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New York => Ice Fishing New York => Topic started by: bigdave1018 on Nov 28, 2006, 04:28 PM

Title: minnow alert even now
Post by: bigdave1018 on Nov 28, 2006, 04:28 PM
 i stopped at bay bridge bait shop for minnows and they told me that they were almost out of minnows and had no idea when their next load was coming in. you might want to call your shop just to see if this minnow ban has affected them or not. i see higher prices for live bait minnow in the near future  >:(.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: MXFISHER656 on Nov 28, 2006, 04:58 PM
I went to Mitchell's Sunday morning and was told I was buying the last Niagara's. He said he was almosr out and when they were gone that was it.......
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: ice boy19 on Nov 29, 2006, 08:11 AM
does this ban effect all baitfish and all of new york?!?!?!?!?! ???
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: pinche on Nov 29, 2006, 08:24 AM
Guys are you sure its not just because of the season right now? its kinda tweener time.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: ice boy19 on Nov 29, 2006, 09:37 AM
Guys are you sure its not just because of the season right now? its kinda tweener time.
there is a ban on minnows due to the vhs virus going around and minnows are effected by it and they do not want it to spread to other lakes
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: adkRoy on Nov 29, 2006, 10:20 AM
there is a ban on minnows due to the vhs virus going around and minnows are effected by it and they do not want it to spread to other lakes

I think it is too late. It is like the zebra mussel, it'll be in most waters in NY with in 2 years. :'( :'(
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: MXFISHER656 on Nov 29, 2006, 11:28 AM
does this ban effect all baitfish and all of new york?!?!?!?!?! ???


Not sure about all bait fish or not, heard they were talking baout banning al baitfish. As for new york state, nothing to do with them....it's a federal ban!
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Nov 29, 2006, 11:42 AM

Not sure about all bait fish or not, heard they were talking baout banning al baitfish. As for new york state, nothing to do with them....it's a federal ban!

Here you go :


For Release: IMMEDIATE                                                 Contact: Maureen Wren
Tuesday, November 21, 2006                                                         (518) 402-8000

DEC ADOPTS EMERGENCY REGULATION TO HELP PREVENT SPREAD OF VHS TO ADDITIONAL NEW YORK STATE WATERS

        The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced today the filing of an emergency regulation to help prevent the spread of Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) virus to additional waters in the State.  The regulation, which takes effect immediately, limits the release, possession, and taking of certain bait and other live fish species. VHS is a pathogen of fish and does not pose any threat to public health.

        VHS was first confirmed in New York waters in May 2006 in Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, and has now also been confirmed in several fish species in Great Lakes basin waters in New York State and other states. Once a fish is infected with VHS, there is no known cure. Because of the fatal virus's ability to spread, and potential impact on fisheries, recreation, and the economy, the World Organization of Animal Health has categorized VHS as a transmissible disease with the potential for profound socio-economic consequences.

VHS can be spread from water body to water body through a variety of means, not all of them known at this point. One known mechanism is through the movement of fish, including bait fish. DEC, in cooperation with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, is sampling waters across the State, including all waters used as sources of brood stock for DEC hatchery activities, to help determine how far the disease has spread in New York.

        A Federal Order was issued on October 24, 2006, by the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) in an effort to prevent the spread of VHS to other waters and to protect economically important sport fisheries and aquaculture.  The Federal Order prohibits the importation of certain species of live fish from Ontario and Quebec and the interstate movement of the same fish species from eight states bordering the Great Lakes.  The Federal Order was amended on November 14, 2006 to allow interstate movement of fish species provided the fish have been tested and certified free of VHS based on testing procedures implemented on the state level.  Information on the Federal Order can be found on the APHIS website at www.aphis.usda.gov/vs/aqua/ .
 
       
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        The Federal Order does not address the movement of fish within New York State.  In-state movement of fish for use as bait or for stocking could spread VHS in New York and cause significant adverse impacts to the States fish resources. Therefore, in order to protect New Yorks valuable fishery resources, DEC has adopted emergency regulations to:

        Prohibit the commercial collection of bait fish from waters of the State where VHS has been detected. The rule amends State regulations by removing certain waters impacted by VHS from the list of specially designated waters that allow bait fish to be taken for commercial purposes. A list of waters being removed is attached;

        Limit the personal possession and use of bait fish. The rule limits the number of bait fish that may be possessed to a total of 100, as well as restricts the use of bait fish for personal use to the specific water from which it was collected. This rule does not pertain to the possession of bait fish in the Marine District; and

