Live bait regulations revised for anglers

September 24, 2020 at 5:05 a.m. | Updated September 24, 2020 at 10:21 a.m.

FILE - In this June 13, 2012, file photo, Asian carp, jolted by an electric current from a research boat, jump from the Illinois River near Havana, Ill. Sport fish have declined significantly in portions of the Upper Mississippi River infested with Asian carp, apparently confirming fears about the invaders' threat to native species, according to a newly released study. Analysis of more than 20 years of population data suggests the carp are out-competing fish prized by anglers, such as yellow perch, bluegill, and black and white crappie, the report said. (AP Photo/John Flesher, File)
FILE - In this June 13, 2012, file photo, Asian carp, jolted by an electric current from a research boat, jump from the Illinois River near Havana, Ill. Sport fish have declined significantly in portions of the Upper Mississippi River infested with Asian carp, apparently confirming fears about the invaders' threat to native species, according to a newly released study. Analysis of more than 20 years of population data suggests the carp are out-competing fish prized by anglers, such as yellow perch, bluegill, and black and white crappie, the report said. (AP Photo/John Flesher, File)

Before you bait that hook, you may want to check out the state's revised wildlife code.

The Missouri Department of Conservation is reminding anglers the definition for "invasive fish" has been added to the Wildlife Code of Missouri and affects what type of fish is allowed for use as live bait.

The definition includes a list of bighead carp, silver carp, grass carp and common carp.

"Invasive fish are not native to Missouri and have reached a level which are now negatively impacting overall fish populations," said Andrew Branson, MDC fisheries programs specialist. "This has happened relatively quickly in some instances, such as with bighead and silver carp, and slower in other instances, such as with common and grass carp."

MDC officials said invasive carp were imported into the United States for many purposes. Due to releases or escapes caused by flooding, they've spread in recent decades and thrive in many rivers and lakes. These species eat native fishes' food, can hurt boaters and damage equipment.

According to the MDC, anglers can use invasive carp as bait if the fish are dead. It is recommended netted bait fish be placed on ice in coolers. The temperature shock kills the carp but keeps them fresh for use as bait.

Additionally, MDC recommends anglers use caution when using live bait in any lake or river, including small community lakes. Unused bait from any source should be contained and put into the trash, rather than dumped into the water.

For more information on invasive carp, visit the MDC website at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZfQ.