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[TimL]

I was bottom fishing off Ambleside pier last Saturday and I noticed that there were a few fishers who retained bullheads/staghorn sculpins that they caught as crabbing bait. I've also previously observed this behavior on other local piers in the area (Belcarra, Barnet Marine Park). Technically, is this legal, considering that bullheads are generally considered trash fish? I read in the regulations that the only fish species that may be used whole (other than offal) are herring, sardine, anchovy, and mackerel.
There was an undercover fisheries officer on the pier that morning btw..he didn't see the bullheads but did nab someone trying to retain an undersized crab.

[Fish Assassin]

I was bottom fishing off Ambleside pier last Saturday and I noticed that there were a few fishers who retained bullheads/staghorn sculpins that they caught as crabbing bait. I've also previously observed this behavior on other local piers in the area (Belcarra, Barnet Marine Park). Technically, is this legal, considering that bullheads are generally considered trash fish? I read in the regulations that the only fish species that may be used whole (other than offal) are herring, sardine, anchovy, and mackerel.
There was an undercover fisheries officer on the pier that morning btw..he didn't see the bullheads but did nab someone trying to retain an undersized crab.

Never heard of that regulations. I use salmon heads with no problems.

[hrenya]

You can`t use fish that you caught as a bait ( according to regs its sounds about " suitable for human consumption" ) . If you call bullheads trash - other people like them , so its kinda tricky question ....

[hrenya]

Never heard of that regulations. I use salmon heads with no problems.

dfo office provides info , maybe you should start reading it ?!

[hrenya]

http://www.pac.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/fm-gp/rec/docs/SFG-GPS-2015-eng.pdf
page 27
When sport fishing, you may not waste any fish that’s suitable for human
consumption. However, you are allowed to use fish offal, herring, mackerel,
northern anchovy and Pacific sardine as bait when fishing with traps.

[hrenya]

page 35 as well ... no magic ... just read

[Noahs Arc]

Hrenya look up the definition of fish offal... You copy and pasted it yourself.
Salmon heads and fins are one of the most popular crab baits used all along the west coast.

[Fish or cut bait.]

For those that don't know:
Offal is the leftovers not to being consumed.
Ie; head, tail, guts, spine...

[TimL]

Thanks for the clarification/confirmation..I was just wondering about the practice as I see it all the time on the piers (with the bullheads)..I would use fish offal but it attracts seals so I stick with chicken...

[Fish or cut bait.]

Seals eat chicken

[TimL]

Seals eat chicken

Actually yes...I found that out the hard way earlier this year  The nylon mesh bags do keep them out though...

[hrenya]

Hrenya look up the definition of fish offal... You copy and pasted it yourself.
Salmon heads and fins are one of the most popular crab baits used all along the west coast.

Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait

[hrenya]

For those that don't know:
Offal is the leftovers not to being consumed.
Ie; head, tail, guts, spine...

Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait

[hrenya]

.