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johntx14 · Pony Mullet Joined: 06 Dec 2010 Posts: 62

Ive only seen this a couple of times and hope i dnt set off a fire storm but when seeing someone using for example a sheephead for shark bait its one of those things where i say to myself man i hope they get caught nowing they probably wont but what do you guys feel about these guys doing stuff like that big deal or not? Should action be taken or not?

Stinger-A · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:31 pm Post subject:

I know it's legal in some states but not in Texas. I could only hope one would obey all the regulations as they are there for a reason. Yet I know some people are just plain idiots or they just don't care for the regulations, to me it's the same thing.

Crazyhorse · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:34 pm Post subject:

Depends on how strongly you feel about the issue, but if I ewas going to do something, it would be to call Operation Game Thief and let the GW handle things.

Trying to handle the situation yourserlf, no matter how good your intentions, might turn bad for you really quickly
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team_fishbones_jones · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:48 pm Post subject:

It is legal to use sheepshead for bait. They have a size limit for them but are not considered a game fish which is why you can spear them

hickroots07 · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:49 pm Post subject:

According to Texas parks and wildlife a sheepshead is not a game fish and therefore can be used as bait. Same with black drum and flounder. All legal baits. So wouldn't do ya any good to confront someone or report them unless they are using a game fish for bait. Like say a red fish or speck. Or another small shark.

hickroots07 · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:50 pm Post subject:

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/regulations/fish_hunt/fish/definitions.phtml

team_fishbones_jones · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:26 pm Post subject:

I've also asked wardens if its ok to use game fish carcass after you've filleted it at home. This is ok as well such as amberjack heads,red carcass etc. But I think you have to have taken it home first not catch fillet and use right away. I don't see a prob with this you were going to throw it away anyways

Stinger-A · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:28 pm Post subject:

Learn something new everyday. This is why i love this forum, the more i read the better a fisherman i become. I had no idea black drum were not considered game fish. I've never used any drum( flounder, or sheephead) as bait. But I do know that all have a size limit. So what would you do if you speared a 13 inch flounder? Can't throw it back? Maybe I'm missing something? But it sounds odd to me.

Stinger-A

hrb2be · Pony Mullet Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 76

Allow me to explain first that when I go saltwater fishing, 90% percent of the time I use artificial baits. But, now I am curious about this post. Is it legal to use black drum as bait that falls withing the black drum size limit? Or in other words, a five inch black drum can't be used as bait?

team_fishbones_jones · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:36 pm Post subject:

I'm no gigger but I do know just by lookin at a fish if it seems close to the size limit leave it alone. You can tell when a fish is a few inches larger than regs better safe than sorry

team_fishbones_jones · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:42 pm Post subject:

No the fish to be used as bait such as drum would have to be within the slot and sheepshead have to be 15 or over just as you would follow to retain them for consumption

team_fishbones_jones · Posted: Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:47 pm Post subject:

And if anyone's curious wjy we use these fish. Sandbar sharks are.very fond of sheepis as they are plentiful when these sharks come through and they love them. Black drum are favored by bull sharks. Used to use them in florida for bulls. Now this will really get you...in florida it is legal to purchase a 50dollar tarpon tag and retain one and use it for bait. They are favored by giant hammers and are used quite successfully for targeting and landing fish over 1000lbs off bridges and in boca grande especially

hrb2be · Pony Mullet Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 76

Thank you for that prompt response Team_fishbones_jones.

KingKilla · Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:49 am Post subject: Carcasses

I've never heard of taking a gamefish home, cleaning it, and then using the carcass for bait and it being legal. If a gamewarden said it then maybe, but how are you supposed to prove it? I would stick with what the law says and not use any part of a gamefish.

TPWD Definition of Bait:Bait: Something used to lure any wildlife resource. It is unlawful to use game fish or any part thereof as bait.

topdog15 · Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 1:22 pm Post subject:

sheepshead is legal. so is black drum and flounder believe it or not.
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