Mattawoman 4/1/12

[CB kayak 02]

Don't think it is legal to use bluegill for bait, Matt

Didn't know that either? I've heard of people using live blue gill for bass?

[chex]

Catfish, carp, minnows, and other Ostariophysian fishes release a chemical called "schrekstoff" when injured or frightened.

So when you catch one, it probably releases the shrek stuff, and that's why you can only catch 1 cat every 20 minutes if you're in the same spot?

[ictalurus]

I'm not sure, exactly. I haven't found many studies relating to catfish. Most of the papers are on minnows. It might depend on the extent of the injury and the current in the area. The hook hole might not be enough. There have been times where I couldn't fish two rods because the cats were hitting so quickly. Maybe the impulse to feed outweighs the fright response depending on the intensity of the food related chemicals vs. the schrekstoff. The cat's size might factor into it as well. Catfish can be caught by the ton in gill nets, so there must be some limits to the fright response.

[Shady]

Didn't know that either? I've heard of people using live blue gill for bass?

Bring some of those golden shiners from your lake, then you'll be in business! I've also used creek chubs for cats on the susky with good success, but you need to keep them in cold water to keep them alive.

[Redfish12]

The best fish to use as bait for itself are bluefish and flounder. Both will readily eat their comrades.

I always have better luck with flathead catfish on live bait? Shiners, minnows, bluegills (where legal), and soft shell crayfish (these are the best) all catch.. I took Bill's advice and used a float with cut white perch at the Occoquan for blue cats. I only caught one big one but will continue to try this method. I catch a lot on squid strips around the 301 bridge fishing for croaker that are in the eating size. If anyone wants some let me know and I will gladly bring you a cooler full.

[chimo]

Don't think it is legal to use bluegill for bait, Matt

Hey Ron, why is that? I took a quick look at the book and didn't see anything pertaining to bluegill. If you can live line spot, perch etc why not a gill? I know some states have rules against it depending on how they have the fish classified (game fish or what not) but my impression was you just had to count it as part of your daily limit and make sure you don't introduce fish to areas they aren't already present.

Chimo