State Needs a Bait Fix Now!

The bottom of the food chain for Mille Lacs Area Recreation and Tourism is in jeopardy of becoming scarce, according to Bill Lundeen, owner of Lundeen's Tackle Castle, an area bait icon.

Yes, Bait is the issue. Live bait -- as in minnows and leeches.

The bait industry (and subsequently the entire fishing and tourism industries) is in a sort of crisis. The DNR has a policy in place where it won't allow the importation of baitfish into Minnesota - period. This year with the low water levels and heavy snowfalls, there is not and will not be enough bait to supply the industry in Minnesota - period. Last year we struggled to find enough, this year the supply is tighter still AND more anglers are hitting the lakes. If the DNR/State would allow the CERTIFIED importation of baitfish to Minnesota, it would lessen the struggle. We spend HUGE money to get people to fish and vacation in Minnesota - this is in jeopardy today. With the economy where it is, why would the State risk their primary draw to a policy being held on to as a "power card"? We desperately need them to open the border with proper certification NOW.

Area fishermen and women are noticing these shortages popping up around the state. There is something you can do about it. Contact your local state representative or senator and ask them to push for CERTIFIED imported bait. That bait would be safe for Minnesota lakes, rivers and streams and help power our large tourism industry, keeping anglers from all walks of fishing happy and outfitted.