        Require live fish destined for release into the waters of the State to be inspected by certified professionals and be certified to be free of VHS and other serious fish diseases. The rule prohibits the placement of live fish into the waters of the State (including possessing, importing and transporting live fish for purposes of placing them into the waters of the State) unless accompanied by a fish health inspection report issued within the previous 12 months.  For all species of freshwater fish, a fish health inspection report shall certify that the fish are free of VHS, Furunculosis, Enteric Red Mouth, Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis Virus, Spring Viremia of Carp Virus, and Heterosporis. For salmon and trout, the fish health reports must also certify that the fish are free of Whirling Disease, Bacterial Kidney Disease, and Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHN). The fish health reports must be issued by an independent, qualified inspector, as well as conform with specific testing methods and procedures.

        The emergency regulations became effective today - November 21, 2006.  Text of the regulation is available at http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/propregs/ on the DEC website. Hard copies of the rulemaking can also be requested from DEC by writing to: Shaun Keeler, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4750; or by calling DEC at (518) 402-8920.

        While the emergency measure is in place, DEC will proceed with proposing these amendments as a permanent rulemaking.  Publication in the State Register on December 6, 2006, will initiate a 45-day public comment period, concluding on January 22, 2006.  During this time, the public may email comments by accessing http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/propregs/ on the DEC website. Comments can also be mailed to Shaun Keeler, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4750 .       
 
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List of waters removed, due to VHS, from those where commercial bait fish harvest was previously allowed. 
Cayuga County
        Fair Haven Bay (Little Sodus Bay)
        Lake Ontario
        Sterling Valley Creek (from road bridge on Route 104 to Lake Ontario)

Chautauqua County
        Canadaway Creek (from mouth to Route 5)
        Cattaraugus Creek (from mouth to Route 5)
        Crooked Brook (from mouth to Route 5)
        Lake Erie
        Little Canadaway Creek (from mouth to Route 5)
        Silver Creek (from mouth to Route 5)
        Walnut Creek (from mouth to Route 5)

Erie County
        Buffalo River from mouth to South Ogden Street Bridge
        Big Sister Creek, from mouth to Route 5
        Eighteen Mile Creek, from mouth to Route 5
        Ellicott Creek, from mouth to Route 5
        Lake Erie
        Little Sister Creek, from mouth to Route 5
        Niagara River
                Tonawanda Creek/Erie Barge Canal, from Niagara River east to Barge Canal junction near Pendelton, Niagara County
                Tributaries to Niagara River on Grand Island, from their mouths to a point 100 feet upstream of the first highway bridge crossing except Big Six Mile Creek, for which Whitehaven Road is the upstream limit

Jefferson County
        Beaver Meadow Creek
        Bedford Creek
        Chaumont River
        Cranberry Creek
        Crooked Creek
        Flat Rock Creek
        Fox Creek
        French Creek and tributaries
        Guffins Creek
        Horse Creek
        Lake Ontario
       
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                Little Stony Creek and tributaries, all above the first road crossing (not including Six Town Pond)
        Mill Creek and tributaries, from first road crossing to Stowell Corners
        Mud Creek
        Mullet Creek and tributaries (Mullet Creek upstream from Route 12)
        Muskalonge Creek
                North Sand Creek (from the highway bridge in Woodville upstream to the Ellisburg-Adams town line)
        Otter Creek and tributaries
        Perch River
        St. Lawrence River
                Skinner Creek and tributaries (downstream from the Lum Road, also called McDonald Hill Road, located approximately 3.5 miles southwest of Mannsville)
        South Sandy Creek (from bridge at Ellisburg on Route 193 upstream to Route 11)
        Three Mile Creek

Livingston County.
        Conesus Lake

Monroe County
        Braddocks Bay
        Buck Pond
        Cranberry Pond
        Genesee River (downstream of the lower falls in Rochester)
        Irondequoit Bay
        Lake Ontario
        Long Pond
        Round Pond
        Salmon Creek (north of Ridge Road)

Niagara County
        Barge Canal (west of Lock E35 )
        Lake Ontario
        Niagara River including the Little Rivers
                Tonawanda Creek/Erie Barge Canal (from Niagara River east to junction with Barge Canal near Pendleton)
        East Branch Twelve Mile Creek (from mouth to Route 18)

