Did You Know This Popular Bait Isn’t Actually Native To Minnesota?

What is your go-to bait for fishing? Fatheads? Shiners? Leeches? Nightcrawlers? It probably depends on what you are trying to catch, right? With the opener being this weekend, you might be surprised to know that one bait you could be using isn't actually native to Minnesota. Any guesses as to what that is?

Dispose Of Unused/Unwanted Bait Properly

Before I tell you what possible bait you are using this weekend isn't actually native to Minnesota, now is probably a good time to remind you that once you are off the water and are done fishing this weekend, dispose of your bait properly.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has some hard and fast rules about bait. According to the MN DNR website, you should properly dispose of unwanted bait in Minnesota "by placing it in the trash, as it is illegal to release bait into a water body or move water between lakes. Unwanted minnows, leeches, and worms should be put in the trash or compost, while bait water must be drained or replaced with tap water before leaving a boat access."

What 'Bait' Isn't Native To Minnesota?

If your answer was Earthworms, you are correct. Believe it or not, earthworms are considered an invasive species in Minnesota!

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources posted about it earlier this week, and I've got to be honest, I had no idea.

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So how did the earthworms make it to Minnesota? According to the post from the MN DNR, "Earthworms were likely introduced to Minnesota during European settlement via soil, plants, and ballast from boats."

How Are Earthworms Harmful?

The Minnesota DNR went on to explain that, too, saying, "Earthworms can damage our ecosystems by eating the duff layer (the slowly decomposing fallen leaves on the ground of hardwood forests). The duff layer provides habitat for animals and wildflowers and prevents soil erosion."

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