Thread: Bullheads for bait

Well that didn't work. Apparently highlighting is not a feature recognized on this software. Let's try this again.You would think that a guy that spends as much time in the office as I do would know that.Thank you everyone foryour open discussion, professionalism, and patience on this issue. It sounds like it would be an easy question toanswer but has proven difficult during this discussion. This questionhas been discussed in several regions and here is the answer:
I will try and clearthis all up. MDCAgent663_Clay wascorrect in his response. I have copiedand pasted his response and I will bold portions in hopes of making itclear. The bolded portions pertain to the question posted by catkilr ”Whatis the size limit (if any) on live bullheads for trotline bait?”
If you have any questions after reading this please contactme, Scott Stephens, Kansas City Protection District Supervisor, at 816-585-5468 or [email protected]. Again guys, thanks for the discussion and good luck fishing.

There are several parts of the Wildlife Code of Missouri tobe considered here. I included a lot of code (and left a lot out) because Ineeded to in order to give you the full story. What it boils down to is thatdepending on your method of catching the bait fish there may be lengthrestrictions. Let’s start with categorization of fish and there use as bait:
1. 3 CSR10-6.410(13) states: “Endangered species and fish included in 3 CSR10-6.505 through 3 CSR 10.545, including their parts and eggs, may not be usedas bait.
THIS SHUTS DOWN THEUSE OF GAME FISH and ENDANGERED SPECIES AS BAIT
1.Bullheadsare not considered game fish {3CSR 10-20.805(25)(A)} and therefore fallinto the “other fish” category of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
1. 3 CSR 10-6.550 Other Fish

(1)Daily limit: The daily limit for fish, otherthan those species listed as endangered in 3 CSR 10-4.111 or defined as gamefish, is fifty (50) in the aggregate,if taken by pole and line, trotline, throwline, limb line, bank line, jug line,or underwater spearfishing. The daily limit if taken by gig, atlatl,bow, crossbow, snaring, snagging, or grabbing is twenty (20) in the aggregate.Bighead carp, common carp, goldfish, grass carp, and silver carp may be takenand possessed in any number.
(3)Fish taken under this rule may be used as bait; except thatbowfin, or parts thereof (including eggs), may not be used as bait.

THIS ALLOWS THEHARVEST OF BULLHEADS AND OTHER “OTHER” FISH AND THEIR USE AS BAIT – some otherregulations restrict certain methods in certain areas. Reference the “OtherFish” section of the code for specifics. Note: fish taken under this rule by the methods in thisrule do not have a length limit.



3CSR 10-6.605 Live Bait
1.3 READ THIS SECTION FOR SPECIFIC DETAILS REGARDINGTHE LIMITS AND METHODS ALLOWED FOR FISH CAUGHT USING “LIVE BAIT” METHODS. IT BASICALLY STATES THATCERTAIN NETS SEINES, AND TRAPS MAY BE USED IN ACCORDANCE TO THE CODE TO CATCHBAIT FISH.

1.3 CSR 10-6.605(4) Length Limits: All bluegill, green sunfish, and bullheads morethan five inches (5”) in total length and other fish more than twelve inches(12”) in total length must be returned to the water unharmed immediately afterbeing caught by the methods prescribed in this rule, except there are nolength limits for bighead carp, common carp, gizzard shad, goldfish, grasscarp, and silver carp.
SO… IF YOUCATCH THE BULLHEADS BY “LIVE BAIT” METHODS THEN A LENGTH LIMIT APPLIES,OTHERWISE NO LENGTH LIMIT APPLIES TO YOUR TAKING (WHICH PRECEEDS POSSESSION ANDUSE AS BAIT).

Thank you very glad this is over,now should we print this or will you send an email all your people so there isn't any problems with anybody that hasn't been on this site? I have the utmost respect for mdc and what they do, and glad this issue is RESOLVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol