Beware

[whopperstopper]

Is it illegal to use small bluegill for bait under tip-ups on public waters?  I know the best way to catch a 5+ pound bass in this area is to go to a farm pond or smaller lake that has little fishing pressure and catch a few bluegills in the 2-4 inch range. Hook the bluegill right in the top of the back. Cast it out there with a LARGE bobber about two feet above it. Before you know it, the real giants will suck that bobber strait down. The bass in the northern part of the state feed primarily on bluegill. This is a trick that pays off time after time. Anyone else ever tried this?

[Fergie2u]

yes i believe it is legal to do this IF you catch the bluegill in a legal way.

[Swedish__Pimple]

Personally,I try to stay away from bluegills that are only 2"-4",secondally,I'm not much on Bass fishing,but I have seen it done.................. .........with success............

[Yogi]

I am pretty sure it is legal.  I do it from time to time.  I have had a lot of luck catching big pike in the 35 to 40 inch class doing that.  My 41 inch pike from clear lake last year came from about a 4 inch bluegill under a tip-up.  I am about 95 percent sure it is legal.  I have been wrong before though!  Yogi

[finfan]

It is legal and works great for LM Bass in ponds and channel cats as well......

[Bigbass101]

Indiana Regs:

You may use wild fish as live bait as long as the fish was caught legally and meets any size, catch, or possession limits established for that species. Goldfish may be used as live bait. Carp and gizzard shad cannot be used as live bait, except at Brookville Lake where live shad may be used.