Catching Bait

220-2-.39 Legal Methods of Taking Minnows and Shad for Bait and Mullet in Freshwater

It is hereby made lawful to take minnows and shad by the use of a cast net, minnow jug, minnow basket, not to exceed 24 inches in length, 12 inches in diameter, with funnel entrance not more than one inch in diameter, dip net or seine, commonly known as a minnow seine, the length of which shall not exceed 25 feet and the width or depth of which shall not exceed 4 feet for the purpose of taking shad or minnows for the exclusive use as fish bait. The use of any seine of larger proportions than herein provided is illegal, and the possession of a seine of larger proportions than herein provided in any public freshwater or on the bank of any such waters shall be prima facie evidence that such net is being used illegally. It is further made lawful to take mullet by cast net in freshwater. The daily creel and possession limit for mullet taken with a cast net will be the same as permitted under Marine Resources Regulation 220-3-.03. All game fish and all commercial or non-game fish, except mullet, as listed under Rules 220-2-.34 and 220-2-.45 taken by nets or seines as allowed under this regulation shall be immediately returned to the water from whence they came with the least possible injury.