Sometimes I think I should have named this blog, “Ruminations of a Five-Year-Old.” Some of the more interesting questions I answer come from my son. His latest query was, “Daddy, can I use goldfish as bait?” I told him, “No, fishing with goldfish is illegal because they’re an invasive species.” I had no idea if that was true, of course, but threatened incarceration is my usual off-ramp to these conversations, and it worked this time too.
As it turns out, I was mostly right. It is illegal to fish with goldfish in a majority of states, including my own and most of the ones near me. This has nothing to do with sentimentality and everything to do with environmental protection. Goldfish are an invasive species and a particularly nasty one at that. They are prolific breeders and can quickly out compete native fish for resources.
Why Use Goldfish as Bait?
As mentioned above there are a number of states that allow you to fish with goldfish. The better question is why would you want to in the first place? There are far better ways to catch fish. Don’t worry – a bit further down I’ll do my best to convince you not to, but in the interest of being fair and balanced, let’s at least explore why someone, somewhere, has tried this.
They’re “Shiny”
As most parents know all too well, in the movie Moana, Jermaine Clement’s crab, Tamatoa sings:
Fish are dumb, dumb, dumb
They chase anything that glitters (beginners!)
The crab was on to something. Fish do tend to be pretty stupid, and are known for biting things that are shiny. Goldfish fit that bill.
People Think They’re Inexpensive and Easy to Find
People use goldfish as bait because they think they’re cheap. My local pet store sells them for about 31 cents each. Cheap bait is relative, though. Worms are free if you have a shovel and some rain. Further,
With that said, you can find goldfish in any pet shop that sells fish and they’ll have absolutely no qualms about selling them to you to feed to other animals (the inexpensive ones are called “feeder goldfish” for a reason).
They’re Durable
I’m going to have to take the internet’s word for this one, but people claim that goldfish are more durable bait than minnows. It makes sense to me as these fish are often a kid’s first pet and hold their own for some time, but I have no first hand experience with this and don’t plan to obtain any.
Reasons Not to Use Goldfish as Bait
Regardless of what your local legislature thinks or says, there are several reasons that using goldfish as fishing bait is a bad idea. While I don’t intend to preach (it’s hardly my business what you decide locally), it is true that the mere fact that your local government is OK with something doesn’t make it a good idea.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s get into some specifics about why you shouldn’t use release goldfish or use them as fishing bait.
It Is Illegal to Use Goldfish as Bait in Many States
For many of us, this is the only reason that we need. As I stated above, it is illegal to use goldfish as bait in a majority of states. I hesitate to tell you precisely which ones for a few reasons. First, laws change much more quickly than this obscure blog post will. Secondly, I am not a lawyer and therefore am unqualified to interpret laws for you.
What I would suggest you do is assume that fishing with goldfish is illegal until a state representative such as a game warden informs you otherwise. You can check your local Department of Environmental Protection (or whatever your state calls it) for more details. Some states, such as Indiana, seem to have this information readily available while others don’t.
Goldfish Are An Invasive Species
Goldfish are native to Asia, so unless you’re reading this blog from there, they’re an invasive species. Any time a foreign species is introduced to an ecosystem, you run the risk of considerable trouble.
Goldfish Can Out Compete Native Species
A prime reason why it is illegal to fish with goldfish in many states is that they can ruin fisheries. Goldfish are an invasive species that can out compete native species and eventually edge them out of an environment. This can have cascading effects, as everything in that pond naturally is there for a reason.
You might wonder how a tiny little fish like this could be any threat to other species. Consider a few things. First, goldfish are prolific breeders who can lay 25 eggs at a time. Each one of these fish can go on to to live anywhere from 7 to 30 years (source). That’s a lot of goldfish swimming around to compete with native species.
Also consider that your tiny little pet isn’t going to stay small for long in the wild. Goldfish over several pounds have routinely been plucked from lakes and ponds where they were released (source).
Goldfish can Cross Breed with Native Species
You might be thinking that it’s no big deal to use goldfish as bait if they all die, but if even one gets away, you could have trouble. There is evidence that goldfish are able to crossbreed with common carp and that the offspring may be able to have young of their own (source). In time, this could reduce the genetic viability of the native species.
Goldfish Introduce Disease, Bacteria, and Parasites
Goldfish are disgusting critters when you think about it. One of the reasons they’re so popular as pets is they’re one of the few fish that can handle sub-optimal conditions in their water tank. Diseases that they shrug off can devastate other creatures if this invasive species are introduced to a water body. Goldfish can introduce a number of bacteria, parasites, and diseases such as koi herpesvirus. Some of these can infect native fish and amphibians (source).
You Name the Darned Things!
Let’s level with each other here: if you use a goldfish as fishing bait and your kid starts talking about it, someone in his kindergarten is getting traumatized. There’s a reason farm kids don’t name the chickens! Fishing with goldfish is no different. They’re a pet to some and should remain that way.
There is Better Fishing Bait Than Goldfish
If i can’t appeal to your sense of stewardship, are you at least a pragmatist? If so, consider that a goldfish is unlikely to prove a better offering than any other bait fish. You’re probably much better off buying or collecting native minnows, worms, or even just using fishing lures. Heck, you can find a fishing lure that looks just like a goldfish if you really want to.
The bottom line is there are simply better options out there, so why run all the risks discussed above when you don’t have to? Buy some worms and call it a day!
Conclusion: Even If Fishing with Goldfish Isn’t Illegal, You Still Shouldn’t Use Them as Bait
I hope this article helped dissuade you from this idea. While goldfish can be used in some states, and probably work just fine, there’s just too much that can go wrong. You can inadvertently ruin your waterways or some kids’ birthday for no true gain. There’s far better bait out there that is legal and as effective, so why go rogue? Leave the goldfish at home, and do your bit to preserve our planet.
Please note that the art in this blog (including the cover photo) was used with permission from the artist, Violet Davenport. If you are interested in viewing more of her amazing work, or wish to reach out to buy a piece, please contact her at her facebook page.
Thanks,
John Paxton