CHOOSING THE FISH 



Many factors must be considered 

 in choosino; a bait species to be 

 raised. Several species should be 

 reared if the dealer expects a sus- 

 tained income from his operations. 

 If properly selected, they will pro- 

 vide suitable sizes through most of 

 the year. As a general rule, a be- 

 ginner should raise only one species 

 in each pond. 



The following characteristics 

 should be considered in selecting a 

 bait species for propagation : 



a. The fish should be reasonably 

 tolerant to seining, handling, and 

 transporting. 



b. The fish should have a rapid rate of 

 growth. Even then, some species must 

 be held more than one winter in northern 

 latitudes. 



c. The adults must be large enough to 

 be suitable bait for the predominant game 

 fish of the region. 



d. The species should have an extended 

 spawning season. 



e. The fish should be prolific. 



f. The fish should not be excessively 

 cannibalistic. 



g. The fish should be resistant to the 

 more virulent fish diseases. 



h. Those species lacking spines and 

 hard parts are most suitable. 



i. The minnow should be one that 

 thrives under cultivation. 



j. The fish should be suited to the ponds 

 available. 



k. Holding qualities are of the utmost 

 importance. 



1. Species that are hardy on the hook 

 sell the best. 



None of the bait species will meet 

 all of these conditions, but all the 

 points should be considered when 

 choosing a species of fish to raise. 

 Often popular demand will dictate 

 the kinds that can be sold. Among 

 the most popular bait fishes for 

 propagation are the sucker, golden 

 shiner, creek chub, fathead minnow, 

 and goldfish ; and specific informa- 

 tion relative to their production is 

 given in the section on Some Impor- 

 tant Bait Fishes, pp. 68-102. 



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