by the Feds because of a hemorraghic virus. It mostly affects the Great Lake states
Most bait minnows sold in Ohio are raised in ponds in Minnesota and Wisconsin. However, like mostly poorly thought out federal regs, the ban includes emerald shiners netted and shipped via New York from Lake Erie. The ban currently excludes fatheads, but includes the closely related species, the bluntnose minnow.

The states affected, Canada, and Lake Erie perch guides are trying to change the regulation before spring .If the ban goes into effect, it will certainly put a dent in the crappie tournaments.

Wish I had the money to start a minnow breeding program.

- Roberta