Using Aquarium Fish for Bait

July 8, 2010

Question: Is it legal to keep live bait in an aquarium at home and use it for bait in the future? For example, I’d like to catch a few shiner perch nearby. I have a saltwater tank at home and was wondering if I can keep them alive in my tank and then use the live shiners as bait in a week or two? (James M., Union City)

Answer: No, the moving of fish is prohibited. Live fin fish taken under the authority of a sportfishing license may not be transported alive from the water where taken (CCR Title 14, section 1.63).