trout as bait in virginia

[hooked_113]

Does any one know if you can use trout caught by hook and line as bait for fishing? Also the number you my poses and any other regulations?

Thanks

[NewAngler]

Don't know the laws. BUt dont be a dick, don't do it.

Fish a swimbait.

[LHC - Bank Robber]

I'm not 100%, but I'm pretty sure that you cannot use trout that you've caught.  However you can buy trout and use them as long as; you have a bill of sale (which must include date and number of trout)  and don't fish in stocked trout waters.   

[BadBassWV]

BUt dont be a dick, don't do it.

X2

[Micro]

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/regulations/general.asp

[hooked_113]

how would doing this make me a dick

[bigfruits]

dont be a dick. use sunfish. theyre not as cute.

[Taylor Fishin 4 life]

Swimbaits are the way to go

[s13john]

dont be a dick. use sunfish. theyre not as cute.

^

i know that one will get you in trouble with the game warden. go for it's legal, let the live one go for a swim and follow it up with that large peace of plastic you have.

[fourbizz]

I agree. If it was legal here, I absolutely would fish live trout. Any legal means necessary to catch big fish. Dont hobble yourself.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I'm not opposed to using anything legal to catch big fish.

PA shops sell trout to use; you are not allowed to catch your own from stocked/native waters.

Bluegills however....

[Avalonjohn44]

Totally not dickish to use legal live bait. Minnows, trout, shad, whatever.  As long as you're following regulations, go for it. 

[bigfruits]

DBAD - use pinkies (2/0 ewg)

[BASSclary]

Save a fish, Use a swimbait.

[SirSnookalot]

Bait and wait is for weenies

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Bait and wait is for weenies

That is a completely inaccurate statement.

Ask Fish Chris what his opinion is on fishing live bait vs. artificials. 

Perhaps you are the weenie?   :

[Knot Right]

I don't think you are a dick for using them, but I honestly think that swimbaits are more effective in many situations because you can throw it where you want it to go.

Chad

[SirSnookalot]

There is a time and place for everything, sometimes bait is called for but IMO not for bass fishing.  Using artis keeps my interest higher and my game sharper, but if one needs live bait, go4it....but I'd still say "weenie". ;D

[hooked_113]

Wow not many answers and a whole lot of opinions. For those who supplied answers thank you. For the opinions I do appreciated you concern for the preservation of trout and the art of using artificial lures.  Now would I let this detour me from using trout as bait for catching a monster musky no way!!!!!  If it makes anybody happy I did not use live on my trip to the new river and no fish were harmed on this trip. I was not going to use trout for bass.  I had a few sources tell me that trout are the most product way to catch musky in late fall and in the winter just wanted to know the legalities.  Fish and game never got back to me. Also trout do look better than sunfish.  Thanks for the feedback everyone;)

[hooked_113]

Also 35in musky was landed.

[Bigbarge50]

Here is some feedback..... one hell of a nice catch, good work.  Congrats

[Red Bear]

Trout as Bait

Artificially raised rainbow trout may be sold as bait for use in the James and New rivers, and in impoundments (ponds, lakes, reservoirs), except impoundments listed as designated stocked trout waters, Lake Moomaw, and Philpott Reservoir. Persons possessing purchased rainbow trout for bait must have a valid invoice or bill of sale, specifying date of purchase, the number of trout purchased, and name of an individual or business permitted to sell trout.

[hookingem]

IMO live bait is feeding the fish not tricking them.