This post is informational, it is not intended for brawling, bashing, name calling or anything else. If you can't keep cool don't post in it.



After receiving an email from Fish and Game, who replied the following:

You may not use that baitfish for freshwater fishing in Massachusetts. If you want to import and sell them as saltwater baitfish, you need to contact the DIvision of Marine FIsheries for permits and guidance. I will include them in this email.



Today I received the following email from Marine Fisheries:

Marine Fisheries does not have any regulations that prohibit the use of this fish for bait.



Jeanne Shaw Hayes

Revenue Program Coordinator

Division of Marine Fisheries

Phone: 617.626.1531

Fax: 617.626.1509



So it looks like they are legal as long as you do not use them in freshwater. If the baitshops don't want to carry them, I may order them direct.

If the baitshops do want to carry them, maybe they can contact this woman first, and get something on official letterhead.

This post is informational, it is not intended for brawling, bashing, name calling or anything else. If you can't keep cool don't post in it.



After receiving an email from Fish and Game, who replied the following:




Today I received the following email from Marine Fisheries:



So it looks like they are legal as long as you do not use them in freshwater. If the baitshops don't want to carry them, I may order them direct.

If the baitshops do want to carry them, maybe they can contact this woman first, and get something on official letterhead.

If you order them do they remain alive?

The issue of use has never been a problem, as stated originally. There are no prohibitions which prevent the USE of these fish in SALTWATER ONLY. However, there are restrictions on importing an exotic or non native species, thus the inability of any MA baitshops from carrying these, as sale or importation is currently not legal. However, any person from MA who wishes to use these in SALTWATER may drive to RI and pick up as many as they are capable of using and storing. Sorry for those of you that live farther away from the state line, but really not that far except for the outer cape when you consider all things. These fish are easily kept in a suitable livewell, and will live for months with proper water care and temperature levels, so limited forays into Rhody can be accomplished with just a little work. An igloo 150 Quart can hold 10 plus pounds with just a small air supply via trickle pump or airstone, and a cool area to store them. No food necessary, just treat water for chlorine or chloramine. DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT under any circumstances bring them to a fresh water impoundment of any kind if you live in the state of MA, and you will be within perameters of legal actions in terms of these Black Saltys. Rest assured that many efforts are underway to obtain permission to ship them across MA state lines and also to then sell at retail level.

They would arrive in a bag with water, packed in a styrofoam case just like a pet store.

Its easier to go to Wal Mart and buy a pkg. of shad wildeyes and learn how to use them :wavey: