Attention Anglers! Keep Our Waters Great – Don’t Dump Your Bait

by | Sep 19, 2024 | Education, Guardian Tips, Invasive Species, News

It seems like such an innocent thing to do: After a day of fishing, dump your leftover bait into the water before heading home. However, this seemingly harmless act is actually quite harmful. 

Bait dumping is one of the many ways invasive aquatic species and dangerous pathogens are introduced into our waters, which can harm our lakes and rivers and the fish you want to catch. Fish diseases like Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) can be transferred from dumping bait. Following the simple steps below can make a huge difference in protecting the health of our water and the fish that live in it.

Not only is following this guidance the right thing to do, it’s also the law. Michigan law includes regulations regarding the release of baitfish, collection and use of baitfish and cut bait, and release of captured fish. Whether purchased or collected, unused baitfish should be disposed of in the trash – never in the water. Any baitfish an angler collects may be used only in the waters where it was originally collected. Violation of the law is a state civil infraction, and violators may be subject to fines up to $100. For more information on this law, see Section 41325(3) of Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (Act 451 of 1994) Part 413.

Know the Law:

  • DISPOSE of unused bait only in covered trash receptacles – not in the water
  • DRAIN live wells and bilges at the boat ramp
  • KEEP live fish in the waterbody where they were caught – don’t transfer!

 
Help Prevent Disease Transfer:

  • Allow equipment to dry thoroughly before using it in a different body of water
  • Disinfect live wells and bilges with a bleach solution (1/2 cup bleach to 5 gallons of water)
Photo by Victoria Velting