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weavil larvae, and similar worms are very attractive 

 to minnows and form a substantial food; but all must 

 be raised for the purpose. As this takes quite a bit 

 of time and space, most bait dealers do not use these 

 organisms. 



EGG-BOUND FISH 



When men of the Wisconsin Fish Management Division 

 were conducting the feeding experiment with brassy 

 minnows, they noticed that there was an increased 

 mortality during May and June. Post-mortem examination 

 revealed that the majority were gravid, egg-bound 

 females. The fact that they were ready to lay eggs but 

 could not because of the cold water was interpreted as 

 the cause of their deaths. This may account for part 

 of the heavy loss of minnows in cold-water holding tanks 

 during the warm summer months. 



Adherence to the suggestions in this section will 

 keep minnowlosses to a minimum. The reduction ofthese 

 losses will not only conserve minnows but will increase 

 the profit to the bait dealer. 



Source of materials and equipment 



The man starting a new bait business is always 

 confronted with the problem of obtaining necessary 

 supplies and equipment. No fancy items are needed for 

 the hatching, rearing, and transporting of minnows, but 

 the bait dealer should obtain the best equipment 

 available. Because of the great variation in prices 

 and availability of equipment, no list of supplies can 

 be included in the bulletin. Those interested in such 

 information should write to the conservation department 

 of the State where the business will be located. 



EARTHWORMS, CRAYFISH, AND CRICKETS 



The bait dealer often has call for earthworms, soft 

 crayfish, and crickets. These baits cannot be easily 

 obtained in large enough quantities to supply the trade, 

 but all can be raised in large quantities in a rela- 

 tively short time. 



Earthworms 



Earthworms can be raised in basements, under heavy 

 shade of trees, or in other cool places. Bait-size 



