Bluegill as bait?

[boondock]

I have heard several different stories, I'm sure someone on here can set the record straight.

- It is illegal.

- Its legal as long as the bluegill were caught in the same body of water.

- There are no restrictions on bluegill.

[crappiepappy]

None of those "stories" are correct

According to the 2010-2011 Fishing/Boating Guide :

Bluegill are NOT a "sportfish" .... and may be taken/used as bait "minnows". "Minnows" are described as all fish, except sportfish & endangered species, that are less than 6 inches long. You may possess up to 500 "minnows".

With those parameters .... any Bluegill less than 6" long may be used as "bait".

But ... what it implies, though it doesn't say it outright ... is that Bluegill longer than 6" are NOT considered as "minnows", and therefore would not be legal as use for bait. But, that's kind of hazy, in its interpretation .... since Shad are considered as "minnows", too, and therefore may be used as bait --- but, what are they considered as, if they're over 6" long ?? LOL !!
My guess is that Bluegill over 6" long are considered as normal minimum keeper sized eating fish .... and Shad over 6" long are still considered as legal "bait". But, an email to the KDFWR would end any speculation ... and clear up any misconceptions.

... pappy