Baitfish should NOT be…

Baitfish should NOT be allowed in Brook Trout Ecosystems - we continue to lose Brook Trout lakes and river systems to baitfish introductions (suckers and spiny rayed fish in particular). The same may be said for Lake Trout systems.

Suckers and spiny rayed fishes (sticklebacks )should be eliminated from the list of Legal baitfish. Suckers pose great threats to Trout and Walleye fisheries, and are unnecessary as bait. There are many less risky options.

I agree with the restriction on legal Baitfish to 120 (10 Dozen); this may deter illegal and/or risky transport and sale between ecosystems. I would support a lower limit, although I do not see that option in the summary.

I do NOT agree with the restriction on numbers of Leeches. Leeches keep long periods of time in refrigeration and are a sensible alternative to far riskier bait fish. They are typically sold by weight, not by count. Trapping leeches for personal use requires more effort than trapping minnows; those who go to this effort should not be restricted, when they pose limited threat to ecosystems in comparison to the movement of baitfish.

Retaining a receipt of purchase is unnecessary and unenforceable for those who trap their own. BAD and unnecessary idea in general

[Original Comment ID: 209682]