Orleans County.
        Johnson Creek (from Kuckville to Lake Ontario)
        Lake Ontario
        Oak Orchard Creek (from Waterport to Lake Ontario)


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Oswego County
        Blind Creek and tributaries west of Route 11
        Catfish Creek (north of the hamlet of New Haven)
        Eight Mile Creek (north of Route 104A)
        Lake Ontario
        Lindsey Creek to Jefferson county line
        first tributary of Lindsey Creek, lower one-half mile
        Little Sandy Creek west of Route 11
        Nine Mile Creek north of Route 104A
        Oswego Canal
        Oswego River (downstream of the Varick dam in Oswego)
        Rice or Three Mile Creek north of Fruit Valley
        Salmon River from Pulaski to Lake Ontario
        Skinner Creek
        North Sandy Pond

St. Lawrence County
        Big Sucker Creek, Towns of Lisbon, Waddington
        Black Creek, Town of Hammond
        Brandy Brook, Towns of Waddington and Madrid
        Chippewa Bay
        Chippewa Creek, Town of Hammond
        Lisbon Creek, Towns of Oswegatchie and Lisbon
        Little Sucker Brook, Town of Waddington
        Oswegatchie River (downstream of the dam in Ogdensburg)
        St. Lawrence River
        St. Regis River, from Helena to the St. Lawrence River, Town of Brasher
        Sucker Creek, Town of Oswegatchie
        Tibbits Creek, Town of Oswegatchie

Wayne County
        Bear Creek
        Black Brook
        Blind Sodus Bay
        Blind Sodus Creek
        East Bay
        First Creek
        Lake Ontario
        Port Bay
        Salmon Creek
        Second Creek (below falls at Red Mill)
        Sodus Bay
        Swales Creek
        Wolcott Creek

###

06-191


Mary Young
Media Relations
NYS DEC
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-1016
518-402-8000
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: vipercat64 on Nov 29, 2006, 04:34 PM
I guess this means that unless you trap minnows from the water you are going to fish, there are no minnows this year. 

This really sucks.


Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: AirManCam on Nov 29, 2006, 04:38 PM
I'm so consfused about this whole thing, What I got out of the reading, is its preventing the taking of baitfish from those places. But I take it most of those places are where they come from, is that why baits going to be so hard to get this year?
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Bartman44 on Nov 29, 2006, 05:07 PM
I'm confused too so I went to DEC's site and found this decent summary of the impact for us and the bait shops. Looks like you can still use bait you buy in a bait shop that's been certified per lot (if they collect their own bait) or have paperwork from a wholesaler stating the lot that was sold to the retailer was certified.  To me that means that if the shop collects it's own bait they have to sit around and wait for someone to inspect it before they can sell it.   If they purchase from a wholesaler, that bait, if already inspected, could be sold with the paperwork on hand. So if your lucky enoughto find a bait dealer that has "preinspected" bait, you can buy it and use it. 

How many fish inspectors are there? Three? 

Here's the summary:

A summary of the emergency regulations that the Department has adopted is as follows:

Close confirmed VHS waters to the commercial harvest of bait fish. The list of confirmed waters includes Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Niagara River, the St. Lawrence River, and Conesus Lake. Tributaries to these bodies of water have also been closed to the commercial harvest of bait fish.

All live fish destined for the waters of New York State are required to have a fish health inspection report by a qualified fish health inspector that certifies the fish as disease free. This includes all fish, including live fish for stocking and bait fish. Therefore, in order for a bait and tackle shop to sell bait fish, the bait and tackle shop must have a fish health inspection report by a qualified fish health inspector that certifies the bait fish as disease free. Once a fish health inspection report is obtained by a wholesaler for a "lot" of bait fish, it can be made available/transferred (a copy given) to a bait and tackle shop that receives fish covered by the report.

Bait fish purchased from a source (i.e. bait and tackle store) that has a fish health inspection report by a qualified fish health inspector that certifies the fish as disease free may be used as bait in any body of water in New York State where the use of bait fish is permitted.
 
