I understand the general purpose of this rule "it is unlawful to use any game fish or part of a game fish as bait" is to protect the overall population of game fish - - i.e. I can't catch an undersized trout/redfish and chop it up for cut bait to try and catch a larger one. I don't want to do that at all but just want to demonstrate my basic understanding of the law before my next statement.

However, this rule makes me feel a bit wasteful when disposing legal keeper fish. Part of me is tempted to freeze these legal keeper game fish remains into bait blocks for a crab trap. I've never done this, as it's against the law. I guess the crabs and other scavengers will get it regardless, but I like the idea of using the whole fish - - and what better way to use it all than by baiting/setting a crab trap with the remains on the next fishing trip.

I recognize the importance of the law, and that it outweighs my minor crab trapping side quest, but still, I feel a little bit shorted. I guess just need to cast net some mullet and get over it.

Don't know what I'm looking for from the OB, but wanted to write this out for whatever reason - thoughts?

The purpose of the law imo is to keep as much breeding stock as possible . I understand it seems like a waste to throw an undersized fish back that you know is going to die because of the way it was hooked but it's necessary because some people will just say every fish was going to die and keep them all. I think your'e spot on as far as crap traps, use mullets and croakers and ladyfish. I believe the general idea of the law is good but there's always the gray areas that bother people but remember the intent and why it has to be a hard line (enforcement purposes).

halfastros81 said:

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The purpose of the law imo is to keep as much breeding stock as possible . I understand it seems like a waste to throw an undersized fish back that you know is going to die because of the way it was hooked but it's necessary because some people will just say every fish was going to die and keep them all. I think your'e spot on as far as crap traps, use mullets and croakers and ladyfish. I believe the general idea of the law is good but there's always the gray areas that bother people but remember the intent and why it has to be a hard line (enforcement purposes).

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I think he is talking about the fish remains after they have been cleaned. I know it is technically illegal to use for bait but you're just going to chunk them in the water anyways.

Ok. If that's the case then I understand the point but it's still illegal to use any part of a game fish for bait which I agree doesn't particularly make sense but TPWD may have a good reason? I dunno. Bet we have some TPWD folks on here that could elaborate tho.

Maybe it's because they can't tell a trout or redfish carcass from a whole fish in the crab trap in which case chopping it up like you said would probably work but technically still not legal.

Correct! Zero interest in keeping non-legal fish.

feed the crabs or feed the pelicans

We tried grinding up fish parts of all kinds to use the in crab traps. Had had 6 4inch pvc caps, pack em and freeze them, then slam them on the floor of the boat and put in the trap. But it is better to just use the full parts, they last longer in the water.

You can discard your remains loose in the water outside your baited trap for more attractant.

This is the best I can think of as well... but still think it might be a bad look for a game warden to catch me with crab traps and game fish remains.

This.