Posted by PaulT from pool-63.52.233.117.ipls.grid.net on February 26, 2002 at 10:38:02:
I have had many discussions on wheather using bluegills for bait are legal or not. The 2002 fishing regulations clearly states the rules to end any debate. "There is nothing in the Illinois Fish Code which prohibits the use of legally taken bluegill or sunfish as bait for another species of fish. The bluegill/sunfish must have been taken by a properly licensed sport fisherman using legal sportfishing devices. You must also observe all size and creel limits both where the bluegill/sunfish were taken and where they are being used as bait. Also, it is illegal to cut up or dress or be in possession of cut up or dressed fish on any body of water where there is a size limit for that particular species of fish." For example, you can catch bluegill out of Pierce Lake and use them in the Rock but you have to adhere to the rules on Pierce lake which allows 10 bluegill 8" minimun size limit. It would also be illegal to use bluegill from Pierce as cutbait. This rule probably only effects flathead catfish fisherman, but I suppose you could use bluegill for pike as well.