"bill allemann" wrote in message
...
I'm surprised that the regulations involving introduction of non-natives
doesn't go to the source, i.e. banning
the problem species (regionally) at the baitshops.
It seems like fishermen dumping leftovers is a moot point, since live
minnows can occasionally get off a hook
and maybe survive.

Part of the problem of banning "regionally" bait, is what we experienced up
here in northern Wisconsin with Rusty Crayfish. They're a native species in
Illinois, but an exotic up here. Illinois anglers, vacationing "Up Nort"
would bring their own bait and if there was any left at the end of the week,
they'd dump them in the lake!

Rusties are extremely aggressive, extremely prolific and omnivorous, eating
anything animal or vegetable they could find. In the process they displaced
the native species, decimated lakes of weedbeds, and on some lakes totally
eliminated ALL the vegetation in the lake! This destroyed fisheries with
loss of habitat. They also ate any fish eggs they came across, so spawns
were unsuccessful too, lowering the gamefish and panfish population, totally
screwing with many lakes.

The way I see it, education is the key. What is fine in your waters might
be an "exotic", just a day's drive away!
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com