Bulk Minnows

[Polarised]

Has anyone ever bought minnows in bulk before and had them shipped to your house?
I realize that the cost would differ depending on where you live, but I'd like to get an idea as to what it cost you to do so.

Thanks

[9huskies]

Maine law forbids importation of baitfish from out of state.  If you want to buy bait in bulk you will need to find someone with a Maine bait wholesaler's license and buy directly from here.  There are several bait wholesalers on the Maine board on this site.  If you post something there you will probably get a few PMs.  For those ice fishermen in other states,  check your local rules. 

[jopes]

Wyoming is the same way.  you cannot bring in live baitfish from another state.

[Blaine]

Check your local bait shops... We buy ours by the pound from the wholesaler and will sell them to customers that way when they want a bunch. 

[BaitWrangler]

Wyoming is the same way.  you cannot bring in live baitfish from another state.

How do you think they get them to the state in the first place? (Assuming there are no bait hatcheries in your state.)

I'd imagine having a license to keep baitfish would rid you of the responsibility of following most of the bait rules. FYI, a license to keep bait here in RI is only $20 and they hardly discriminate on who they give them out to. (All they care about is having the $20 in their pocket.)

BR

[9huskies]

Most of the bait fish that is sold around Maine is not raised in a hatchery.  It is wild hatched and trapped.

[Blaine]

FYI, a license to keep bait here in RI is only $20 and they hardly discriminate on who they give them out to. (All they care about is having the $20 in their pocket.)

You got it good... In CT, I use 3 separate permits. One for the bait dealers license, one for fresh water bait and one for salt. Each one of them costs $100.    Oh, and I have to fill out 2 different log books for the bait I sell to the shop.

[BaitWrangler]

Jeeze Blaine that stinks!!!

I'm not sure about salt water bait but the fresh water one is anything over 999 bait fish or to sell them you need the $20 permit.  I thought it was pretty small as well!  I guess they hit everyone pretty hard on taxes.