You've got it right---catch your gills on rod and reel and they are yours to do with as you please.  As far as transporting, I haven't seen it in the regs, I'm sure it upsets some biologists, but if its from pretty much the same drainage, then there shouldn't be a problem.  You want to see disease and yuck,,,check out some of those bait dealers tanks.

Huh I'm a fly fisherman never thought I came off that way :? ? I'm pretty sure I know the site you are talkin about also. Just because some people act one way, doesn't mean everybody that enjoy's fly fishing is the same. Sorry you feel that way.

WV Reg's aren't very clear on alot of issues, and I'd say the only way to find out for sure is to contact your local CO. Not saying that what he or she say's won't change with the next CO you talk to? That's a big problem in WV, and sometimes I think they like it that way?

I do know what your talkin about believe me, and I've been into it on that board more times than I can count. Just hope your opinion of all fly fishermen isn't shaped from that site. I know I'm not like that, heck I consider myself just an ol' country boy and a decent enough feller. I just happen to like fly fishing along with many other types as well. Heck I just love fishin!

You see the same arguement with almost all the fishermen who just fish for one type of fish. You see it from bass,crappie, striper, muskie and a host of other type of fishermen. I have friends that can't understand what I see in catfishing most all the time with the exception of a muskie tournment I fish once a year in Hayward, Wis but they are still my friends so we overlook are difference's and sometimes I go with them and do their kind of fishing. I have the equipment to do any kind of fishing which I do sometimes and I think when someone belittles another about one type of fishing over another its just that person who doesn't know any better and not everyone who likes to fish that way. Everyone is entitled to do whatever they enjoy doing and I think anyone that belittles or makes fun of someone because they're different is the one lacking in the brains department not the entire group of people.

Here is the DNR reply to bait question: Legally caught or purchased bluegill and other gamefish may be used as bait in West Virginia. The fish must be taken legally by hook and line. For example, you cannot use an eight-inch bass taken from a special regulation area that is catch-and-release, or has a minimum size limit of 12 inches. Also, you may have in your possession no more than a total of 100 aquatic animals (fish, salamanders) unless you have obtained them from a licensed fish sales vendor and you have a bill of sale. This information is in the fishing regulations brochure on page 7.

 

You can transport as bait provided there is no prohibition on live bait on the water.  State law prohibits release of unused bait into public waters.

 

 

Bret Preston

WV DNR Wildlife Resources Section

1900 Kanawha Blvd., E.

Bldg. 3

Charleston, WV 25305

(304) 558-2771

There are several WV small impoundments that does not allow the use of live minnows....Plum Orchard Lake here in Fayette County is one of them...but I don't think that alot of people pay attention to the regulations I have seen several people use minnows there crappie fishing  :( ...some people live by the law of the jungle not the law of the land.