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Hrm, I am eager to hear what went on..
If those silver shiners were tested and disease free, what the heck is the DEC's problem with them then
I own a Tackle shop just over the NY border in Mass. I also used to be a sales rep for the Uncle Josh Bait Company in Wisconsin, do product demos at Bass Pro Shops accross the country, and be Conservation Director for the Massachusetts BASS federation.I know what a pain in the butt all the new regs are about certified bait. I go through it with my customers everyday. But what I Can tell you is this. VHS is the real deal. I have seen lakes down south and in the midwest with 100% fishkill from it. I always hear people say "well my bait isnt dead so it must not have it". What people do not realize is that VHS does not show itself until the fish reaches breeding maturity and the sex organs are developed. VHS is also only one of a handful of diseases that are currently affecting lakes in the northeast. New York is on the forefront of what will soon be a nationwide requirement for bait certification within a few years.I have spoken directly to Major Pajak from the Mass Environmental Police about the circumstances at Michaels. Just FYI to everyone, This is not the first Major Violation at Michaels, in fact it is the third in 10 years. That is why they EP's came down so hard so quick. Without being able to directly comment on an ongoing investigation he also informed me that the Hunts Minnow was not the only thing that they were looking for.I have been informed by Major Pajak that it will be a minimum of 2 to 4 weeks before all is cleared up IF it gets cleared up. If you are a tackle shop, or know the owner of a tackle shop, you may want to try to locate another supplier of bait at least in the short term. Lets face it, as tackle shop owners we rely on ice fishing as a money maker for us, we only have a few weeks left in the season and if you are loyal to michaels or not, you need to cut hay while the sun is shining.I do not want to post more info than is necessary about michaels because I like the people there and they have always been nice even if they are not the best at customer service. Anyone who reads this feel free to contact me with any questions and I can put you directly in touch with Major Pajak if you would like. I have his home and cell numbers so that I can reach him with concerns.
first vhs has only been confirmed in the great lakes basin and surrending waters !!!!