Chicken Livers as Bait

March 19, 2009

Question: I know chicken livers and such are used in freshwater for catfish but someone told me that this type of bait is illegal in salt water (I have heard that a couple of people were cited for using chicken meat and organs on the Manhattan Beach Pier). I can’t find anything in the regulation booklet that says it’s illegal. Can you confirm this? Thanks. (Eric M., Huntington Beach)

Answer: There is nothing illegal about using chicken livers, meats or organs as bait in saltwater either. Generally, if the regulations don’t specifically state that something is illegal or cannot be used it is legal.

Sigh.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=58794.msg663660#msg663660

September 11, 2014

Question: Is it legal to use mice as bait for stripers and bass? (Chris M.)

Answer: Despite the fact that there are many artificial lures on the market that look like mice, real mice may not be used in inland waters. Only legally acquired and possessed invertebrates, mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians (except salamanders), fish eggs and treated and processed foods may be used for bait (CCR Title 14, section 4.00). In ocean waters, there are no restrictions on using mice as bait for stripers.