Personally harvested bait fish can only be used from the body of water from which they were caught for the purposes of reducing the spreading of VHS.
The personal (non-commercial) possession limit of bait fish is 100 regardless of whether those fish were personally harvested or purchased at a bait and tackle store.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: rondog on Nov 29, 2006, 05:07 PM
I spoke with Jeff from Fish 307 Lake George, he said bait will be available but the price will be going up.As I understand it there is a $1600.00 per lot fee for the testing of the bait that the suppliers will have to foot a percentage of  that fee will be passed down to the bait shops who in turn will pass it down to us
 >:(
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Ray4852 on Nov 29, 2006, 08:41 PM
You probably are going to pay about 12 dollars for a few minnows.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Nov 29, 2006, 09:06 PM
The $1600 fee is a little overblown. The one place that I talked to today is $1040.00 . I have to overnight 60 minnows on ice packs and then wait 21 days for results. Of course the cost is non refundable upon failure.If I lose the bait to unforseen complications, I'm reall bummin'.

Once I get to 1,000 lbs of emeralds, I'm sending them ( the 60 specimens) off. I'm only a bait shop owner and part time wholesaler. For the love of the sport and the opportunity before me, I have decided to go in a little deeper and I hope that I don't drown in the process. I am legally harvesting here in new york state. I talked to the guy in charge of this whole thing on the phone and confirmed it.

Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: synergyboy10 on Nov 29, 2006, 09:48 PM
i catch my own in the Niagara river. can i continue to do so.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: ice boy19 on Nov 29, 2006, 09:52 PM
only if u use them in the niagra river
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: synergyboy10 on Nov 29, 2006, 09:58 PM
only if u use them in the Niagara river

that blows. so how exactly how do we get minnows for bait now. I'm really confused by this whole thing.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: nyoutdoors on Nov 29, 2006, 10:40 PM
So what's the best way to get minnows from a pond or lake?
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Nov 29, 2006, 10:58 PM
Use gee's minnow traps in beaver creeks and ponds for chubs or shiners, in isolated ponds for fatheads or shiners. use two hand fulls of dry cat food for bait. For lake minnows, I prefer seining, or dipping emeralds in streams with a modified landing net. This just has a 1/8" mesh instead.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: J Miser on Nov 29, 2006, 11:35 PM
What about some of us that are coming from out of state.  Can we bring our own minnows with us to use up in New York.  I mean come on, I'm going down to PA anyway and will bring up a few dozen shiners to keep in my tank to use on Oneida, where's the crime in that.  Anybody know what the penalty is for such an infraction or at least know how they'll enforce this issue for someone who brings bait up.  Just want to know, thanx.  Can you say "Black market."  Screw being a doctor, i'm just gonna sell minnow out of my fish tank and make a killing ( or get locked away and laughed at in prison).  God, reminds me of the fools I met on the salmon river last year willing to buy my lead split shots cause they hated tin (Well lets just say, It paid my bar tab).  Someone is gonna turn into the next Al capone with this one - i can already smell illicit minds at work.  Enjoy Boys.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: iceisnice on Nov 30, 2006, 05:39 AM
I spoke with Jeff from Fish 307 Lake George, he said bait will be available but the price will be going up.As I understand it there is a $1600.00 per lot fee for the testing of the bait that the suppliers will have to foot a percentage of  that fee will be passed down to the bait shops who in turn will pass it down to us
 >:(
I did not say $1600 to test the bait!!  I said between $600 and $1000 per load depending on the approved lab that does the testing.
I can also get bait from legal waters.  The problem is, in order to do that, the bait must be removed, and  held in tanks away from the water it was taken.  Quarinteened until it has been tested.
I can only hold about 700 pounds at a time. I used to hold my wild bait in cages in the waters I trapped in.  At that time I could hold a few thousand pounds.  It takes between 1 and 2 weeks for the test to come back and that is a long time to hold bait without some loss.  This loss also adds to the push in price.
As of now we are selling certified bait and the supply chain is okay.  We will all have to watch as the season moves on to see how it holds up.
I do not know exactly where this $1600 thing came from but please lets let it go.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: mcully on Nov 30, 2006, 06:02 AM
Can you store wild caught in the lake and transfer and test as needed. Load up the lake cages and your 700 pound on shore tank then as you sell off the on shore pull from the lake and have them tested. Or is your 700 pounds on shore all in one tank? Either way it's a struggle to keep a steady flow going.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Nov 30, 2006, 07:57 AM
The $1600 fee came from the dec site in one of the vhs pages.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Bartel Rd. Bait & Tackle on Nov 30, 2006, 08:10 AM
jmiser the answer is no the federal ban prohibit's interstate transport of bait into or out of the 8 state's without the clean bill of health
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: iceisnice on Nov 30, 2006, 05:52 PM
Can you store wild caught in the lake and transfer and test as needed. Load up the lake cages and your 700 pound on shore tank then as you sell off the on shore pull from the lake and have them tested. Or is your 700 pounds on shore all in one tank? Either way it's a struggle to keep a steady flow going.
The 700 pounds would now have to be removed from the body of water and held on shore for the load.
If we left bait in a body of water we would have to have each removal tested.  Thats gets to be very expensive and would not pay.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: rondog on Nov 30, 2006, 06:09 PM
I did not say $1600 to test the bait!!  I said between $600 and $1000 per load depending on the approved lab that does the testing.
I can also get bait from legal waters.  The problem is, in order to do that, the bait must be removed, and  held in tanks away from the water it was taken.  Quarinteened until it has been tested.
I can only hold about 700 pounds at a time. I used to hold my wild bait in cages in the waters I trapped in.  At that time I could hold a few thousand pounds.  It takes between 1 and 2 weeks for the test to come back and that is a long time to hold bait without some loss.  This loss also adds to the push in price.
As of now we are selling certified bait and the supply chain is okay.  We will all have to watch as the season moves on to see how it holds up.
I do not know exactly where this $1600 thing came from but please lets let it go.
Ice
I said that you would have bait.I didn't say the $1600 fee information came from you but thats what I understood it to be.I apoligaze for any misunderstanding

Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: jimo on Nov 30, 2006, 06:26 PM
  I went fishing yesterday in the upper Niagara on Grand Island , where I live. I made 1 dip and got about 6 # of emeralds. The whole marina where I fish was solid. As far out as I could cast was solid minnows. If there are baitfish dying from this virius you could'nt prove it by me.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: ice boy19 on Nov 30, 2006, 08:11 PM
jimo the vhs virus might not have reached niagra yet i dont no how long it takes but i dont think it is there now  ??? idk anyone else have any other info???
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Chucker on Nov 30, 2006, 08:30 PM
Where the virus is now is a moot point.  The key is to heed the advisory, so it isn't transported anyplace new.  Just because you may not see visual indications of the virus doesn't mean the body of water or your intended bait are "clean".
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Nov 30, 2006, 09:13 PM
jimo the vhs virus might not have reached niagra yet i dont no how long it takes but i dont think it is there now  ??? idk anyone else have any other info???

It has been stated by a state official that VHS reached lake st.clair.  Now that's scary. Bilge water is the suspected culprit.

I don't know how long it takes for a fish or minnow to die from this.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: howey1176 on Dec 01, 2006, 07:16 AM
Isn't it funny that the state has found a way to capitalize on this "disaster".

Must be revenue was low.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Bartel Rd. Bait & Tackle on Dec 01, 2006, 10:11 AM
jimo I mean no disrespect but dude what are you doing?
this is not a joke and just because they aren't floating dosn't mean they don't have it
otherwise there would be no sense in haveing the bait wholesaler's send them out for testing because they
would already be dead.

man the niagra conect's ontario and erie and both are confirmed positive for vhs so logic state's yeah it's in the niagara so please if you still have these emerald's put them back.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: BAZOOKAJOE on Dec 01, 2006, 10:56 AM
This virus sounds pretty serious and the state is not trying to capitalize on anything.  They are working hard to make sure this stuff doesn't get spread around this winter and the attitudes expressed above are exactly what we DON'T need if we are to do our part as sportsman and help out.  The state can't do it alone by merely passing some regulation it needs our help if this is to be stopped.  Just because you don't SEE any dead minnows doesn't mean a thing and revenue has nothing to do with this.  Our fisheries are at stake here so please stop the cynicism.  Big dead muskies and walleyes are no laughing matter >:(   

I'm sure you wish it only effected white perch, bass and gobies.   ;D
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: dwayne on Dec 01, 2006, 11:21 AM
This virus sounds pretty serious and the state is not trying to capitalize on anything.  They are working hard to make sure this stuff doesn't get spread around this winter and the attitudes expressed above are exactly what we DON'T need if we are to do our part as sportsman and help out.  The state can't do it alone by merely passing some regulation it needs our help if this is to be stopped.  Just because you don't SEE any dead minnows doesn't mean a thing and revenue has nothing to do with this.  Our fisheries are at stake here so please stop the cynicism.  Big dead muskies and walleyes are no laughing matter >:(   

Well put John...Really the worse case scenario for us fisherman is for this stuff to spread and destroy our fisheries.  You think you have something to bixch about now, wait till you see thousands of dead fish washing up on shore and realizing you lost your fishery for at least 10 years or so.

So really how does a temporary minnow ban affect you other than the fact the tip-ups stay home this season.  I'd much rather deal with that than a dead fishery.  

Many are saying this will destroy the small bait shops.  Well, if they sell bad bait they will be destroyed next year anyways when we all have no where to fish.  It is a much bigger problem than not being able to run 5 tip-up.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Bartel Rd. Bait & Tackle on Dec 01, 2006, 11:25 AM
don't have to leave the tip up's home there will be plenty of arkansas still available my wholesaler is waiting on his first bill of health so we can take a shipment next week
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: dwayne on Dec 01, 2006, 11:43 AM
Oh god no, who would even think of leaving their tipups at home ::)   Perish the thought that you could actually catch fish "without" tipups ;D 

oh come on....I know you were thinking about using yours this year for a walleye hunt or two.....They don't make you less of a man...    ;D
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: dwayne on Dec 01, 2006, 12:38 PM
I might need your help this winter to show me how to spool up my tipups ;D  I only have three and need two more to get the full spread so I can yell FLAG too :tipup:  Of course I like to yell flag all the time anyway just to mess with people :tipup: 

I can borrow you a couple of Paige's tip-up's.  That is as long as you don't mind fleece pink flags.....    ;D
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: BAZOOKAJOE on Dec 01, 2006, 01:29 PM
Oh god no, who would even think of leaving their tipups at home ::)   Perish the thought that you could actually catch fish "without" tipups ;D 

But jigging with a vex is real hard too??   :o 
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: rondog on Dec 01, 2006, 03:56 PM
Does anyone know if this is a new virus or if it has hit before? and if it did hit before what was the results and how did it end?
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Bartel Rd. Bait & Tackle on Dec 01, 2006, 04:11 PM
this is new in the usa it originated in germany I do believe
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Dec 01, 2006, 05:38 PM
I found this:

Geographical Distribution
Viral hemorrhagic septicemia is enzootic in most countries of continental Eastern and Western Europe, and the virus has been isolated in the Puget Sound area of Washington in the United States. No outbreaks of VHS or isolations of VHS virus have been reported elsewhere.

Of course this is old data.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: iceisnice on Dec 01, 2006, 06:02 PM
Well 2 things happened today.
I had a wholesaler tell me that the Vermont DEC has now said that  Lake Champlain was added to the list of infected waters.  If this is in fact true it would be a terrible thing.  He said it should be verified during the next 2 weeks.
Then FISH307 was the 1st bait shop in NYS to be checked for papers that state the bait in the tanks was certified disease free.  Thank God I had the correct documentation.
There have been wholesalers checked but I believe we were the first retailer.
It Has Officially Begun!!!
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: coldbum on Dec 01, 2006, 06:06 PM
Wow... I am sure this is going to go on for a very long time!

iceisnice, thanks for the update.

How long do you anticipate your supply lasting at the store?
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: iceisnice on Dec 01, 2006, 07:33 PM
The supply chain seems good now.  As the season moves on and the demand increases we can only hopes it can keep up.  The good news is so far there has been no price increases.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: iceenut on Dec 01, 2006, 07:59 PM
Thanks for the update,much appreciated :).
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: howey1176 on Dec 02, 2006, 09:47 AM
This virus sounds pretty serious and the state is not trying to capitalize on anything.  They are working hard to make sure this stuff doesn't get spread around this winter and the attitudes expressed above are exactly what we DON'T need if we are to do our part as sportsman and help out.  The state can't do it alone by merely passing some regulation it needs our help if this is to be stopped.  Just because you don't SEE any dead minnows doesn't mean a thing and revenue has nothing to do with this.  Our fisheries are at stake here so please stop the cynicism.  Big dead muskies and walleyes are no laughing matter >:(   

It's ridiculous to think that this "measure" is going to stop transmission to other bodies of water. All it will do is slow it down, very little. Everything is, in some way, connected.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: ice boy19 on Dec 02, 2006, 10:52 AM
Maybe, but I commend the NYS DEC for taking quick action and at least trying! If they're that concerned about it we should be too because it's OUR fish that will be affected :tipup: 
well said slipbob  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: fishingking on Dec 02, 2006, 11:03 AM
Vex ???  wait til I get my new LX-5 ;D 

oh so now your gonna get one hahaha
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: coldbum on Dec 02, 2006, 08:00 PM
Can anyone spell out this bait law restriction, does it prevent me from keeping bait? I have like to keep 10-15 dozen assorted morsels on hand in the basement tank.

Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: iceisnice on Dec 03, 2006, 06:53 AM
Can anyone spell out this bait law restriction, does it prevent me from keeping bait? I have like to keep 10-15 dozen assorted morsels on hand in the basement tank.

The law says that an angler can catch and possess up to 100 bait fish and use then only in the waters in which they came from.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: coldbum on Dec 03, 2006, 07:33 AM
I would however be able to purchase as much "certified" bait as I want and use it anywhere I want?
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Dec 03, 2006, 07:37 AM
What about certified bait ? I would think after paying the extra bucks at the baitshops because of this AND they are free of any disease, a person can use them where they want.

* edit - same time question.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Icecycle Eddie on Dec 03, 2006, 08:13 AM
I was just wonderin who knows if this viris hasen't been around for
many years and now somone tests the minnows and finds it now.
It sounds a little like a new way for the states to make more revenue
This could have been around for years and hasent hurt the fishing yet
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: coldbum on Dec 03, 2006, 08:20 AM
What is the history of VHS?

From NYSDEC website, http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/vhsv.html (http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/vhsv.html)

"VHS was first discovered in the mid 20th Century in Europe where it was originally a significant and costly disease of cultured rainbow trout. Since its initial discovery in Europe, four strains of the VHS virus have been identified, including both freshwater and marine strains. In 1988, VHS was reported in spawning salmon in the Pacific Northwest and was determined to be a new strain of the virus (Type IV) that appears to be a North American strain. It is widespread in the Pacific herring and Pacific cod populations in the Pacific Northwest and has also been found in Atlantic herring and Greenland halibut in the Atlantic Ocean."

One could easily think that the "Man" is just trying to make a buck on this one, however I think they are just trying anything they can think of to protect all of our water before it is to late!
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Dec 03, 2006, 01:39 PM
I was just wonderin who knows if this viris hasen't been around for
many years and now somone tests the minnows and finds it now.
It sounds a little like a new way for the states to make more revenue
This could have been around for years and hasent hurt the fishing yet

This isn't the case. Last summer, thousands of fish washed up on the eastern shore of lake ontario.They tested positive with the disease. My best friend has a camp there and whitnessed it.







Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: taxi1 on Dec 03, 2006, 03:03 PM
But keep in mind that those so called massive fish kills were at most 10 percent of the fish population in the area. It looks massive but you have to put it into prespective of how many fish actually exist in the area of the fish kill.  A maxium fish kill of 10 percent tells me although we should be concerned not all is gloom and doom, as it doesn't kill everything in site like some kind of plague. Very, very rarely do pathogens kill all of their hosts, some recover and some develop an immunity, or may already have a natural immunity.

It's actually possible we could just be putting off the inevitable by keeping it out of water ways as once the fish are exposed, some will die but then things will go on as normal.

If I had 150 trout in one of my trout ponds, and lost 15, and then things went back to normal I wouldn't be that concerned. In fact mortalites like this are not that unsual on fish farms. And how many of you knew that up to 50 percent of an age class of fish disappear every year naturally? It's entirely possible this may be overblown but of course it's better safe than sorry.

I think this think is a realtively newcomer or mutation of VHS based on how it effected the gobies. If the virus comes from the same area that the gobies are native to, they should be resistent to it. From what I understand gobies have suffered the highest mortalities.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: iceisnice on Dec 04, 2006, 10:56 AM
I would however be able to purchase as much "certified" bait as I want and use it anywhere I want?

Yes, that is correct, as I understand it.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Bartel Rd. Bait & Tackle on Dec 04, 2006, 03:38 PM
the emergency contigency from nys say's that personal possesion of baitfish is limited to 100
and it say's nothing about certified or not just 100 per person at a time. so be careful with that one
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Hunter on Dec 04, 2006, 04:54 PM
The following link on the NYS DEC website cleared a few things up for me.  It explains things so the  average person can understand them.  Just thought I'd pass it along.

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/fhregs.html
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: coldbum on Dec 04, 2006, 05:07 PM
Thanks for the link Hunter!

This is the line that gets me in the gut!

"The personal (non-commercial) possession limit of bait fish is 100 regardless of whether those fish were personally harvested or purchased at a bait and tackle store."
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: taxi1 on Dec 04, 2006, 06:36 PM
Thanks for the link Hunter!

