Bait shops receive educational supplies including: a poster, brochures, and bait bucket stickers.
Bait shops play an important role in stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species. As opinion leaders and trusted sources of information on local waterbodies, live bait dealers have the unique opportunity to educate customers on how to preserve Wisconsin’s abundant fisheries. That’s why Shawano County bait shops have teamed up with Connecting Our Waters, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, UW-Extension Lakes to disseminate educational materials to customers who purchase bait.
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are non-native plants, animals, and diseases that threaten Wisconsin’s waterways. They harm native species and the value of the state’s bodies of water and sport fishing and tourism industries. Decreased revenue from tourism and fishing can directly affect local businesses.
Local bait shops have agreed to feature AIS educational materials in their stores and answer customer questions about aquatic invasive species. Anglers are urged to never release live bait into local waterways. The alternative is to take your bait home to use again, but only if water has not been added to the container. In addition to being illegal in Wisconsin, moving water from one lake to another could transport small invaders or disease. Many local bait shops have been spreading AIS knowledge for years. Connecting Our Waters is giving them more supplies to help carry on their messages. The local businesses that have joined the fight against invasive species include: Hacker Bait & Tackle in Shawano, Butch’s Archery in Clintonville, Kuhn’s Bait & Tackle Palace in Shawano, and Lakeview Quick Mart in Cecil.
If you are a bait shop owner or employee and would like to join this effort, contact Anna Bartsch at anna@fwwa.org. Anna is the Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator for Shawano and Menominee Counties.
