Bait fish: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Fish used as bait to attract predatory fish}} |
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[[Image:Anchovies-monterey.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[Anchovies]] are common baitfish in the ocean.]] |
[[Image:Anchovies-monterey.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[Anchovies]] are common baitfish in the ocean.]] |
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[[file:ワキン20120701.JPG|thumb|300px|right|[[Common goldfish|Feeder Goldfish]] are common baitfish.]] |
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'''Bait fish''' are small fish caught for use as [[Bait (luring substance)|bait]] to attract large [[predatory fish]], particularly [[game fish]]. Species used are typically those that are common and breed rapidly, making them easy to catch and in regular supply. Examples of marine bait fish are [[anchovy|anchovies]], [[halfbeak]]s such as [[ballyhoo]], and [[Atlantic horse mackerel|scad]]. Freshwater bait fish include any [[fish]] of the [[minnow]] or [[carp]] family (Cyprinidae), sucker family ([[Catostomidae]]), top minnows or [[killifish]] family (Cyprinodontidae), [[shad]] family ([[Clupeidae]]), [[sculpin]] of the order [[Osteichthyes]] or sunfish family ([[Centrarchidae]]), excluding [[black bass]]es and [[crappie]]. |
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{{See also|Forage fish}} |
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'''Bait fish''' (or '''baitfish''') are small-sized [[fish]] caught and used by [[angling|angler]]s as [[bait (luring substance)|bait]] to attract larger [[predatory fish]], particularly [[game fish]]. Baitfish species are typically those that are common and breed rapidly, making them easy to catch and in abundant supply. |
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==Overview== |
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| ⚫ | Bait fish can be contrasted with [[forage fish]]. Bait fish is a term used particularly by recreational fishermen, although commercial fisherman also catch fish to bait [[Longline fishing|longlines]] and [[Fishing trap|traps]]. Forage fish is a [[fisheries]] term, and is used in |
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{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2021}} |
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Examples of marine bait fish are [[anchovy|anchovies]], [[gudgeon (fish)|gudgeon]], [[halfbeak]]s such as [[ballyhoo]], and [[Atlantic horse mackerel|scad]]. Some larger fish such as [[menhaden]], [[flying fish]] or [[ladyfish]] may be considered bait fish in some circles, depending on the size of the gamefish being pursued. |
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Freshwater bait fish include [[minnow]]s from the [[carp]] family ([[Cyprinidae]]), sucker family ([[Catostomidae]]), [[topminnow]]s from the [[killifish]] [[suborder]] ([[Cyprinodontoidei]]), [[shad]] family ([[Clupeidae]]), [[sculpin]] of the order [[Scorpaeniformes]] and sunfish family ([[Centrarchidae]]), excluding [[black bass]]es and [[crappie]]s. |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | Bait fish can be contrasted with [[forage fish]]. ''Bait fish'' is a term used particularly by recreational fishermen, although commercial fisherman also catch fish to bait [[Longline fishing|longlines]] and [[Fishing trap|traps]]. ''Forage fish'' is a [[fisheries]] term, and is used in that context. Forage fish are small fish that are preyed on in the wild by larger predators for food. The predators can be other larger fish, [[seabird]]s and [[marine mammal]]s. Bait fish, by contrast, are fish that are caught by humans to use as bait for other fish. The terms also overlap in the sense that most bait fish are also forage fish, and most forage fish can also be used as bait fish. |
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| ⚫ | Bait fish are consumed by larger, aquatic predators. Swimming in ocean water with bait fish can be dangerous, as these fish attract sharks. Bait fish will sometimes use [[whale sharks]] as a shield from their other predators such as [[tuna]], as tuna are usually wary of approaching the |
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Baitfish can be attracted either via scent, or by using light which actually works by attracting zooplankton, a primary food source for many baitfish, which are then drawn to the light. |
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| ⚫ | Bait fish are consumed by larger, aquatic predators. Swimming in ocean water with bait fish can be dangerous, as these fish attract sharks. Bait fish will sometimes use [[whale sharks]] as a shield from their other predators such as [[tuna]], as tuna are usually wary of approaching the sharks. The shark cannot attack the bait fish easily, as they constantly swim above them and are too fast for the shark to manoeuvre its mouth into position. However, the sharks eventually dive deep, where the bait fish cannot follow, and as the other predators finally dare attack the stranded bait fish, the shark comes back to eat numerous bait fish who are already preoccupied with the attacking tuna. |