This is the line that gets me in the gut!

"The personal (non-commercial) possession limit of bait fish is 100 regardless of whether those fish were personally harvested or purchased at a bait and tackle store."

I think that's to prevent bootlegging don't you think?
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Dec 04, 2006, 08:37 PM
# 6 of :  http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/fhregs.html#commercial  (http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/fhregs.html#commercial) was my brainchild. I spoke to the dec guy today and confirmed my specific inquiry about this subject. This was also brought up in previous posts, and the opposite answer was given.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: taxi1 on Dec 04, 2006, 09:05 PM
# 6 of :  http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/fhregs.html#commercial  (http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/fhregs.html#commercial) was my brainchild. I spoke to the dec guy today and confirmed my specific inquiry about this subject. This was also brought up in previous posts, and the opposite answer was given.

Great Idea Bob. Makes it easy to understand the regs.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: jflood on Dec 05, 2006, 08:45 PM
I gotta tell yeah I'm not sure which end is up. This whole topic is making me dizzy.  I have a few quick questions:

As a just an everday  ordinary ice fisherman am I going to need a receipt that indicates I have certified bait?

Will it be possible for any bait shop in NYS to deal emerald shiners(assuming they are certified healthy)
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Bartel Rd. Bait & Tackle on Dec 05, 2006, 10:10 PM
yes it will I spoke to my wholesaler yesterday in length he sent out his first batch of bait to a lab last week and expect's the result's within 10-12 day's he took extraordinary measure's to make sure we will have buckeye's
he has stopped netting in any ban state and located a bait farm out west that will grow and supply him
he also stated he's working hard to not make the price go up.  He has spent a bunch on the certification process
so the bottom line is Gander mtn syracuse will have buckeye's and plenty of them just remember the personal possession rule say's no more than 100 per person so 8 dozen a day is it
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: taxi1 on Dec 05, 2006, 10:44 PM
What's a buckeye in this case?  ???
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: Bartel Rd. Bait & Tackle on Dec 05, 2006, 11:29 PM
lol sorry taxadermist buckeye is a northeastern term for emerald's
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: taxi1 on Dec 06, 2006, 08:35 AM
lol sorry taxadermist buckeye is a northeastern term for emerald's

I kind of figured that but thought I'd ask. Aren't they called ice sickles too?
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: esox slayer on Dec 06, 2006, 08:44 AM
I know the bait dealer I buy mine from is already advertising on his website that he has the certified bait....Esox
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: akdg on Dec 06, 2006, 10:14 AM
Just stopped by and visited my bait guy and he just got in an order of certified bait yesterday, said he didn't see much a a problem for this winter.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Dec 06, 2006, 10:36 AM
And the million dollar question is " what's the new price ? "   

Seeing there is a 100 minnow limit per person, lets not get into any more than $$ per 100 or less. 
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: KingFisher1 on Dec 06, 2006, 02:58 PM
does the "100 minnows in your possession" mean only when you are fishing, or is that the limit you can buy at one time also?
   I don't live close to a bait store, so I usually buy several dips at once and keep them in a tank in my basement.
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: pembroke on Dec 06, 2006, 04:18 PM
What next? Will they have us tattoo a bar code on each fish so they can scan it!!!!!
Larry Ditzel
Pembroke Bait
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: crayfishbob on Dec 06, 2006, 08:37 PM
does the "100 minnows in your possession" mean only when you are fishing, or is that the limit you can buy at one time also?
   I don't live close to a bait store, so I usually buy several dips at once and keep them in a tank in my basement.
"in your possesion " means just that. Wether is on your person, at home, wherever you might keep them.

So much for giving out a good count. I'll be afraid of getting someone in trouble ! 
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: KingFisher1 on Dec 06, 2006, 09:04 PM
I guess I'd better stock up on grubs then
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: coldbum on Dec 07, 2006, 06:18 AM
Any of you bait shop brethren out there know if smelt will be "certified?"
There are a few lakes with limited smelt populations that I fish pretty heavy for trout.
It is legal to use them in the lakes, but very daunting looking for them to catch or not present at all (ie. Sacandaga).

Just one more thing to think about as the days grow colder and the lakes start locking up?

Got batteries for your cameras NY? Its almost time to defend our state title :)

Go team NY
Title: Re: minnow alert even now
Post by: saranacjoe on Dec 07, 2006, 06:23 PM
Got rechargeables  ;D ;D