Why BaitCloud is illegal

BaitCloud can't be used in Minnesota

A product called BaitCloud and similar products marketed under different brand names cannot be used in Minnesota waters.

These products use a combination of scent, sound and visual attractants to draw the attention of fish. Methods of taking fish are defined in Minnesota laws governing angling gear and the use of artificial baits.

Using BaitCloud or similar products would result in anglers potentially taking fish using one or more of these illegal methods:

  • Throwing chum (fish parts, corn, etc.) and other physical attractants into the water. This is considered littering.
  • Using chemicals, drugs, poisons, medicated bait, fish berries or other similar substances.
  • Using attractants such as artificial light, unless the light is expressly part of a lure.
  • Placing any substance in state waters that may injure, impact reproduction or taint the flesh of wild animals. While products claim to be innocuous to fish and the environment, little is known if concentrated or repeated use of various substances placed in the water could be harmful to fish, wild animals or aquatic plants.

Chemical attractants are not an authorized method of taking fish unless used as part of angling lure, such as spraying scent on a lure or using scented baits. Dropping an attractant ball into the water – even if the materials that comprise it seemingly disintegrate, dissolve and cause no obvious harm – is considered a form of chumming or littering.

It is not illegal for Minnesota retailers to sell BaitCloud or similar products or for Minnesota shoppers to purchase and possess them.

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