WHERE TO GET NATIVE FISH WITHOUT A HOOK

[USMCtanker]

Does anyone know were i can get fish like, largemouth bass, channel, blue, or flat head catfish, and sturgeon. My buddy is all about native fish to north america. Antone have a clue of a good place to get some besides going fishing

 

[Cyclop3000]

Never saw any in lfs here...no demand i guess.

 

[zipperfish45]

Depending on the season, they are available. You might contact the game warden in your area and tell them that you are stocking your pond, they will probably direct you to a fishery in your area. They usually sell in bulk lots but you might be able to talk them out of a few babys.

 

[Blackwater]

First of all, Channel Cats are easy to find in almost any lfs in the US. They are cheap and you can find them in Blue or Albino, very common, and around $5. The other native fish you seek may be obtained from Jonahsaquarium.com DO NOT ASK A GAME WARDEN to get you some, don't ask any governmental wildlife officer anything about keeping native fish. There are a bunch of laws in the US about this and there are enough pricks out there looking to make your life miserable without giving them reason. Oh, one thing to remember is that Channel Cats can hit 4 feet plus, might wanna look at a Bullhead instead??? Good luck, native fish are cool.

 

[zipperfish45]

sorry about the misinformation... i'm friends with all the game wardens around where i'm from and they allways help me out when i need it. i was just insisting that they could direct you to a local hatchery for stocking ponds. i just bought about 100 largemouth bass fry two summers ago from the hatchery in my area. just my two cents worth i guess

 

[id10t]

And be sure to check out the laws in your area anyway. For Mr. Paranoid above, here in Fl, as long as the fish are taken legally, and are legal for posession, and you have a valid fishing license, you can keep natives no problem.

 

[zipperfish45]

I can get long nose gar babies that are 4-6 inches in the summer months sometimes as well out of a river down south

 

[Gamefishin]

Here's a place that I found for you, they ship pretty fast but you might want to call them and check if they have them in this season.

http://www.aquaculturestore.com/fwverts.html

 

[sandtiger]

The best online sources I can think of have already been mentioned. Beyond that, a hatchery is your best bet. I am sure there is one nearby.

 

[Wicker]

Jonahsaquarium.com is a great place to check out and he is now in California,I have dealt with Mark when he was here in Wooster,Ohio and he is a great guy.He is also a member of the North American Native Fishes Association and has written some articles as well!