Black Salties could ease the no live herring dilemma

[TheSpecialist]

I had sent off an email to Mass fish and wildlife. They replied that the bait fish was illegal for "use as a freshwater baitfish". They then stated that I should check with the Division of marine fisheries about importing and sale for saltwater baitfish. I am still waiting for a reply.

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.


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-----Original Message-----
From: William [mailto:mitsdog@verizon.net]
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 9:40 PM
To: Wildlife, Mass (FWE)
Subject: Baitfish


I was wondering if this baitfish is legal for sale by shops in Massachusetts. I want to get my local shops to carry them; they seem to be a good substitute for live herring. They were carried by tackle shops in RI last year.





http://www.blacksalty.com/index.html









Thanks,



William Mitsiopoulos.

[CaptDom]

I too contacted MA DFW, and they said that the only restrictions they could find were specifically as a FRESHWATER BAIT. The gentleman I spoke with said he could not find any regulation which prohibited possession or use in saltwater. It is legal to possess goldfish in the state of MA, so simple possesion will not get you into any trouble, that much is certain. We are waiting to get written documentation describing any legalities for saltwater use.