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==Industry== |
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There is a bait fish industry in North America, supplying mainly recreational fishermen, worth up to one billion dollars each year.<ref>Litvaka MK and Mandrak NE (1993) [http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1577/1548-8446%281993%29018%3C0006%3AEOFBUI%3E2.0.CO%3B2 "Ecology of Freshwater Baitfish Use in Canada and the United States"] ''Fisheries'', '''18''' (12): 6–13. {{doi|10.1577/1548-8446(1993)018}}</ref> For the [[southern United States]] alone Mittelmark ''et al.'' 1993 reports this was $56 million in 1987.<ref name="Meronek-et-al-1997" /> Mittelmark ''et al.'' 1993 provide an economic analysis of the industry in [[Minnesota]] and budget and practice information at the enterprise level.<ref name="Stone-et-al-2016">{{cite journal | last1=Stone | first1=Nathan M. | last2=Kelly | first2=Anita M. | last3=Roy | first3=Luke A. | title=A Fish of Weedy Waters: Golden Shiner Biology and Culture | journal=[[Journal of the World Aquaculture Society]] | publisher=[[World Aquaculture Society]] ([[Wiley publishing|Wiley]]) | volume=47 | issue=2 | year=2016 | issn=0893-8849 | doi=10.1111/jwas.12269 | pages=152–200}}</ref><ref name="Meronek-et-al-1997">{{cite report | last1=Meronek | first1=Thomas G. | first2=Fred A. | last2=Copes | first3=Daniel W. | last3=Coble | title=The Bait Industry in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin | publisher=[[Iowa State University]] + [[USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service]] (CSREES) | date=1997}}</ref> |
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[[Fly fishing|Fly fisherman]] use [[Artificial fly|artificial flies]] resembling different species of bait fish to catch other fish on a [[fly rod]]. |
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==Management and conservation== |
==Management and conservation== |
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Bait fish are often short |
Bait fish are often short-lived and proliferative spawners. This means their populations can [[Population dynamics of fisheries|fluctuate rapidly]], and they can often recover quickly when depleted. [[Fishing rules and regulations|Regulations]] may exist to prevent [[overexploitation]], as in [https://web.archive.org/web/20060925173820/http://www.agfc.state.ar.us/rules_regs/fishing_regs_limits.html#Using Arkansas] and [http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/dfw_baitfish.htm Massachusetts]. Studies by fisheries and conservation agencies monitor the health of bait fish populations, allowing regional governments to set quotas.<ref>Mahmoudi, B & McBride, R: FA review of Florida’s halfbeak bait fishery and halfbeak biology, and a preliminary stock assessment [http://research.myfwc.com/images/articles/17405/bally_2002rff_3251.pdf Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071025220828/http://research.myfwc.com/images/articles/17405/bally_2002rff_3251.pdf |date=2007-10-25 }}: 2002</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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* |
* {{annotated link|Angling}} |
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* {{annotated link|Pilchard}} |
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* [[Fish]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist}} |
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{{forage fish|state=expanded}} |
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{{fishing rod topics}} |
{{fishing rod topics|expanded=none}} |
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{{fisheries and fishing}} |
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{{ |
{{Angling topics}} |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Bait Fish}} |
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[[Category:Fishing equipment]] |
[[Category:Fishing equipment]] |
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[[Category:Fishing techniques and methods]] |
[[Category:Fishing techniques and methods]] |
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[[Category:Ichthyology]] |
[[Category:Ichthyology]] |
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[[ru:Живец]] |
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Latest revision as of 21:13, 1 October 2024
Bait fish (or baitfish) are small-sized fish caught and used by anglers as bait to attract larger predatory fish, particularly game fish. Baitfish species are typically those that are common and breed rapidly, making them easy to catch and in abundant supply.
