Corn, which is probably best known for its use as bait for trout, is effective on a variety of fish species found throughout California, including stocked trout, panfish, bass, catfish, and carp. However, it is probably best known for its use as bait for trout.
And corn can be a really great bait to use in many circumstances. The problem is though, it’s not permitted in all 50 states.
But is it legal to fish with corn in the state of California? Let’s take a look and see.
Related: Fishing With Corn: Do Fish Really Like It?
Can You Use Corn As Bait In California?
In California it perfectly legal to fish with corn in areas where bait is permitted. While California permits the use of corn as bait, it is not always legal to attract fish by chumming with corn.
Taking a closer look at the regulations in the state of California we can see that it is legal in California to use corn as bait for any species of fish and in any type of inland water wherever bait is allowed to be used. According to CCR Title 14, section 4.00, “Legally acquired and possessed invertebrates, mollusks, crustaceans, amphibians (except salamanders), fish eggs and treated and processed foods may be used for bait.”
However, you need to be sure to do your own research to find out the restrictions of using corn in any body of water in the state of California before you head out on your next fishing trip.
Why Do Fish Like Corn?
Fish Like The Color of Corn
It’s also possible that the fish are keyed in on that specific color that day, and anything that looks like chartreuse or yellow will help you catch fish. So, absolutely, you can go fishing with corn.
Corn Looks Like Food Pellets
Many stocked fish eat corn kernel-sized pellets before being released into lakes and rivers. Some believe that the stocked fish recognize the round corn kernels as the food pellets that were their main source of nutrition while at the fish hatchery.
Corn Kernels Resemble Fish Eggs
One theory, especially when it comes to using corn as bait for trout, is that the corn kernels look a lot like fish eggs. Many species of fish will feed on fish eggs. So this is one reason that corn can be a good bait to use.