Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: TimL on September 28, 2015, 09:59:18 PM

Title: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: TimL on September 28, 2015, 09:59:18 PM
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.
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: Fish Assassin on September 28, 2015, 10:19:39 PM
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.
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: hrenya on September 29, 2015, 06:40:38 AM
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 ....
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: hrenya on September 29, 2015, 06:41:54 AM
Never heard of that regulations. I use salmon heads with no problems.
dfo office provides info , maybe you should start reading it ?!
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: hrenya on September 29, 2015, 06:51:54 AM
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.
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: hrenya on September 29, 2015, 06:53:40 AM
page 35 as well ... no magic ... just read :)
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: Noahs Arc on September 29, 2015, 07:38:34 AM
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.
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on September 29, 2015, 09:21:40 AM
For those that don't know:
Offal is the leftovers not to being consumed.
Ie; head, tail, guts, spine...
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: TimL on September 29, 2015, 09:23:35 AM
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... :)
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: Fish or cut bait. on September 29, 2015, 09:29:01 AM
Seals eat chicken ;)
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: TimL on September 29, 2015, 10:02:35 AM
Seals eat chicken ;)
Actually yes...I found that out the hard way earlier this year  >:( The nylon mesh bags do keep them out though...
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: hrenya on September 29, 2015, 09:00:03 PM
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
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: hrenya on September 29, 2015, 09:02:44 PM
For those that don't know:
Offal is the leftovers not to being consumed.
Ie; head, tail, guts, spine...
Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Title: Re: Bullheads as crabbing bait
Post by: hrenya on September 29, 2015, 09:04:39 PM
.