If the regulations need to…

If the regulations need to be this restrictive in order to protect the resource, then my preference would be a total ban on using minnows. There are many specific problems that these regulations will cause, not the least of which is giving an advantage to people based on where they live. By drawing a line between zone 17 and zone 15, many anglers will no longer be able to be on the ice early in the morning with minnows, but the locals will. Also, the proposal will encourage anglers to dump bait buckets in areas where it may upset local land owners, as it will be illegal to take bait home and dispose of it responsibly. I think that this proposal is focused on the premise of reducing transport of bait overland - which has taken the entire proposal in the wrong direction. Bait can not do harm when it is in the back of a truck or someone's garage. In my opinion, making it illegal to trap bait and bring it home to store until your next fishing trip is the same as making it illegal to trap your own bait. Please feel free to contact me at anytime to review better options for bait management.

[Original Comment ID: 209888]