Overview
[edit] |
Examples of marine bait fish are anchovies, gudgeon, halfbeaks such as ballyhoo, and scad. Some larger fish such as menhaden, flying fish or ladyfish may be considered bait fish in some circles, depending on the size of the gamefish being pursued.
Freshwater bait fish include minnows from the carp family (Cyprinidae), sucker family (Catostomidae), topminnows from the killifish suborder (Cyprinodontoidei), shad family (Clupeidae), sculpin of the order Scorpaeniformes and sunfish family (Centrarchidae), excluding black basses and crappies.
Bait fish can be contrasted with forage fish. Bait fish is a term used particularly by recreational fishermen, although commercial fisherman also catch fish to bait longlines and traps. Forage fish is a fisheries term, and is used in that context. Forage fish are small fish that are preyed on in the wild by larger predators for food. The predators can be other larger fish, seabirds and marine mammals. Bait fish, by contrast, are fish that are caught by humans to use as bait for other fish. The terms also overlap in the sense that most bait fish are also forage fish, and most forage fish can also be used as bait fish.
Baitfish can be attracted either via scent, or by using light which actually works by attracting zooplankton, a primary food source for many baitfish, which are then drawn to the light.
Bait fish can also be contrasted with feeder fish. Feeder fish is a term used particularly in the context of fish aquariums. It refers essentially the same concept, small fish that are eaten by larger fish, but adapted for use in a different context.
Bait fish are consumed by larger, aquatic predators. Swimming in ocean water with bait fish can be dangerous, as these fish attract sharks. Bait fish will sometimes use whale sharks as a shield from their other predators such as tuna, as tuna are usually wary of approaching the sharks. The shark cannot attack the bait fish easily, as they constantly swim above them and are too fast for the shark to manoeuvre its mouth into position. However, the sharks eventually dive deep, where the bait fish cannot follow, and as the other predators finally dare attack the stranded bait fish, the shark comes back to eat numerous bait fish who are already preoccupied with the attacking tuna.
Industry
[edit]There is a bait fish industry in North America, supplying mainly recreational fishermen, worth up to one billion dollars each year.[1] For the southern United States alone Mittelmark et al. 1993 reports this was $56 million in 1987.[2] Mittelmark et al. 1993 provide an economic analysis of the industry in Minnesota and budget and practice information at the enterprise level.[3][2]
Management and conservation
[edit]Bait fish are often short-lived and proliferative spawners. This means their populations can fluctuate rapidly, and they can often recover quickly when depleted. Regulations may exist to prevent overexploitation, as in Arkansas and Massachusetts. Studies by fisheries and conservation agencies monitor the health of bait fish populations, allowing regional governments to set quotas.[4]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Litvaka MK and Mandrak NE (1993) "Ecology of Freshwater Baitfish Use in Canada and the United States" Fisheries, 18 (12): 6–13. doi:10.1577/1548-8446(1993)018
- ^ a b Meronek, Thomas G.; Copes, Fred A.; Coble, Daniel W. (1997). The Bait Industry in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin (Report). Iowa State University + USDA Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES).
- ^ Stone, Nathan M.; Kelly, Anita M.; Roy, Luke A. (2016). "A Fish of Weedy Waters: Golden Shiner Biology and Culture". Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. 47 (2). World Aquaculture Society (Wiley): 152–200. doi:10.1111/jwas.12269. ISSN 0893-8849.
- ^ Mahmoudi, B & McBride, R: FA review of Florida’s halfbeak bait fishery and halfbeak biology, and a preliminary stock assessment Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Archived 2007-10-25 at the Wayback Machine: 2002
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