Anglers may release their unused live bait at the end of a day of fishing. While this may seem like the humane thing to do, it actually is a dangerous practice that could have significant consequences. The bait you are using or the material that the bait is packed in may not be native to the area you are fishing. By releasing unused live bait, you may be spreading invasive species such as invasive crayfish or the Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia virus.
If you’re an angler, you can help prevent the spread of invasive species by not releasing live bait.
For more information, see the following Web sites: